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Our Catliolic Heritage in Texas
declared that the appointee was fully qualified, because of his experience and knowledge, to fill this important position, and ordered all the settlers to respect and honor him as such. Subject to the final approval of the viceroy, he was to enjoy all the honors and prerogatives of his office for life. In the same manner and by virtue of the authority conferred upon him by the viceroy, Almazan appointed Juan Curbelo, second councilman; Antonio Santos, third; Salvador Rodriguez, fourth; Manuel de Nis, fifth, and Juan Leal, Jr., sixth. To each of these, he extended an official appoint- ment and sent a copy of all the proceedings to the viceroy for his approval. 59 On the same day, he appointed Vicente Alvarez Travieso, who seems to have shown evidence of leadership from the day he joined the little band of settlers at Cuatitlan, as sheriff ( alguacil mayor), declaring that he pos- sessed the requisites required for the position. He was to receive such remuneration for the execution of the various duties of his office as the justices or alcaldes might assign him. The regidores were merely honorary positions with no salaries attached; but that of alguacil mayor usually carried the benefit of fees. A copy of the appointment was to be sent to the viceroy for his confirmation. 60 The friend of Travieso was appointed to the most important office of secretary and notary public. Captain Almazan declared that Francisco de Arocha, being one of the most prominent settlers and having the qualifi- cations required for this delicate office, had been chosen to fill the position. All documents drawn up by him were to be given full credit, as prescribed by the Laws of the Indies, and he should be compensated for his work in .accord with the established tariff for legal documents. 61 The appointment of J11ayordomo de los Propios (administrator of the public lands) fell to Antonio Rodriguez. He was told to keep a separate book in which he was required to set down the amount or amounts received as rent or the sale of products raised in the public lands set aside for the benefit of the government of the Villa de San Fernando. He should have no authority, however, to spend or distribute any of the money thus received, either in part or as a whole, without the consent of the Cabildo (city council), to which body he was responsible and must make an annual report of all moneys received and spent, for its approval. 61 59Titulos de Regidores, July 20, 1731. A. G. N., Provincias lnternas, Vol. 32, Pt. a. 60Titulo de Alguacil Mayor. In Ibid.
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61Titulo de Escribano de Consejo y ppco. In Ibid. 61Titulo de Mayordomo de los proprios. In Ibid.
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