The argument is an exhaustive, brilliant, and powerful one; though the author's denunciations of the revolutionists and their policy are more bitter and violent than there was any need to make them, their animus being somewhat too clearly traceable to a personal dislike of two or three men. The remedy proposed was suggested at the end in a series of eight resolutions, on which, with some exaggeration, even of the author's estimate of metropolitan powers, was founded the plan of January 3d already noticed. Don Luis issued also another formal protest against the Monterey movement, embodying more briefly his views as expressed in the exposition, and intended to explain the motives which obliged him to leave the territory, for he did not feel at liberty to remain as invited and help the Angelinos to carry into effect his suggestions.[1]
Antonio M. Osio, síndico of Los Angeles, who in later writings claims to have been the chief promoter
- ↑ Castillo Negrete, Protestacion del Juez de Distrito contra el Plan de Monterey 6 de Dic. 1836, MS. This and the preceding communications were received at Los Angeles on Dec. 10th.
tunes, and respect neither God nor men ... Have we not seen them break the compact made on the field of Monterey, imprisoning some, expelling others, and forcing capitulated soldiers into their service?' (This charge had little if any foundation in fact.) He goes on to say that the electors sent to the capital at the time fixed by law to renew the dip. were treated with scorn and not permitted to act. It is true that there was a summons for Nov. 6th, but there is no other evidence that the electors were not allowed, or even attempted to perform their duties. Again, he speaks of 'the blind instruments of Ramirez, Peña, and Hinckley, who would make of Cal. another Texas, and tear the national flag ... Shall we be then like the Texans, victims sacrificed to foreign ambition? God forbid! ... There is no ayunt. of higher rank than that of Los Angeles, since it is a city and by law the capital; therefore it should take the initiative.'
He then suggests the following plan: 1. The ayunt. of Los Angeles to invite the others to form a 'common centre of union' to protect public welfare and avoid the disasters of an impending civil war. 2. The electors already chosen to meet at Los Angeles and elect a new dip. 3. The dip. as soon as formed to have the right to name a gefe político and com. gen. 4. The appointment of those rulers to be, however, provisional and subject to the decision of the sup. govt. 5. The authorities of Los Angeles to write to the 4 diputados of Monterey, begging them in the name of the country to desist from their fatal purpose and favor the new election 'at the capital.' 6. Angel Ramirez, Cosme Peña, and Wm Hinckley to be sent to Mexico for trial. 7. The new dip. to preserve order, etc., and to declare null the oaths taken in support of independence. 8. The ayunt. to consult the people of the city before acting on this proposition.
