Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/547

Rh emanated from the mind as well as pen of the versatile and eloquent Frenchman, Victor Prudon. Alvarado, [Proclama del] Gobernador Interino del Departamento de la Alta California á sus habitantes, 9 de Julio, 1837, MS. Issued at Sta Bárbara. 'Compatriots! Liberty, peace, and union form the trinal intelligence that should rule our destinies. Our arms gave us the first; a wise congress assures to us the second; and upon ourselves depends the last, without which we have neither liberty nor peace. Let us then preserve inviolate that union, sacred ark which holds the custody of our political redemption. War against the tyrant only! Peace among ourselves! The solidity of an edifice consists in the union of its parts; a single stone torn out from an arch causes the columns to totter, bringing ruin to a structure that would mark the age of time did its component materials remain united. Not otherwise disunion brings ruin to the moral edifice of a society. The territory of Alta California is immense; its coasts are bathed by the Pacific Sea, which, placing us in contact with the nations, develops our industries and commerce, fountains of abundance.' (See newspapers of later years!) 'The benignity of our climate, the fertility of our soil, and — I say it in your behalf — the suavity of your customs and excellence of your character are so many privileges with which the Omnipotent has favored us in the distribution of his gifts. What country can count so many advantages as ours? Let us then strive to give it in history a place as distinguished as that which it occupies on the map. The constitutional laws of 1836 guarantee to us our rights, and even extend them beyond our moderate desires. The august chamber of national representatives is ready to consider a bill to be presented by us for our greater welfare and prosperity; our votes may be cast in favor of the citizen whom we deem worthy to occupy the supreme magistracy of the nation — and what more do you wish? The very laws assure us that we are not again to fall a prey to despotism and ambition of a tyrant like D. Mariano Chico. The department of Alta California can henceforth be governed only by a native or a citizen. Yes, friends; the enthusiasm and pleasure which you feel on receiving such news is well founded. I share your pleasure, and I close in order that you may no longer have to restrain your joy. Give it free course, and shout with me — Viva la Nacion! Viva la Constitucion del año de '36! Viva el Congreso que la sancionó! Viva la Libertad! Viva la Union!'

Also in Hayes, Doc., MS., 75; forwarded by Alvarado to ayunt., and received at S. Diego on July 31st. S. Diego, Arch., MS., 183. July 24th, the proclamation had been read at Monterey, causing great enthusiasm. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xxxii. 103. Sent to Sonoma to be sworn July 12th. Id., iv. 280. And it would seem that the people of Sta Cruz went to Monterey on July 17th to take the new oath. Sta Cruz, Arch., MS., 20. The fact that the oath was taken at Stu Bárbara on July 9th is mentioned by Alvarado in a letter of July 12th to Vallejo. Vallejo, Doc., iv. 282. This proclamation was first delivered as a speech by the governor on the occasion of swearing allegiance to the Mexican constitution, an event celebrated at Santa Bárbara on the date named, July 9th, with all possible ceremony and enthusiasm. From this date, barring certain mysterious indications of irregularity in the composition of the diputacion, which, as they excited no comment either in Mexico or among Alvarado's enemies in California, need not greatly trouble either historian or reader, Alvarado may be regarded