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Texas on tlze Eve of tlic Mexican Revol,,tion
In November, 1810, Governor Salcedo, alarmed by the revolution spreading in Mexico, published a long proclamation on good govern- ment. It contained numerous regulations to safeguard the public peace and welfare and to improve conditions in San Antonio. The curfew law of the previous July was to be strictly enforced. After the curfew, persons failing to halt when challenged were to be fired on as suspicious char- acters. Employers were charged with the responsibility of keeping their servants and members of their household at home after curfew. Husbands were to be held accountable for wives out after curfew, as were parents for children. All business places were to close when curfew rang and to remain closed until daylight. First offenders were liable to a fine of ten pesos; and second offenders to confiscation of their place of business. Shouting and shooting in or near the city were strictly prohibited, in order to save wear and tear on nerves. A three-peso fine was to be imposed on persons burning trash, as the smoke was at least obnoxious and might even be used as a signal to Indians. As a fire prevention, all open-air fires were prohibited. Persons who built fires which spread to neighboring property were to be held responsible for the damages. Property owners were ordered to keep their yards clean and free of weeds. Public amusements came in for regulation, too. Dances were henceforth not to be given by private individuals or public concerns without a permit. Upon application, permission would be granted by the city officials pro- vided the dance was held in a "house of good repute." No liquor could be sold or dispensed in or near the place of the dance. Professional gam- bling was declared illegal and the carrying of firearms prohibited under heavy penalties. Crowds were forbidden to gather outside-at doors, windows, and other points of vantage - in order not to block traffic. The proclamation ended with the warning that ignorance of the new regulations would not excuse from the penalty of the law. 29 The rumblings of the revolution became more and more audible. The dissatisfaction of ambitious Creoles, the century-old oppression of the masses, and the pernicious activities of French and American agents were constantly reaching the ears of the Texas officials. Finally in Decem- ber, 1810, Governor Salcedo o.rdered all foreigners in. or recent immi- grants to, the province to register-whether they lived in towns, missions, or on ranches. Married women were exempt, as were those on active duty in the armed forces. But servants were to register. Foreigners living on 29M. de Salcedo to the Citizens, November 18, 1810. Nacogdoclt,s Arcliiv,s, XII, pp. 67-77.
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