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Our Catleolic H eritagc in Texas
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spent 65,000 francs from Propagation funds since he had come to Texas. Out of this sum he had acquired in Austin: the French legation and nine lots; in San Antonio : a house and lot for the Vincentian missionaries in the city, a tract of 13 [12?] acres of land near San Antonio, and 85 acres in the vicinity of Concepcion Mission; in Hous- ton: one lot; in Galveston: two houses and lots, one of which was being used by the Vincentians and the other, as rental property at 1,000 francs a year, a 14-lot block, 300 by 280 feet, and another vacant lot. 11 When Paquin had first come to Galveston as superior of the Vincen- tian house, the matter of property rights had been discussed with Odin. The deceased missionary had informed Timon shortly before his death that the Vicar was inclined to keep the lion's share. When the subject was discussed with the Visitor, Odin showed a disposition to deed to the Congregation whatever portion Timon thought fair. Unwilling to take advantage of his confrere, Timon left the matter for a later de- cision. The Vicar pointed out in the course of the discussion that it might perhaps be best to await the action of the Holy See in regard to the Vicariate. It was evident to both the Visitor and the Vicar that the status of the Vicariate was temporary. A division of property at this time giving the Vincentians the greater part would be open to serious criticism should Odin not be made the Ordinary of the diocese. In the opinion of Odin a good portion of the property purchased with French funds given to the Vincentians for the Texas mission should belong to the future bishopric, regardless of who was appointed its bishop. To this Timon made no objection but carefully avoided making a formal commitment. Timon could not but compliment his former lieutenant on the good judgment he had displayed in acquiring valuable property. "It is an immense advantage to have on hand, well in advance, lots in places where churches and other buildings will have to be erected sooner or later," he declared. "One can obtain for next to nothing now what will cost a prohibitive sum before very long." He was convinced, he said to Sturchi, that with peace almost at hand, the population of Texas would rapidly increase, in consequence of which property values would soar, and the calls upon the Church would become constantly greater. 72 Odin's trip to Europe. Timon returned to New Orleans on January 8, 1845. His consultation with Odin had had the good effect of making 71 /bid., 342-343. 71 Timon to Sturchi, January 12, 1844 [1845], cited by Bayard in op. &it., 342- 345.
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