Daily Los Angeles herald., 1884-08-28

useiui men, tue COMMUNICATIONS he soht
to
THE KING OF SPAIN
And to the superior authorities Of Mexi-
co and the Superiors Of his Convent,
which show the tedious examination he
made of this country, and OF its great
elements and resources, prognosticating
what is now being realized. The history
of his last hours and OF his death written
by his faithful friend and partner, Palon,
Is quaint and touching narrative. Up
TO the day before his death, his indomi-
table will upholding the failing strength
of his dying body, Father Junipero had
read in the church of San Carlos, Mon
terey, the canonical offices Of each day,
a service requiring an hour and half
of time. The evening before his death
he walked alone to the church TO receive
the last sacraments. The church was
crowded to overlooking with Indians and
whites, many crying aloud in uncontrol-
liable grief. Father Junipero kuelt be-
fore the altar with great fervor Of inan-
ner, while Father Palon, with tears roll
ing down his cheeks, read the services
for the dying, gave him absolution and
administered the Holy Viaticum. Then
rose from choked and tremulous voices
the strains OF the grand hymn, ''Tantum
Ergo" A startled thrill ran through the
church as Father Junipero's own voice,
high and strong as ever, joined in the
hymn. One by one the voices Of
his people broke down, stihed
by sobs, until at last the
dying mans voice almost alone finished
| the hymn. After this he gave thanks,
and returning to his cell-like room,
spent the whole of the night in listening
to penitential psalms and litanies, and
giving thanks to God, all the time kneel-
ing or sitting on the ground, supported
by the loving, faithful Palon.
In the morning early he asked for
| plenary indulgence, for which he again
knelt, and confessed again. At noon lie
was visited by the principal persons and
authorities Of the place. He welcomed
them, and after making few remarks,
bid them goodbye. After they took
their leave, he asked Palon to read to
him again the recommendations Of the
soul. At its conclusion he responded
earnestly, in as clear voice as in
health, Thank God am now without
fear" Then with firm step he walked
to the kitchen, saying that he would
like q cup Of broth. As soon as he had
taken the broth he exclaimed, ~ feel
better now. l will rest, and lying down
he closed his eyes, and without another
word or sign Of struggle or pain, ceased
to breathe, entering indeed into rest Of
which his last words had been solemnly
| prophetic.
| Behold here o rapid tribute to the mer-
its and virtues Of that illustrious man
aud venerable patriarch. Let the de.
scendents remember when the town
meets in some place to bless the memory
Of that great apostle, as long as we can.
not place upon his brow the unfadine
wreath to which his deeds make him
worthy, But Father Junipero is moi
dead He still lives immortal in the
Just pages Of history, aud in the memory
Of those who know Of his important ser
vices to California that he SO much low
ed, and for which he performed SO man,
heroic benefits.
What has occurred in this country il
the hundred years past is astonishing Il
absorbed all elements that compris'
modern civilization in its most elevated
scale, considering its geographical situa
ton, its vast elements and resources
which coatain population Of severa
millions of inhabitants, being now in it
infancy. It is easily foreseen that ou
fortunate descendants, protected by til
Divine hand in the hundred years t.
come, will reach the perfect step o
moral and physical intellect, which tn
rapid progress Of the age affords. Hop
ing they may continue paying the deb
which ia due to the man to whom
yield this small tribute, since it seems s
ordained by human events.
A. f. -CoRcNEL.