The Irish standard., 1905-09-09
Their Work Striking Contrast to That Done
by English Colonists in New England
and Virginia.
Father Sierra, Their Leader, Was a Most
Remarkable Man, Who Did Much
For Church and Humanity.

The city OF San Diego dates back TO
the year 1869, when King Charles III.
of Spain ordered an expedition from
Mexico to take possession of what
was then known as Alta, or Upper
California, in his name, says a cor
respondent OF the Chicago Record
Herald. Friar Marcos. Franciscan
monk, came here as early as 1889,
overland across the desert. In 1542 a
Portuguese adventurer in the employ
ment of Spain, named Cabrillo, cruised
along the coast, spent six days here
at anchor in the beautiful harbor, and
christened it in honor OF St. Michael,
upon whose anniversary he arrived.
In 1902 another Portuguese, employed
by Philip III. of Spain, made sur-
vey of the California coast and gave
the names you now see on the maps
to the harbors and other points. He
spent some time in San Diego Bay,
but the Spaniards never actually took
possession OF the country until July 16,
1869, when Jose de Galvez, soldier of
ability and good conscience, landed
near the site Of the present city and
founded what is now called "the old
town." He was accompanied by
Padre Junipero Sierra, Franciscan
monk, and very remarkable man,
who was sent from the monastery at
San Fernando in Mexico City to es-
tablish missions for the conversion of
the Indians. They brought with them
200 head Of cattle, a full supply Of all
kinds OF seeds. grains, vegetable, fruits
and flowers with an abundance of tools
and implements, and thus introduced
the pastoral agricultural and 1ortcul-
tura1 industries which have gained so
much fame and wealth for the people
of California
A temporary altar was erected in the
shade of tree. where Father Sierra
celebrated high mass and blessed the
waters of the Bay of San Diego de
Alcala, as it was christened, while Gal
.vez unfurled the standard of Spain and
formally took possession of the coun-
try in the name of his royal master. A
mission was planted and fort erected,
the ruins of which still stand; two
stately palms planted about that time
still nod in the hazy, may, lazy at
mosphere. while the old bell that called
the Indians to worship still hangs out
side OF the walls of the church.
X
There was a great deal OF trouble
with the Indians at first, but the monks
soon gained their confidence, and they
were converted to the Roman Catho-
lie faith almost en- masse. by the pa
thence and tact and kindly treatment of
the Franciscan friars. The history of
the colonization and civilization of the
California coast, under the direction
OF those brave, ingenious and far
sighted monks is in striking contrast
with what occurred in Virginia and
New England. Father Sierra, after es-
tahlisfing himself at SanDiego, moved
gradually TIP the coast. planting a chain
OF missions one days march. apart, and
teaching the Indians how to farm and
raise fruits and vegetables and make
their labor profitable AS have said,
he was very remarkable man. and I
wonder that he has not been made a
saint. do not know of any mission
AIRY in any part of the eartf-Catholic
or Protestant = who accomplished
more practical good for his fellow
creatures: and his heroism. his useful
ness. his selfsacrifce. his piety. and
his public services for the church and
humanity certainly entitle him to cam
onization. He exercised more in
fluence in his day than any other man
on the Pacific coast
He established not less than fifteen
missions. and caused the Indians of
California to be called Mission In
dams. He introduced irrigation and
was the first farmer in this part OF the
country. He introduced sheep and
cattle. olives and oranges; he not only
converted the savages to the faith OF