Foreign Colonization of Te::ras, I820-I835
I77
nization. It adopted the famous law of January 4, 1813, providing for the distribution of public lands in lots to soldiers who had served their country, as also to landless citizens. It stipulated that the measure was designed to promote the welfare of the realm and help develop agriculture and industry. Half of all public lands was to be held as security for the payment of the public debt, and the remainder, after setting aside the necessary "commons" for future towns and cities, was to be granted to prospective settlers. The decree was shortly after- wards extended to apply to mission lands no longer being cultivated by the Indians. 3 The Regency was more specific in its provisions for the northern frontier of New Spain. An order, issued in February, 1813, made the Viceroy responsible for putting into effect as early as possible a plan for the colonization of Texas. In consultation with the Commandant General of the Interior Provinces and the Bishop of Nuevo Leon, who might be able to offer useful suggestions because of his extensive travels in the province and his personal acquaintance with conditions, and with the aid of all other well-informed persons, the Viceroy was to devise a plan to increase the population, exploit the natural resources, develop commerce, and open means of communication by land or sea between Texas and the other provinces. New settlements were to be located along the coast whenever practicable in order to avoid the expense, discomfort, and dangers of overland travel in a country thinly populated and infested by hostile Indians.' It is to be noted that the Regency's object was to preserve the established "limits" of the province by erecting "an impenetrable barrier against the United States." Another objective of the Regency was· to stamp out contraband trade by building closer ties with the neighboring Spanish provinces, and to check the unauthorized penetration of Spanish territory by foreigners. The Fiscal (legal adviser) of the Royal Coun- cil was so enthusiastic about what he considered the incalculable ad- vantages of the proposed project that he suggested that the money appropriated by the royal treasury for purchasing Indian presents be utilized to secure new settlers. The colonists would, in time, completely obviate by their active trade the need for appeasing the Indians through gifts. 5 3 Coleccit5n de lo.s Decreto.s :Y Ordeus ... Torno Ill, 189-193; Maza, Codigo t/1 Colonizacion :Y Terrenos Baldios de la Repub/ica 11/ericana, I 52-153. 'Copy of order from the Minister of Foreign Relations to the Viceroy, transmitted by Arredondo to the Governor, September 29, 1814, Berar Arclrit•er. Sf bid.
Powered by FlippingBook