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Our Catholic 11eritage in Texas
would impress the spendthrifts by re,·ealing how much those who were careful during the year were able to save. 27 In order to put into effect the various regulations and reorganize the entire line of presidios along the northern frontier in accord with the recommendations of Rubi and the map of La Fora, the New Regulations pro"ided for the appointment by the king of a Coma11da11te Inspector who should be at least a colonel. He was to be responsible only to the ,·iceroy. If in the future a Commandant General of the Interior Provinces should be created, the inspector was to be subordinated to him. While holding this office, he could not be go\'ernor of any province or captain of a presidio. He was to have two assistants, whose rank should be at least that of captain. The Comandante Inspector was assigned a salary of eight thousand pesos a year, while the two assistants ,,..·ere to receive three thousand pesos each. Tlw office of Co11umda11te Inspector. He was to have general supen·ision of all the presidios and to put into effect the new regulations. Under the direction of the viceroy he was to choose the sites of the presidios in accord with the suggestions made by Rubi. Much discretionary power was gh·en to this new officer. 21 Duties of tl1e c/l{{p/ain. He was to administer the sacraments and to take care of the spiritual needs of the officers and soldiers when sick or wounded, performing the same duties for their wi\'eS and children as well as for any settlers who might come to li,·e in the vicinity. He was to guard the morals and to report to the captain any serious irregularities. No charges were to be made for his services. It was his duty to keep a registry of baptisms, marriages, and deaths, and to keep the usual records of a parish priest. If any soldier or officer died intestate and no heirs were found, the estate of the deceased was to be turned o,·er to the chaplain that he might use three-fourths for prayers and one-fourth for charity. He was to accompany the troops whcneYer ordered to do so by the captain.~ 9 Provisions co11ccr11-i11g cl1tmges in Texas. Although El Paso was not at that time within the jurisdiction of the Province of Texas, the changes ordered by the new regulations will be noted here. Agreeable to the recom- mendations of Rubi, the garrison stationed at El Paso was to establish a new presidio in the vicinity of El Carrizal without loss of time. But in
2 1 /bid., 54-62, 23-28. 28 / bid., 54-67. 29 /bid., 70-73.
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