Ottr Catliolic Heritage m T ezas
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trians and caused unnecessary disturbance, scaring women and children. This in a way may be called the first Texas speed law. 24 Many other regulations were adopted during this year. The governor decreed that all women desirous of practicing midwifery must first register with the city council, and pass an examination to obtain a license. This obstetrical law was adopted to reduce infant mortality which was attributed in part to the lack of knowledge and experience of many women who posed as midwives. Those who secured the coveted license by pre- senting evidence of their skill and ability were to indicate their rating on a sign affixed to the door of their homes. 25 An effort was made to secure funds to repair the church and improve the cemetery. In a notice to the citizens in October, 1809, the governor explained that liberal residents had contributed 586 pesos for church repairs that were long needed. Part of this money had already been spent on materials. And those who cared to, could examine the account books at any time in the governor's office. But 300 pesos more were needed for the cemetery. The citizens were asked to contribute in accord- ance with their means. 26 It has erroneously been held that land-fencing was a late development in Texas. Early in 1810, Governor Salcedo issued an order for the fencing of all privately owned lands, whether planted or pasture. It seems that many persons were in the habit of pulling up fence posts to use them for firewood. The new ordinance imposed serious punish- ment on those found guilty of such a crime, and imposed heavy fines on those who failed to fence their property or to denounce fence-post thieves. 27 As early as 1810 a public abattoir was operated under city supervision. The governor ordered all slaughtering to be done by the city abattoir. But individuals wishing to slaughter a beef or a hog for home use cou1d secure permission. 28 UM. de Salcedo to the Citizens, July 25, 1810. Nacogdoches Archives, XII, pp. 60-61. 25 M. de Salcedo to the Citizens, September 27, 1809. Bexar Archives. 26M. de Salcedo to the Citizens, October 4, 1809. Nacogdoches Archives,. XII, pp. 3-4. 27M. de Salcedo to the Citizens, January 12, 1810. Nacogdocl1es Arckives, XII, pp. 24-25. 2 •M. de Salcedo to the Citizens, July 25, 1810. Nacogdoclies Arcliives, XII, pp. 61-63.
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