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Ottr Catlzolic Heritage in Texas
their recommendations, informed Alberola on September 22 m a curt little note of the decision reached. 67 In his third report, Fray Alberola explained to the viceroy that the bases of his plan were love, kindness, and understanding in dealing with the natives. The new establishments were to be formed with Indian and Spanish settlements, in which the Indians would not be set aside and apart from the Europeans. This practice was responsible for the per- sistence of idolatrous practices among the natives of New Mexico after so many years, he asserted. The frequent absence of missionaries and the habit of settlers leaving the settlements at will was the reason for numerous failures in the progress of the missions. In the area which he planned to colonize and convert, neither the missionaries nor the settlers were to be permitted to leave without the permission of the commissioner. Both the settlers and the missionaries were going to have to set an example of industry to the natives by performing their tasks daily. This was essential to the success of any plan designed to train the natives in the customs and habits of civilized men while instructing them in the principles of the Christian faith. He singled out for an example the success of Mission San Jose in San Antonio, and he attributed this in a large measure to the character of the missionary in charge during its later years, Fray Francisco Pedrajo. Through love and understanding, he had succeeded in estab- lishing looms that produced cloth and blankets as good as those of Queretaro, he had built a flour mill, and he had improved the products of the mission farm. More missionaries like Pedrajo were needed, he assured the viceroy. After due consideration, Alberola decided that to put his plan in operation he would need soldiers to protect the new establishments during the first few years. Troops were needed to inspire respect. Father Silva had required them for the establishment of Refugio. The older Indians could not be converted. He recalled an anecdote told him by Father Silva. In talking to Chief Soxas, the missionary had been told that it was a waste of time to attempt to convert old men like him. They were too old to learn the new religion. The missionaries should baptize all the children under fourteen and make them live in the missions. The older ones should receive baptism only when dying. In that way, after 67 Consultas del Fiscal y Asesor, September 16, and 19, 1So1 ; Auto del virrey, September 22, 1801. A.G. I., Pa,Peles de Estado, Mexico, Leg. 10, Nlm,. r 13 (Dunn Transcripts, 1795-1817, pp. 56-60).
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