Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/527

Rh in its folly, he would not use force, but would hold it responsible for results. "The fate of the Californians is in your hands, and it behooves you to reflect carefully on what you will do."

At a meeting of the ayuntamiento, May 1st, the governor's letter and Osio's propositions were read, and a long discussion ensued. No one had anything to say in favor of the new propositions. Four members, Ibarra, Valdés, Herrera, and Alvarado, declared themselves in favor of the resolution of April 22d, involving, as they understood it, a full compliance with the convention of January 26th. The other four, Sepúlveda, Lugo, Pantoja, and Lopez, urged a recognition of the existing government, and full compliance with all its orders and decrees. Next day the discussion was resumed. Sepúlveda made an earnest appeal; Ibarra's party declared itself convinced, and a unanimous vote was secured in favor of the resolution that "the ayuntamiento of the city of Los Angeles recognizes the present system of government, and the orders and decrees emanating therefrom, without prejudice to the laws in force, decreed by the legislation of Mexico." José Castro was present at this meeting, and it is just possible that Alvarado's opponents regarded their votes as the best means for avoiding an involuntary sojourn at Sonoma.

Alvarado now regarded the triumph of his cause as complete, and on May 10th issued a long and grandiloquent manifiesto of congratulation to the people of California. In this document he declared that, in accordance with his promise, he had been indefatigable and successful in making his countrymen free