Our Catkolic Heritage in Texas
officers of the royal treasury agree on the cost of the essential sacred vessels, vestments, and other articles for the divine service. The recom- mendations were approved on June 2 by a Junta Superior. 26 Upon being informed of the action taken by the Junta, Father Silva protested on June 28 that the amount allowed by the fiscal for the estab- lishment of Mission Refugio was inadequate; that the regulations adopted for the missions in California were not applicable to Texas, where con- ditions were very different; and that the older establishments were unable at this time to furnish any aid. He concluded by soliciting more liberal support for the new mission. When the matter was referred to the Tribunal de Cuentas (Tribunal of Accounts), this body sustained the plea o~ Father Silva. It explained that in 1764, when missions were established in Nuevo Santander, the royal treasury had furnished not only everything necessary for religious ceremonies but also the sum of ten thousand pesos for San Agustin de Laredo and similar amounts for others. The Tribunal further stated that in 1758 the royal treasury furnished seven thousand pesos as the initial expense for the new Mission of Rosario at La Bahia, and later supplemented this amount with four thousand one hundred two pesos to complete its establishment. Confronted with these facts, the Junta Superior recommended on August 31, 1792, that Father Silva consult treasury officials respecting the expenditure of the one thousand pesos already allotted, and that he, together with the governor of Texas, determine the additional amount necessary for erecting a church and the other buildings. The figure agreed upon would be paid by the treasurer of San Luis Potosi, after it had been endorsed by the governor of the province. 27 Father Garzds estimate of expenditure. The matter became compli- cated because of slow communications. Furthermore, Father Silva, in Mexico, was able to follow more closely the development of the plans of the viceregal officials, whereas Father Garza, in Texas, w.as closer to the actual field of missionary endeavor. Shortly after the decree of January 4 was received by the governor, Father Garza, ignorant of Father Silva's memorial and its consequences, prepared a detailed esti- mate of the necessary expenses for the projected mission. He computed l'Pedro Nava to the King, November 6, 1794. A. G. I., Audiencia de Guada- lajara, 104-1-1 (Dunn Transcripts, 1794-98, pp. 52-54). 27 Galindo Navarro to Pedro Nava, June 26, 1794; Pedro Nava to the King, November 6, 1794. A.G. I., Audiencia de Guadalajara, 104-1-1 (Dunn Transcripts, 1794-1798, pp. 16-17; 54-56).
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