Establiskment of San Fernando de Bejar, I723-1731
309
First election in Texas. But the crowning event of the settlement of the new municipality of San Fernando was the first election held in Texas to designate the first two alcaldes ordinarios (justices of the peace). On August I, 1731, agreeable to the orders of the viceroy, Captain Juan Antonio Perez de Almazan summoned the six regidores, the alguacil mayor, the escribano de consejo, and the mayordomo de ,propios recently appointed, to appear before him for the first meeting of the cabildo of the Villa de San Fernando. Having all gathered in the home of Captain Almazan, for there was as yet no cabildo building erected, the said officer explained to them that the purpose of the meeting was to elect two alcaldes, as ordered by the viceroy. But this act must be preceded by each one taking the oath of office. Beginning with the first councilman, every member stood up in turn, and made the sign of the cross with the right hand. They all solemnly swore to fulfill the duties of their respective positions faithfully and loyally, without using their authority for selfish aims, and to act always in harmony. After this ceremony, they all sat down and proceeded to the election of the two alcaldes. It was declared that there were no pos- sible candidates for the two offices, outside of those in the Cabildo, but each one of the members expressed his unwillingness to nominate or vote for himself. After some discussion, it was greed, however, to present the names of Juan Leal Goraz and Juan Curbelo for the first alcalde, and Salvador Rodriguez and Manuel de Nis for the second. Having. named the candidates, they proceeded to ballot for the first alcalde and when the votes were counted, Juan Leal Goraz was declared elected first alcalde by a majority of the Cabildo. In the second balloting, Salvador Rodriguez received a majority of the votes for second alcalde and was declared elected. Captain Almazan, who presided at the election, proclaimed the two successful candidates legally elected, and approved the proceedings as having been conducted properly. He thereupon delivered to each of the newly-chosen officers the insignia of th_eir office and authorized them to pro- ceed to the execution of the duties as the alcaldes of the new Villa of San Fernando de Bexar. A copy of the minutes of the meeting, of the official appointments of all the members of the cabildo, and of the returns of the elections of the two alcaldes was ordered sent to the viceroy for his final approval and confirmation and the first meeting of the new municipality adjourned. 63 The viceroy approved the appointments and the elections and on October 24, 1731, ordered ten patents for each and every one of the new officers,
"Auto de Elecciones. In Ibid.
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