blic. But
throughout this period, disturbances and guerrillas scarcely ever
ceased, while the gradual but sure devastation of the missions and the
behavior of the authorities towards the beloved padres heightened the
indignation of all noble-minded citizens and increased the unpopularity
of the governors and authorities, most of whom were so very different to
the Spanish governors, who at all times declared themselves "loyal sons
of mother Church" and of whom no record of the practice of the contrary
exists save a very few minor differences in defining the extent of
military and ecclesiastical power. Good Bishop Garcia Diego, Bishop
of California and worthy Prince of the Church was also a sufferer
on several occasions from the disrespect of the civil authorities of
Mexico, who even tried to prevent his landing in Monterey, the seat
of the diocese then. Let us repeat a few Mexican authorities were
exceptions of this type, but as we have said, these were few indeed, and
slowly Mexican power began to wane. United States, England and France
all stood in line for possession of California as soon as a ripe
opportunity presented itself. This plan was most welcome to the
Spaniards, who contrary to the statements of some prominent historians,
entertained no dislike for any of these nations. Spaniards, like some
others only wished that a happier and better government would supplant
the inactive yet turbulent government of Mexico, who had hurled the
Spanish flag from her position years before and despoiled the missions
of their wealth and glory. Thus United States Consul, Thomas Larkin was
always well received in the homes of the Spanish families and in turn
Mr. Larkin always referred to them in words of praise. Meantime, things
went from bad to worse, a change of government seemed inevitable. We
will soon see how this came about.

The only things for which Mexican rule in California was noted, was the
continuation of the making of large land grants, and an easy, careless
existence without the "hurry and flurry" of today; feasting, making
merry, and great parties in the "rancherias" where there were always
large "spreads;" it was during this period chiefly that the typical
Mexican dishes of tamales, enchiladas, and others which are still
relished in California were introduced in this province. In a word this
was the period of the sweet "manana," where everyone seemed to have time
to enjoy the "dolce far niente" and exercised an op