saying, "the Spaniards' are of greater value to the Province than any
harm which could ever come from their presence, it behooves us to let
them remain," so under the condition that they would not be interfered
with, and that no oath of allegiance to Mexico would be forced from
them, the Spanish families remained, and their presence indeed was of
"greater value" than for which credit has been given them. American,
English and Russian trading ships continued to make their appearance in
Monterey, to these were added French ships. Several mercantile
establishments existed, carried on chiefly by Spaniards and Englishmen,
and gay little social gatherings and dances still went on.

In 1823 Mexico overthrew her empire and established a republic. But
throughout this period, disturbances and guerrillas scarcely ever
ceased, while the gradual but sure devastation of the missions and the
behavior of the authorities towards the beloved padres heightened the
indignation of all noble-minded citizens and increased the unpopularity
of the governors and authorities, most of whom were so very different to
the Spanish governors, who at all times declared themselves "loyal sons
of mother Church" and of whom no record of the practice of the contrary
exists save a very few minor differences in defining the extent of
military and ecclesiastical power. Good Bishop Garcia Diego, Bishop of
California and worthy Prince of the Church was also a sufferer on
several occasions from the disrespect of the civil authorities of
Mexico, who even tried to prevent his landing in Monterey, the seat of
the diocese then. Let us repeat a few Mexican authorities were
exceptions of this type, but as we have said, these were few indeed, and
slowly Mexican power began to wane. United States, England and France
all stood in line for possession of California as soon as a ripe
opportunity presented itself. This plan was most welcome to the
Spaniards, who contrary to the statements of some prominent historians,