USA > California > Los Angeles County > Los Angeles > Los Angeles from the mountains to the sea : with selected biography of actors and witnesses to the period of growth and achievement, Volume I > Part 25
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In July, 1868, the main building now existing in Chavez Ravine and known as the pest house was built jointly by the city and county, for a smallpox hospital. Smallpox was quite prevalent; many cases occurred among the Indians who were
Vol. 1-19
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employed to pick grapes in the city and vicinity. These In- dians when first attacked with the fever would often plunge into the zanja or river, and then lie around the banks until they were picked up in a critical condition or perhaps dead. The mortality during the epidemic was great. The Sisters of Charity, with self-sacrifice and regardless of their health, rendered most faithful and efficient service during this epi- demic. Vaccination was enforced as thoroughly as possible and the disease was ere long eradicated.
It seems from 1869 that Drs. Pigne, Dupuytren, T. C. Gale, and J. H. McKee served as health officers at different times. Dr. J. H. McKee was elected health officer on June 25, Octo- ber 15, and again December 31, 1874.
In April, 1873, the City Council passed an ordinance creat- ing the board of health, to consist of the mayor, president of the Council and two members of the Council to be appointed by the president of the Council. The salary of the health officer was $50 per month, and he was to be appointed by the board of health, subject to the approval of the City Council.
In 1874 the City Council passed an extensive sanitary ordi- nance providing for free vaccination, reports of births, deaths and contagious diseases, etc., and another resolution regu- lating the prevention of nuisances and providing for the public healtlı, etc., including a section prohibiting the sale of adul- terated milk.
In 1876 the Council passed a resolution fixing the health officer's salary at $75 per month. In 1877 the Council passed an ordinance repealing ordinances of July, 1873 and August, 1874, pertaining to the creation of the board of health and prescribing the duties of the health officer, etc.
In 1877 a report was made to the Council that one Mrs. Dominguez had broken quarantine because of the want of food. The Council authorized the health officer to supply food to families in quarantine for smallpox.
Again, in 1878, the Common Council passed a resolution relating to the health of the City of Los Angeles, to prevent the spread of contagious diseases by providing quarantine regulations for the incoming trains, etc.
On January 2, 1879, Dr. Walter Lindley was elected health
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officer; at that time there was no board of health and the City Council elected the health officer. Dr. Lindley inaugurated the system of free vaccination of children attending the public schools and succeeded in securing the passage of an ordinance prohibiting the handling of swill and garbage through the streets between the hours of 9 A. M. and 5 P. M. He established the system of registering births and deaths, and secured a sewer system for the main streets; he also made an annual report of the transactions of the office. Doctor Lindley's report made November 13, 1879, for the ten months previous to November 1, 1879, shows estimated popu- lation to be 16,000, number of births 223, and number of deaths 175, including still births.
As late as the year 1897 we still find some situations that were no doubt serious enough at the time, but which appear langhable now. Here is one of them:
It was decided to have the meat and milk of the city sys- tematically inspected. During the first eight months, after the decision was put into force, much of the time was con- sumed in settling the question as to who had the right to the appointment of the sanitary inspectors, the Board of Health or the City Council. For three months, pending the decision of the court, we had two sets of inspectors calling at the office every morning, and there was also much trouble in securing the proper control of the street sweeping. During the fall a new inspector was appointed for street sweeping. The meat and milk inspector and a practical butcher was appointed meat inspector, thereby creating two offices.
It is a well-agreed-to fact that history is a thing that can be written only in restrospect. Men and events of our own time are too near to us to be judged. And this is one reason why, in this book, no attempt at detail is made concerning the status of medicine in Los Angeles at the present day.
It is enough to say that in no city of the world can the profession of medicine be found standing on a higher plane than it stands in Los Angeles. Nowhere in the world can physicians and surgeons be found more devoted to their pro- fession, more skilled in its science or more faithful to the trust reposed in them. Not only have we, in the product of
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our own schools at home, medical men of the highest class, but we have also the products of the best schools in other parts of the world who honor and benefit Los Angeles by their presence among us.
Los Angeles has hospitals as splendidly equipped for service as any other city has, and its institutions of this nature keep pace with the best and latest thought of the scientific world.
And it is well that all this is so, for while it is true that owing to favored climatic conditions, there would not ordi- narily be here the same great need of the physician and the surgeon that exists in less kindly climes, we are to remember that all the roads of the earth and the pathways of the seas bear to our doors the sick, whose hope of recovery lies in California.
And even with all this, the death rate here is less perhaps than it is in any other city of equal size. For this happy con- dition we have to thank both the doctors and the climate.
CHAPTER XV RELIGION AND THE CHURCHES
We have seen heretofore in this book that as a community requiring a civic and political government, Los Angeles was created under extraordinary circumstances, namely, "by order of the king." That is to say, Los Angeles was polit- ically foreordained, because of the fact that it was founded and established by the royal edict of the King of Spain.
We are now to see that spiritually and in regard to the care of the souls of the people who came to inhabit the new city and to have their being there, Los Angeles became- though it may be indirectly-the subject again of what might be called Royal authority, for in those times the Pope of Rome ranked with other kings and potentates.
Now, as we have related, Los Angeles at the beginning of its career was looked after spiritually by the padres of San Gabriel and other nearby missions in such measure as the time and abilities of these padres permitted. We learn that in the year 1784, three years after the Pueblo of Los Angeles was founded, and continuing until the year 1812, there was a chapel on Buena Vista Street where a Franciscan friar from San Gabriel held religious services, saying mass every Sunday and on Holy days for the accommodation of the settlers and their families. Then, between the years 1812 and 1815, the present old church still standing on the Plaza was built and placed under the pastorage of Father Blas Raho. But during all this time Los Angeles and all California were merely a part of the spiritual territory of Mexico, and spe- cifically a part of the diocese of Sonora.
But as California continued to grow in population, the Mexican Congress petitioned Rome to separate Lower and Upper California into a separate diocese. In those days in Catholic countries, and in other countries as well, church and
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state went hand in hand. Mexico acknowledged itself to be a Catholic country, subject in all spiritnal matters to the Pope.
In response to the petition of the Mexican Congress, Gregory XVI, then Pope of Rome, issued the famous bull creating the Diocese of California, of which Los Angeles was a part. The doenment is important and of great historical value, and since it gives us the real beginning of church gov- ernment here, we feel it onr duty to set it forth in full. It is as follows :
"GREGORY, BISHOP, SERVANT OF THE SERVANTS OF GOD, FOR A PERPETUAL MEMORIAL.
"1. The Apostolic solicitude which We feel for all the Churches should, as is evident, not only never be weakened or diminished by distances or the remoteness of the faithful, but should for that very reason rather be augmented and inflamed. Since, therefore, access to this Center of Catholic unity is rendered too difficult for the most remote of Our flock and We are not able, on account of the distance and the natural condition of the territory, to refresh them with fre- quent admonitions, counsels, exhortations, and, in fine, by spiritual aids of whatever kind, or to heal their wounds promptly, We do as does an affectionate mother far distant from her children: she assuredly loves them with the more ardor the more she sees herself unable to lavish npon her absent ones all the services of a special love.
"Hence, not only do We daily pray for the most bountiful of celestial blessings to fall upon this part of the flock which We ever have in mind, but We also leave nothing undone which may in any way contribute to the spiritual welfare of the same. While We were assiduously revolving these mat- ters in Our mind, those composing the Government of Mexico in North America humbly supplicated that We by Apostolic Authority separate California from the Diocese of Sonora within the same Mexican boundaries, erect there an episcopal see to be called the See of California, and give it a Bishop of its own.
"Although the beginning of the Diocese of Sonora is not to be sought previous to the year 1779, and itself was formed
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of parts from the Dioceses of Guadalajara and Durango, nevertheless that territory was soon extended so widely that it not only embraces the vast provinces of Sonora, Ostimuri and Sinaloa, but the whole immense California besides. The last named, however, which is said to exceed seven hundred leagues, is divided into Old and New California. The former includes the Peninsula of California which the ancient writers on natural affairs believed to be an island. The latter, how- ever, is joined to Old California by a wild tract of land. Both, at present, constitute one of the Mexican provinces. If the mind considers the great roughness of the roads, the rapid currents of the rivers, which, at times, it is impossible to cross, and moreover the immense mountain chains, which are inhabited by barbarians, it will be apparent that the Bishop of Sonora is by these causes hindered from governing and moderating with necessary effectiveness the flock en- trusted to his care, from visiting his whole diocese, and from devoting himself entirely to the conversion of those whom, for lacking the light of the Gospel, We bitterly mourn as wrapped in the densest darkness of error. This worst of all evils both Old and New California is suffering in a peculiar degree; for although missionaries of the Orders of St. Dom- inic and St. Francis have spiritual charge of these provinces, yet each is situated in the farthest part of the Diocese of Sonora, and therefore not assisted by the presence of a Pastor, who, powerful in word and deed, might edify the people by his speech and example, correct what is depraved, consolidate what is disrupted, strengthen those weak in Faith, and en- lighten the ignorant.
"2. These and other good reasons adduced by the Gov- ernment of Mexico through its embassador to the Apostolic See have been presented to Us with such force that, after having considered every thing with mature deliberation, and having observed the great advantage of it, We most willingly accede to the petitions offered. Therefore, with certain knowledge of the matter, in the plenitude of Apostolic Power, and also from Our own initiative, supplying the consent of Our Venerable Brother Lazaro de Garza, now Bishop of Sonora, and of others who may be concerned, We forever take
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away, detach, sever and separate whole California, namely the Old as well as the New California, together with all and every one of the parishes, churches, convents and monas- teries, and all secular and regular benefices of whatever kind existing there, likewise all persons of both sexes, dwellers and inhabitants, the laity as well as clergy, priests, beneficiaries and the religious of whatever grade, status, order or condition staying there, from the Diocese of Sonora to which they be- longed. Moreover, the City of San Diego in new California, situated in the center of California and regarded as more suitable than other places, We establish and institute as episcopal city with its court and ecclesiastical chancery and all and each of the honors, rights, privileges and prerogatives used and enjoyed by the cities and citizens honored by an episcopal see in the Mexican dominion.
"3. We command that the principal church in the said territory of San Diego be raised and elevated to the honor and dignity of a cathedral church, and therein likewise We command to have erected and established in perpetuity the see and episcopal seat of the one henceforth to be called the Bishop of California, who is to preside over the same church, city and diocese to be designated presently, and over its clergy, to convoke the synod, to have and exercise all and every episcopal right, office and duty, and to have his chapter, seal, archives, and the income to be presently laid down, and all other episcopal insignia, rights, honors, precedence, graces, favors, indults, jurisdiction and prerogatives which the other cathedrals in the Mexican dominion and their Bishops enjoy, provided that they are not granted them by special indult or privilege.
"4. To the California cathedral church, thus erected and to its Bishop, We adjudge and assign as its own diocese hereafter the entire Old and New California, as above cut off and separated from the Diocese of Sonora, to be the dio- cese of the New California bishopric, and this California, thus allotted and assigned, and in it the existing parishes, churches, convents, monasteries, and all other secular and regular benefices of whatever Order, the persons of either sex, the inhabitants, clergy as well as laity, but not those
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exempt, of whatever class. We likewise subject in perpetuity to the jurisdiction, rule, power, and authority of the new Bishop of the California Diocese, and to him We assign and allot them as his city, territory, diocese, clergy and people, likewise in perpetnity.
"5. In order, however, that the future Bishop of Cali- fornia during his lifetime may live in a manner becoming his dignity, and may properly provide for the vicat-general and episcopal court, We ascribe and assign as episcopal income the Fund of the real estate which the Mexican Government in accordance with its promise will set apart.
"6. With regard to the property of the new California cathedral church, We likewise ascribe and adjudge as an in- come for its maintenance in perpetuity the Fund which the same Government promised to surrender. We ordain that as soon as possible there be assigned and given snitable buildings for the habitation of the future Bishop and the dwelling of his episcopal court as near to the cathedral as possible; if they are wanting and must be rented, We decree that arrange- ments be made for defraying such expenses.
"7. As to the forming of a chapter at the cathedral church, and its endowment with similar means from the Fund, as also the construction and endowment of a seminary for ecclesiastical students, the aforesaid Government, as soon as the circumstances of time and places permit, will supply what is usually furnished to other cathedral chapters and ecclesiastical seminaries in the Mexican dominion.
"8. We command that the said California Church thus constituted shall be of right subject to the Metropolitan Archbishop of Mexico, and We direct that it shall enjoy all the faculties, exemptions and rights which belong to other suffragans of the Metropolitan Mexican Church.
"9. We order that the revenne of the same new Diocese of California shall be taxed as customary for thirty-three and one-third florins, and that this tax shall be noted in the books of the Apostolic Treasury and Sacred College.
"10. In order that everything above arranged by Us take effect, We bestow upon Our Venerable brother Emanuel Posada y Carduno, Archbishop of the Metropolitan Mexican
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Church, whom We choose and depute as the executor of these Our Letters, all the necessary and expedient faculties for self, or by means of another person clothed with ecclesiastical dignity to be subdelegated by him, may ordain and decree, and also with the faculty of the same executor or his delegate, definitely, freely and lawfully pronounce upon any obstacle whatever which might perhaps arise in the act of execution. He shall also have the duty of carefully describing in the executive decree the boundaries, especially of New California, and of transmitting to the Apostolic See, within six months after the carrying out of the Apostolic Letters, a copy, drawn up in authentic form, of all decrees he may publish in the execution of these Letters, in order that it may be preserved in the records of the Congregation presiding over Consistorial Affairs.
"11. We will and determine that these Letters, and what- ever they contain, be at no time whatever impugned or called into question, or charged with the defect of subreption, or obreption or nullity, or lack of intention on Our part, or any other even substantial defect, not even for the reason that any persons concerned or claiming to be concerned have not been notified or given a hearing or have not consented to the fore- going; for from the fulness of Apostolic Power We supply, as far as necessary, their consent, and We will that these Letters always and ever exist and be valid and in force, and obtain and have their full and entire effect, and be inviolably observed by all whom they concern.
"12. We thus determine notwithstanding the Regulations about not taking away what is of right demanded, about sup- pressions committed against parties concerned, and other Rules of Our Own or of the Apostolic Chancery, or Apostolic Mandates issued in Synods or Councils, particular or general, or whatever other Ordinances of Our Predecessors, the Ro- man Pontiffs, or whatever else to the contrary.
"13. We determine, moreover, that the copies of these Letters, even the printed ones, signed, however, by a notary public, and provided with the seal of a person clothed with ecclesiastical dignity, shall, on being exhibited or shown, re- ceive absolutely the same credit.
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"14. No one whosoever, therefore, shall be permitted to infringe these Our Letters of dismemberment, segregation, separation, erection, establishing, assignment, allotment, sub- jection, concession, indult, decree, derogation and will, or dare temerariously to contradict. If any one, however, shall pre- sume to attempt this, let him know that he incurs the indigna- tion of God Almighty and of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul.
"Given in Rome at St. Peter's in the year of the Incarna- tion of the Lord 1840, on the 27th day of April, in the tenth Year of Our Pontificate."
The Pope, under the same date, issued another bull, which was addressed to the clergy of the new diocese, the text of which is as follows: "Gregory, Bishop, Servant of the Serv- ants of God, to the Beloved Sons, the Clergy of the Territory and Diocese of the Californias, Health and Apostolic Benedic- tion .- As the Church of the Californias today lacks the con- solation of having a Pastor, We have provided one in the person of Our beloved son Francisco Garcia Diego, professed member of the Order of St. Francis, chosen for said Church, a person who for his merits is acceptable to Us and to Our Venerable Brothers, the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church. With the advice therefore, of the same Cardinals, Our Brothers, and in virtue of Our Apostolic Authority, We name him Bishop and Pastor, and commit to him the care, govern- ment, and administration of the Church in the Californias, both in spiritual and temporal matters, as is more fully con- tained in Our Letters erecting the Diocese. We therefore command by this Our Letter that you cheerfully accept the said Francisco as Father and Pastor of your souls, show him due obedience and reverence, receive with humility his salu- tary admonitions and commands, and endeavor to comply with them sincerely. Otherwise, the sentence which the same Francisco may pronounce against the rebellious, we shall regard as just, and shall see that it is observed inviolably until condign satisfaction is made. Given at St. Peter, Rome, in the year of the Incarnation of the Lord 1840, on the 27th day of April, in the tenth. year of Our Pontificate."
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The new bishop, Garcia Diego, acting under the authority of the above bull of Pope Gregory, arrived in the harbor of San Diego the night of December 10, 1841, on the good ship Rosalind, Capt. Henry John Crouch, with his entourage, promptly announcing his arrival to Governor Alvarado. Two days afterward, the first Bishop of California addressed the following note to the Superior of the Franciscan Friars at Zacatecas :
"San Diego, December 12, 1841. My Son, Brother, and most beloved Father .- Yesterday I reached this insignificant town in good and sound health, thanks be to God! You have me here now at your service.
"I brought with me two priests of our College, and think that one of them will, as soon as possible, proceed to your mission to take your place, in order that you may come to serve me as secretary and confessor. I have already spoken to the Fr. Guardian about this and he has consented. You may notify the Fathers when you come in order that they may address you wherever you may be when they have any business with you.
"The ex-donado, Gomez, arrived with me as sub-deacon. There also came along three other students, of whom two will soon be ordained. Two boys are also in the company. With them I shall start my seminary. I could not obtain more for reasons which I shall tell you when we meet. Do not fail to write to me as often as you can, etc. [Signed] Fr. Fran- cisco, Bishop of the Califormas."
"Insignificant" though San Diego appears to have been at that time, apparently the people that composed its popula- tion had the desire to be good Christians. One hundred and twenty-five of them presented themselves to the new bishop for confirmation in the chapel of the presidio. According to the records of the missions as set forth in the monumental and priceless work "Missions and Missionaries of Cali- fornia," by Fray Zephyrin Engelhardt, of the Orders of Friars Minor, at Santa Barbara, the sponsors at this historic celebration were no less personages than Pio Pico, Francisco Maria Alvarado, Jose Antonio Estudillo and Manuel Verdugo.
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If you are looking for a quartette of great Californian names, there you have it.
Since San Diego is now one of the great cities of the world, its battles fought and its victories won, it will be surely no harm to admit that it really was an "insignificant" town four score years ago. According to Fray Zephyrin, Bishop Diego soon reached the conviction that-and notwith- standing that the town bore the bishop's saint's name-it was "with its fewer than 150 inhabitants, its wretched habita- tions and its lack of resources, unfit to be the center of a vast diocese."
Accordingly, the bishop set forth for Santa Barbara, to take up his Episcopal residence there. He sailed away from the Harbor of the Sun in a ship owned by Don Jose Antonio Aguirre, master and owner of many ships, whose bride was Rosario, a daughter of the Estudillos. News had been sent ahead to Santa Barbara that his lordship was on his way to that famous port. And the news caused great joy there, says Fray Zephyrin.
Robinson, a historian to whom we are indebted for much priceless knowledge of early California, was a witness of the reception of the bishop to Santa Barbara, which he describes as follows :
"The vessel was in sight on the morning of the 11th of January, 1842, but lay becalmed and rolling to the ocean's swell. A boat put off from her side, and approached the landing-place. One of the attendants of his Excellency who came in it, repaired to the Mission, to communicate with the Father Presidente. All was bustle; men, women, and children hastening to the beach, banners flying, drums beating, and soldiers marching. The whole population of the place turned out, to pay homage to this first Bishop of California. At eleven o'clock the vessel anchored. He came on shore, and was welcomed by the kneeling multitude. All received his benediction-all kissed the pontifical ring. The troops, and civic authorities, then escorted him to the house of Don Jose Antonio, where he dined. A carriage had been prepared for his Excellency, which was accompanied by several others, occupied by the Presidente and his friends. The females had
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