decision was soon seen in a clearer light by the people. It was thus
that the grand old flag of Spain was hurled from her state fifty-three
years after she had been hoisted amid the blessing of Junipero Serra,
the salutes of her proud ships and the loyal acclamations of Portola and
her other gallant sons. Now Spanish rule was virtually ended in
California, but we repeat, not dishonorably. Spain's, work was well
done, her chief purpose gained, namely, the exploration and
christianizing of California.

As it took sometime for Mexico to mobilize her troops and settle her
rule in California, the Royal Presidio of Monterey was not immediately
emptied of its officers or of the Spanish families, whose positions
entitled them to a residence there, and who continued to live there
close on to 1824. Thus although the old familiar standard gave place to
Mexico's new red, white and green, the imprint of Spanish rule remained.

Indeed it was several years before Mexico could change the face of
California, and the Spanish element continued to rule social life at
least to a great extent through virtually all the Mexican period. The
Mexican society of the time certainly contained some excellent
exceptions, but as a general rule it was a sad contrast to that of the
preceding period, nor had the ten governors of this era the energy or
standing of the ever remembered Portola, Borica, de Neve, Arrillaga or
Sola. At times, the Mexican authorities treated Spaniards shabbily for
it is important to note that contrary to what many histories state,
Spaniards unanimously refused to take the Constitutional Oath of
Allegiance to Mexico, and withdrew as a consequence from all public
affairs, only inasmuch as their family interests or the good of the
community demanded their intervention. Thus we find no Spaniard as
Governor, General, or the like during this period. But here a curious