San Antonio, Texas - San Antonio De Bexar : a Guide and History (part 2 of 5)

From the end of the seventeenth century, Spanish troops had marched and counter-marched in the valley and across the country, taking promiscuous quarters, as occasion demanded and opportunitj- offered. The French traversed the country in 1714, and somewhat disturbed the sleepy securit}' of the Spanish soldiers, but nothing came of the raid. What a countrj- Texas must have been in those days for rapid campaigning ! Little need for tents or much baggage. Unlimited forage and game made the Quartermaster's oflice, in the olden time, almost a sinecure. Enough Indians to keep the troops on the qui vivc, an occasional lack of water or perhaps an excess from swollen streams, together with a more frequent .scarcit}' of corn, were the chief impediments to the annexations of their Catholic and Cliristian Majesties of Spain and France, - Catholic trul\- in their territorial views.

Tht* first ptnnatietit Barracks, in the til\ , were built on the nortli side of the Military Pla/.a, in 177"!, by Baron (k- Ripix^-rda, and shortly after the secularization of the Alamo, a company of \-olunteers from San Carlos de Parras was (|uartcrcd in the buildint;'.

After a period of nearly forty years of peace, the Mexican revolutions and Texas counter-revolutions jilunged the province into a series of military convulsions between Republicans, Royalists, later Dictatorships and Texan patriots, which culminated in the Fall of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, a settlement of the ([uestion only disturbed by two subsequent raids from across the Rio Grande.

During all these disturbances, the color of the Military Post of San Antonio varied with the fortunes of war, and the soldiers billets were the desecrated Missions and the homes of afflicted citizens. These expeditions are treated at length in other portions of the work, and their termination brings us to the period of annexation in lS45-4(), the occupation of Corpus Christi by Zachary Taylor and his advance into Mexico.

These events led to action, on the part of the United States authorities, with a view to establishing a permanent military post in San Antonio. Col. Harney was on the ground as early as ls45 ; and in 1S4() the City Council (Bryan Callaghan. the elder, being Mayor; C. F. King, jiro temp.) offered the Government one hundred acres at San Pedro Springs for the purpose in question. The location at the Springs was not accepted, and for obvious reasons, the ground being comparatively low and easily commanded ; so on March 2d, l.S4(), the Council appointed a committee to reconsider, and on January 2d, 1847, the records say that the "grant" was "rescinded." In the meantime soldiers remained in the city and, after a temporary sojourn in the Military Plaza, the Alamo was occupied as a Quartermaster's Depot by Major Babbitt, this branch of the service continuing there until 1S7,S, with the exceptions of the period covered by the Civil War and a sul)sequent removal of the troops to Austin, as noted elsewhere.

The United States held possession of this property pending a suit between Bishop Odin and the cit}', to try title, and denuirred to a demand of the latter for rent. The suit was won l)y the Bishop.

In l.s4'.> the Council again proposed a site for barracks on Military Plaza, this Oifjr was rejected on the .score of insufficient room, and besides, the grant was to be hampered with conditions, an element in titles which the United States never entertains. At this time. General Worth, commanding, lived at the James homestead on Commerce street, where he died May 7th, 1.S41), of cholera. He was buried near the Head of the River, his body afterwards being taken to New^ York. He established a camp at the Concepcion Mission and another at the Head of the River whose Springs are officially known as the Worth Springs. The Headquarters w^ere then established on the North side of Main Plaza. After the war the Arsenal was removed from a building near the \'eramendi House, corner Hou.ston and Soledad street, to its present home on South Flores street, which had been preparing for it since IS.ll).

Col. Harney, l.S4r)-(; ; General Worth, to ls4!) - he dying here of cholera ; General Harney ; General Percival Smith, Headquarters at Corpus Christi ; Albert Sydney Johnson, Headquarters, Vance House, San Antonio, to 18o7.

General Twiggs-'^ succeeded, but being unjustly court-martialed on a trivial charge, Robert E. lyCe took command, entering the town February 21st, l-SGO. He had previously been with Jos. E. Johnston, Colonel conunanding at Concho, Lee being Lieutenant Colonel at the time. He remained only a few months, and General Twiggs was again in command at the outbreak of the war; from him and Col. Reeves, the public property was acquired by a committee of citizens consisting of S. A. Maverick, P. N. L"ckett and T. J. Devine. The same gentlemen served to restore what they could at the close of the War in 1865.

General Augur, commanding January, 1872, to March, 1875, troops removed. General Ord, commanding April, 1875, to December, 1880, Headquarters returned to San Antonio November, 1875.

General Augur, (2nd term) commanding January, 1881, to October, 1883. General Mackenzie, commanding November, 1883, to December, 1883. General Stanley, commanding May, 1884, to date.

Lieut. Col. Robt. E. Lee boarded at the Hostelry (kept by Mrs. Phillips, where the St. Leonard now stands). General Twiggs lived near the Mission Garden.

There was some excitement in the city during the transfer of the property, and mustering of Volunteers and some talk of resistance, but everj'thing was arranged without blood-shed. Without reflecting on General Twiggs it is undoubtedly a fact that his sympathies, at least, were with the citizens.

Taking up the history of the Headquarters proper, we find that in 1857 the Headquarters were at the Vance House ; they remained there all through the war, being then under the Stars and Bars. In 1865, the Federal Headquarters were established in the "French Building" until they were removed to Austin in 1869, the troops following in August and September, 1873.

The Headquarters returned to San Antonio in November of 1875, and in 1878 were established in a building erected for the purpose, by the Maverick family, on Houston street (now the Maverick Hotel) ; and during the same month, the Quarterma.ster's Depot on the Hill was completed, the reservation having been acquired as noted in the foregoing article, beginning with the first

*There is an amusing anecdote connected with the court-martialing of General Twiggs which has the advantage of being authentic. He had been ordered by the Secretary of War, to publish an order reflecting upon himself. Discipline prevailed, but to save his amour pi oprc. the General appended a statement of his own, in order, as he says, that " the antidote may go with the poison," the order was thus issued, despite the calmer suggestions of his Adjutant-General, Col. Withers. Twiggs was court-martialed, escaped with a reprimand aud returned to the command of the Department.

In \X~'-> Cieneial Sheridan, W. W. I'.elknap. vSecretary of War, and General Meyers came to San Antonio on l)usiness connected with tlie proper estal>lishnient of the Ileadiinarters of the Department of Texas. Tliere was an effort made to kei.p iheiii in Austin or remove them to eitlier l-'ort Worth or Denison. All these projects fell to the <;round.

(^n Ma\- (>th, \X~'k W. W. Belknap ordered the work on the yuartermaster's l)uildin«; to be conunenced, and the appropriation previonsl}- voted by Congress, in accordance with the acceptance of the land grant from the city, was directed to be applied for. The magnificent Post resulting from this action has been alreadjdescribed.

The Posts of Texas were put in telegraphic communication with each other, ami the Government in 1S7G. Owing to the extension of railway lines and other telegraphic companies, these wires were disposed of to the Erie Telegraph Com- ])any, December (Uh, 1S,S;'>.

In 1SS2, on behalf of the Belgian Government, Professor Housseau established a station on Government Hill for the observation of the Transit of Venus and for the collection of other astronomical data. The Professor came in August, the Transit taking place December '2()th. He succeeded in getting 120 measurements, and Professor Hall, the American observer, obtained 204 photographs.

« The distinguished men who have visited and commanded at the Post of San Antonio, are personages whose lives and doings are part of a larger history than that of this Department. The)' have come and gone, the blue aijd the gray, before and since the war. Theirs has been a record of duty performed, be it grappling with a redskin or charging at Gettysburg. In the mesquite wilderness, with none to note, they bore themselves as men and, even so, under the apple trees at Appomattox with the world looking on.*

Somebody has said that the truly brave man is he that will do in solitude the most daring deed he might conceiv^e before men. Surely this is so, and men of this kidney have made the Department what it is. The}- have guarded our frontier and, aided by a gallant population, have settled the Indian question in Texas. San Antonio, in the past, has seen much of the captured tribes - villains of a most villainou= type - the last to be brought in being the notorious Geronimo and his band. They were en route for location in Florida and were captured b)' Captain Lawton after a long pursuit in the mountains of Arizona.

The present commander of the Department is Brigadier General Stanley, a gentleman who has endeared himself officially and personally to the State at large. His stay has been marked by a constant exchange of friendh- courtesies with the people amongst whom he has come to dwell. His name also brings our record to a close, and we trust it may be long before another follows.

NoTK. - Col. Withers was the .adjutant Oeneral of the Department in iS.")7-S-9-(io, serving on the staff of the following remarkable men : Albert Sydney Johnson, (ieneral Twiggs and that best beloved of men. Robert E I.ee. The .adjutants Oeneral at Headciuarters, after the "War, were Colonels Wood and Taylor and Generals Vincent and Ruggles. At the present time Col. Martin is the incumbent.

* This is no figure of speech. Kitz-hugh I^ee, as a I^ieulcn.int under Van Dorn, was repoi ted niortally wounded in an Indian fight. The parallel, moreover, applies to all.

Roman Catholic. - The strongest body of Christians in the city is that of the pioneer faith. The Roman Catholic Churches are well built and well attended. Of course, the old Missions down the valley are of this Church. Their members are of many languages, as will be seen below. The cit}' is the seat of a Bishopric, of which the Rt. Rev. Bishop Neraz is the present incumbent. The following is a list of Churches :

There is also a Chapel at the Santa Rosa Hospital. This Hospital is one of the most important and beneficent of the fruits of Christianity in the town. The other Catholic institutions are an Orphanage, a College for males, the Ursuline Conventual School for girls, and many parochial schools.

Episcopalian. - San Antonio is the seat of the Missionary Bishopric of Western Texas, Rt. Rev. Bishop Johnston at present presiding over the see. The Churches are :

Presbyterian. - First Presbyterian Church, corner of Houston and North Flores streets ; reached by Belknap cars, San Pedro and Flores Street lines.

The City Hospital. - in the western part of the city. It may be, not inaptly, mentioned here, as an evidence of the ])ractical religion of the city Oo\ernment.

Many other denominations are represented, but this list will suffice for the spiritual needs of the majority of visitors. It should be mentioned, however, that the colored people have many places of worship - Catholic, Methodist and Baptist.

Educational

Schools. - -Education is well cared for in San Antonio. There are many private institutions of great efficiencN', for both sexes, and the denominational establishments have been already noticed.

The Public Schools are the pride of the city. There are twelve school buildings, all excellent, and under Superintendent Smith. There are about seventj'-five teachers of trained ability in charge of a scholastic population largely in excess of that of any other cit}' in the State.

The Central Grammar and High School is situated on Acequia street ; Professor Schoch, Principal. It may be reached by the Belknap cars, San Pedro Ime. There are, besides, eight Ward Schools for whites, and three for the colored people. The colored people having, perhaps, most accommodation in proportion to population, than the whites, were not the latter supplemented bj- the denominational and private effort before referred to.

The German-English School should be mentioned, as being an old established high-class day school, and somewhat of a land mark. It is situated on South Alamo street, and may be reached by the Belknap line of street cars.

The first mention of an American School in Texas is in a document in the Bexar County Records, dated July oth, 1S2S, referring to the " McClure " School. This was under Mexican rule, and was probably an institution started for the benefit of the growing Anglo-Saxon colony. About this time there existed, also, a Spanish Public School, on the east line of the Military Plaza, near the Cathedral. After this, and until LSol), education in San Antonio received little attention. In that year the corporation evidently saw the necessity of a system of Public Education, and the question aroused general interest, for we find that on February 14th, 1839, J. H. Winchell proposed to the City Council to open a public school on the first of March ensuing, and offers to teach all that may enter therein, the English language, together with penmanship and arithmetic, provided the number shall not exceed thirty pupils. All this for the sum of $S0() per annum, payable quarterly or monthly, as the honorable body may think proper.

His system of instruction, the good man goes on to say, has met with general approbation, as heretofore pursued by him, but he admits that it is susceptible of much improvement, which he is willing to effect, providing sufficient emoluments be given him, and begs a committee of three to examine fulljinto the merits of his system and to report thereon.

Again this subject of education comes up on June '2d, 1S44, when P. L. Buquor (a well known old City Official) presented a memorial urging the utility of opening a Public School, and stating that he is willing to undertake to do so if sufficient encouragement be given him by the Council. A committee was thereupon appointed, and it reported substantially as follows on June 29th, 1 844 :

The committee are of opinion that the law for incorporating the city, passed December 14th, 1837, makes it obligatory upon the Council to encourage by every means in their power the opening of a public school, and also to have a Court House and Jail, and the report goes on to recommend a plan to accomplish these things, and also to repair the old Court House, (this is prior to the ' Bat Cave ' ' ) and fit it up in such a manner as to serve for both Court House and School House. Certain lots were to be appropriated to this object, for Section 8 of the Charter set aside certain lots for this purpose and for the endowment of a Public School. This w'as recommended to be done as soon as the lots would fetch a reasonable price. For some reason the land was not ordered to be sold until August 24th, 1849. See Article "The River." Out of the proceeds of this sale and in accordance with the recommendation, the " Bat Cave " was built.

J. N. Devine, in a long address on January loth, 1S49, urged the questions of education, peace, law and order very forcibly upon the people. His action produced the effect of a "Sunday Closing" ordinance, April 5th, 1S49. for the closing of Bar Rooms, Workshops, etc., after 9 o'clock A. M , on Sunday. He also closed the Fandangoes for awhile. We mention these things to show that a spirit of reform was abroad, and from this epoch San Antonio has been ever watchful and generous in the matter of Public Education. Indeed, at this time the tide set in which changed San Antonio from a blood-stained border town to a progressive and prosperous modern city. And to-day there is an inherited tradition of liberality toward Public Schools.

about three miles south of the city in a fine park on the banks of the San Antonio river and are used for an annual fair and other gatherings. The buildings are handsome and spacious and among other attractions is a good race course.

The o-roumls are reached by the Aransas Pass railway with a depot in the adjacent park, and from town direct by the McCrillis electric cars.

The iiresidenl of the association is Mr. A. C. Schryver, whose office is on Conunerce street near the bridge. Tlie s^rounds were established in the fall of ISSS and the military encampment of the state militia was held here in JS'.tO.

Riverside Park. - A beautiful sylvan pleasure .ground, with lovely dri\-es and s^roxes of j^iant pecan trees, whose fruit is the delicious Texas nut of that name.

It is the very place of all others for pic-nics, with the river, the Missions San Jose and Concepcion adjacent, and the Exposition Park and buildings across the fence. There is a fine pavilion in the grounds and arrangements for refreshments. It is reached by the San Antonio & Aransas Pass railway when there is a crowd, and always from town direct In- the McCrillis system of electric cars.

San Pedro Park. - A city park about a mile from the center of the town. Here are the lovely San Pedro Springs with stretches of green-sward and groves of stately live oaks, a southern evergreen that always makes us seem a summering. Pecan trees and shrubbery abound. Refreshments may be had, and there is a collection of birds and animals well worth a visit. It may be reached by Belknap System Cars. This park is a remnant of the former magnificent domain of the city. In olden times it was a favorite resort of the Indians, and another fact of interest connected with the locality is, that the Canary Island settlers dwelt there for a short time previous to their removal to San Fernando. Vide Dr. Cnpples' reminiscences.

Opera House. - Situated on the west side of the Alamo plaza, fronting the garden and almost opposite the Menger hotel. It is a veritable " Bijou " and during the season. Opera and the legitimate, follow each other unceasingly. The building is the home of the San Antonio Club, tasteful in all things. This admirable institution is treated of at length elsewhere.

Casino Hall. - An elegant room attached to the Casino club. The home of a famous German association. This hall is frequently' u.sed for concerts and, nearly always, for the larger select dances and germans that take place during the winter. It has pleasant parlors, is prettily decorated, and located in a retired bend of the river in the heart of the city.

Convention Hall. - A hall erected on Flores and Hou.ston streets for the accommodation of the State Democratic Convention of ISiX). There are other halls in the city, ])ut tlie.se are all that will interest the tourist.

Newspapers. - The San Antonio Daily Express (morning) is the leading journal of the city, as of Western Texas. It is devoted to the interests of its section, and, while democratic in politics, it is blessed with a large share of refreshing independence and the brightest staff of newspaper men in the state.

Its quarters are on Commerce street, and with its new press, stereotyping apparatus and airy offices, the toiit ensemble is a credit to journalism anywhere.

The San Antonio Daily Times (evening; is a sturdy democratic sheet. It claims to be the heir of the vSan Antonio Daily Herald (the earliest Texan daily) and is a pushing paper convinced of the great destiny of its city, and untiring in furthering its progress.

The San Antonio Daily Light, (evening) Republican. ''The only Republican daily of the State," a newsy and ably edited journal. It makes local items a specialty, and is energetic in promulgating its principles according to the Light that is in it.

The Texas Stockman is what its name indicates, and circulates all ov^er the State, being the recognized medium of the enormous stock indu.stry of Western Texas.

Stock Yards - On South Flores street are many lots given up to the Horse and Mule trade. Here may be seen the true and only Cowboy, and with little difficulty in the matter of introductions, the tourist may make the acquaintance of stockmen whose flocks and herds browse upon a thousand hills. Here, too, may be met many a queer border type as may be noted in the accompanying illustrations taken from life.

City Additions. - The suburban Additions to the town are numerous, and enormous sums have been spent in land, Electric Street Railways and Landscape Gardening for their development. The most important are the West End, the Alamo Heights, the Lake View, East End, Beacon Hill, and Southern Heights. It would be invidious to compare them. The visitor will find ample facilities to visit them all.

Artesian Wells. - The finest Artesian Well of the State is the natural one formed by the Springs of the Head of the San Antonio River. This water comes from an enormous depth, being of an even temperature of 70° Fahr. the year round. It affords the purest possible drinking water, and is San Antonio's chief blessing. It is evident that there are several water-bearing strata, all artesian and of considerable volume, in the neighborhood. Mr. Brackenridge is having a well bored which is already 2o()0 feet deep, but artesian water has not yet been struck ; the boring however will continue to the depth of .'')()0() feet.

M San Antonio Dk Hkxar

Tlie Scholz well, on the River l)aiik, flows water slijrhtly brackish, and by a separate pipe the same well sup])lies his establishment with i;as.

At West i'<n(l clear Artesian water was reached at a depth of only ^oO feet in one case, and 2")5) in another. These wells have their overflow into the artificial lake of that snbnrb. In borint; most of these wells, oil and gas were enconntered, but the most notable instance of this is that of Mr. O. Diillnig, near the Salado. It has a flow of oil which is marketed. The a])paratns on tlie gronnd is extensive and altogether this sul)ject is worthy- the attention of visitors with ca]iital to invest.

Real Estate. - There are many reliable and old established Real Estate firms in the city. The stranger should consult only such, and if purchasing, it is well to get an abstract of title; this is easily obtained. -

Amongst all the States, Texas is peculiar in her land matters, and differs in many things, even from her ancient Spanish sisters. The United States owns no public lands within her borders, save such small tracts and parcels as may have been ceded for Military Posts, Cemeteries, or Public Buildings for Federal purposes. The old Spanish vara (33^ inches) is still a legal land measure, though, curiously enough, the Mexicans have long since discarded its use for that of the metre. We speak, too, of a "league," of a " labor," or of a " suerte " of land. The titles to land in Texas are very variously derived and their origin frecjuently curious. We have grants from the Kings of Spain,* grants to colonists and individuals by the Republic of Mexico, and similar concessions by the Republic of Texas. Then there are Headrights, and Locations on Scrip, issued to supply the necessities of the infant State, or to reward veterans. Later we have

* Yoakum, who has done more for Texas History than auy other man has or now can, relates an interesting chapter on I<and Titles in Texas. The following is an interesting excerpt. Vol. II, pp. 2:^1 el seq.:

"The first grants of the Spanish government in Texas of which we have any record, are those of the three Missions of Concepcion, San Juan, and La Espada. The grants for the Missions of Valero and San Jose were doubtless made earlier, and probably .some individual grants, but we know of none now in existence. The three first-named Missions were located in the first instance on the St. Mark; but such was the difficulty of procuring water for irrigation, 'so necessary to the support of the people who were to be indoctrinated,' that on the 2ilth of October, 17'2!l, the viceroy of Mexico, Casa Fuerte. commissioned the Governor of Texas, the ex-guardian of the apostolic college of yucretaro, and the president of the Texan Missions, to make a new settlement or location. After some search, they made their selections of three places - two on the Sau Antonio river, and one on the 'Medina,' below the junction of the two streams. They next proceeded to the neighboring tribes of Indians, to whom 'they spoke, and explained the holy and benevolent purpose of their institution; and three tribes, among others iu the vicinity, viz., the Pacaos. the Pajalatx, and the Pita/acs, agreed to settle the three places selected, and to submit to doctrine.' The commissioners, having completed their labors, made a report to the viceroy, and petitioned him to make the necessary decrees. The viceroy laid the matter before Ribera. former inspector of the /'/-.-.v/<//o.t of New Spain for his opinion. The e.x-inspector reported on the 2'2d of September, 17;50, concurring with the report of the commissioners, except in regard to the location for the lower Mission 'on the Medina river, at thirty leagues' distance from the />r,sr\fios (San Antonio and I^a Hahia), where it may be liable

The viceroy, in conformity with thisopinion, on the 2d of October, 17S0, decreed that the captain of the royal presidio of San Antonio, should issue a decree that the three Missions should be located as recommended using his judgment as to the plan of locating the lower Mission. He further ordered that each Mission .so to be located 'be furnished with three .soldiers for the term of two years, this time being considered necesisarj- for the instruction of the Indians in tillage, and at the expiration of this time one .soldier shall remain in each Mi.s. sion, the other two returning to their corps.'

On the I'lth of December, 17:i0, the captain of the presidio of San Antonio de Bexar, in pursuance of this order of the viceroy, remitted the same to Don Gabriel Costales, captain of the presidio of La Bahia del Espiritu Santo, with orders to execute it, he being delegated as judge for that purpose, in the absence of any public or royal notary. In making a return of his proceedings, Captain Costales says: 'A dispatch was presented to me from the most excellent viceroy, through the captain of the royal presidio of San .\ntonio, which I kissed and the State granting sections to Railway, Canal and Irrigation Companies, and issuing scrip to Confederate veterans. The State has still a vast domain subject to homestead entry, and the University and School land endowments are princely. The State Capitol, at Austin, was built by disposing of 3,000.000 acres of public lands to a Chicago syndicate. Hence, it will be seen that Real Estate in Texas is a large question.

To be seized of a piece of property is an old English law phrase, and means to own it : The following curious ceremony of taking possession smacks strongly of that old-time expression, and seems to lend point to the poor joke of William the Conqueror who, falling to the ground upon stepping from his boat at Hastings, quieted the ill-omened fears of his followers by remarking that he was only taking " seizin' " of the land.

Here is the record : "I took said Simon de Arocha and proceeded with him over the said property, and he pulled weeds and threw rocks and made other necessary demonstrations in actual possession, calling upon the adjoining property holders to show cause why he should not be put in possession." April 21 , 1778.

Other induction ceremonies refer to the grantee as ' ' throwing stones to the four winds of Heaven," " driving stakes " and performing such like ceremonies.

The origiiial City Grant from the King of Spain having been lost in the troublous revolutionary days, the city found it advisable to sue out its title, consequently, on February 26th, 1845, an agreement was entered into with T. J. Devine to prosecute certain trespassers upon the city domain. The consideration the attorney was to receive, was one-eighth of the assessed value of land recovered and SlOO per year in addition thereto for no longer a period than five years. or to receive nothing if he did not prosecute successfully. Then followed the celebrated suit of the City versus Nat Lewis, senior, in which the City sues Nat Lewis and others for certain lands specified to be within the confines of the Original Royal Grant to the people and inhabitants of the town of " San placed on my head, as a message from my king and natural lord, which with blind obedience I obey, and am ready to execute whatever it commands.' I'pon this return, the captain of the presidio of San Antonio, on the 12th of January, 1781, decreed the establishment of the Missions named. All these formalities being attended to, and the acts of each party written down, and attested by assisting witnesses, the captain of San Antonio proceeded on the oth of March, 17H1, to the first Mission-ground, called Our Lady of the Concepcion de Acnfia, accompanied by several of the officers of the presidio, and Father Bergara, and seized the hand of the captain of the tribe, in the name of all the other Indians who had attached themselves to said Mission, and led him about over the locality, and caused him to pull up weeds, throw stones, and perform all theother acts of real possession, that by virtue thereof they might not be dispossessed without being first lieard and defended by I'ather Hergara, president of the Texas Missions, or such other of the clergy as might have administration over them, declaring the bounds of the Mission, there was attached to it pasture-lands, watering-places, irrigating privileges, uses, and services, and the further right, in planting time, to drive their stock out west for pasture, so as not to prejudice the crops. The act of possession concluded by notifying the Indians, through an interpreter, what they should do in advancement of Christian doctrine, and in avoidance of crime.

At the same time, Captain Perez proceeded to put other tribes in possession of the Mission-.grounds of Suit Francisco de la Espada, and Sati Juan, situated below, on the San Antonio river: the same formality being observed m each case. The record of the titles (which, as will be seen, is a simple narrative of the action of each party) was then filed in the archives of San Fernando de Bexar, and a certified copy furnished to each Mission. It will be observed, in the foregoing ab.stract of the transfer, that the title was assumed to be in the kingof Spain, and that the transfer was to the Indians, and not to the priests, who, by their vows, could own no worldly estate.

In regard to the Mission-lands of San Jose de Aguayo, they were claimed by Don Domingo Castelo, one of the king's ensigns, for his services at the presidio of San Saba; but, after a protracted lawsuit between him and the Mission, the title wasvested in the Indians of the Mission, on the l>!th of November, 17()(), by purchase, for one hundred and fiftv dollars."

Fernando" (San Antonio). The Lower Courts first decided and established the boundaries of the Original ( 'i rant to tlie city (John James, Sr. , surveying the same)* and gave judi;nK'nl lor llie citw The Supreme Court affirmed the decision, and upon this rests the title to all lauds situated within the " Town Tract," as it is now called. \'ide : Tex. Rep. \'ol. \"IT. pj). 2.SS, et seq.

* October 'J!*, isji). Tlie Council resolved to ask the I'niled States Minister to Madrid to secure a copy of the Original Orant to the Corporation or town of San Fernando, in the Province of Texas or New

Pubijc Buildings

Public Building's. - The Alamo church, amply treated elsewhere. The Federal Building affording accommodation for the Federal Court and Postoffice (for dates see calendar) was designed by M. E. Bell, of Chicago, who was supervising architect at Washington under President Arthur's administration. The original plan was modified, in the direction of economy, by W. A. Freret, of New Orleans, during President Cleveland's term. Mr. Gordon of this city being appointed architect in charge, again re-arranged the building in its present form. Under his direction, the structure grew to be the beautiful mediaeval dream that it is. Its details are worthy of careful study. The style may be called Richardsonian Romanesque with a touch reminding one of L,ombardy and the South of France. Notice the tower and the bold angle turret - the arcades whose proportions are so cleverly relieved by the flight of approaching step.s - the beautiful mass of the building, and the construction and outline of the tile roof.

The City Hall, a Renaissance Building designed by Mr. O. Kramer, and now nearing completion on Military Plaza. Its location is the best possible one, and the effect of the four white faoades of native lime-stone relieved by pink granite columns, is extremely fine.

County Surveyor'S Records. V.

Beginning at an old stone dam on the Concepcion ditch from the southeast corner of which a pecan 80 in. in diameter bears south 27° west, 1\^ varas, this place being pointed out to me as the presita of the Concepcion ditch, by Rafael Herrera and Manuel Cadena.

Thence north 88° east, 6800 varas to a pecan tree 10 in. in diameter, on the west bank of the Salado creek, marked x from which a pecan 9 in. in diameter bears south 70° west, ';, vara; a pecan 18 in. diameter bears

Thence north .35^4° we.st, 3700 varas to a stake set on the top of a hill from which a mesquite S in. in diameter bears north 28-'.4° west, 42'2 varas, a mesquite 8 in. diameter, bears north 84° west 4]^ varas, this being pointed out to me as the Lomita Devisidera, by Manuel Cadena.

Thence north 25-54° west, 4,700 varas to a mound of rock, shown by Pedro Flores and others as one of the corners of this tract. Thence north 5273° west, 10,000 varas to a pile of rocks round the roots of a live oak tree, now nearly destroyed by fire, from which a live oak 15" diameter bears south 7-5° east, 9 varas, a live oak 9" diameter bears south 16^4° east, 7 varas. This point is between the Almas (sic) and Norillo creeks, and was shown to me by Manuel Cadena as one of the corners of this survey. Thence south 29^2° west, 11,775 varas to a stake set on the east bank of a small creek at a water hole from which a hackberry on west side of the creek bears south 85° west, 50 varas, a mesquite 2 in. diameter, bears south 8()' 2° west, 12' _, varas, this point being shown to me by Domingo Bustillo, Delgado and others as one of the corners of this survey, called the real of San Nicolas, or Tomas Hernandez. Thence south 12,910 varas to a stake set on the east bank of the Leon creek, at the present crossing of the road leading from San Antonio to Jett's rancho, from which a musquite {sic) !(> inches diameter, bears north 9° east, 88 varas, a musquite 8 inches diameter, bears south 04° east, A5 varas. This point shown to me by Manuel de la Garza and Delgado as the pass of the acalitos and one of the corners of this survey. Thence south 28° ea.st, 24tX) varas to a Cottonwood tree 12 in. diameter in the bed of the Leon creek, from which a pecan t) in. diameter bears south .57° east, 5 varas, a pecan (i in. diameter bears south 14!/° west, 8-'4 varas. This point was shown to me by Pedro Flores and others as the L'Aguila, (sic) one of the corners of this sur\'ey. Thence north 87-3 ° east, 12,(!10 varas to a pass on the San Pedro creek, shown to me as the Paso Nogalitos by Pedro Flores and others as one of the corners of this survey. Thence south .88^3° east, 2655 varas to a stone dam, the place of beginning, including within its limits thirty-eight thousand acres of land.

This survey was commenced on the 1st and ended on the 11th day of February, 184(>. Nathaniel Melton and James Cocks, chainmen, who were duly sworn. Bearings marked -^

Then follows John James' sworn certificate of Survey. This survey does not actually close, and was afterwards corrected as to course and distance by Oiraud. The natural marks, however, here described are the basis for establishing the boundaries of the Town Tract.

Banks. - San Antonio is a wealthy city. There are no less than four National and six Private Hanks, all stable institutions. They occupy palatial quarters, liank failures in the city are unknown. The bank rate of interest is from ei.^ht to twelve per cent. There are many mortgage and loan institutions who furnish money on good .security at six per cent. There is, moreover, a Local Insurance Company, the directory of which is made up of our wealthiest citizens.

San Antonio Club. - This institution was founded 1)>- tlie association of a party of gentlemen who obtained a charter dated December 21st, l.SM. It was instituted for "literary purposes, to promote .social intercour.se among its members and to provide them the convenience of a Club House." The following were the original incorporators : Messrs. E. D. L. Wickes, H. B. Andrews, Jas. T. Thornton, C. K. Breneman, Erastus Reed, A. B. Frank, J. B. Lacoste, H. B. Adams, Frank Grice, F. P. Hord, Jas. Callaghan, Thos. J. Devine and H. (xrenet. The club is managed by a committee of thirteen directors elected annually ; their terms expire on the 80th of November of each year. They elect from among their number a president, vice-president, treasurer and secretary and have power to fill vacancies. They also pass upon the admission of members. Their meetings are on the first Tuesday of each month at 8 o'clock p. m. in winter and 8:80 p. m. in summer. The president, or in his absence the vice-president, authorizes the call of special meetings of directors or of the club. The first president was E. D. L,. Wickes, Esq., and he held the office many years. The present president is A. W. Houston. The club installed itself speedil}' after its formation in a suite of rooms (now occupied by the Harmon\- club) at the corner of Alamo Plaza and Alamo street above the old postoffice, but soon set about plans for a more suitable home. Eventually a comprehensive scheme was realized and the present club and opera house was occupied in the winter of 1886-87. The building fronts on Alamo Plaza, it is of brick and is altogether a tasteful structure. Here the club fulfils its ends and during the season dispenses a hospitality that has become proverbial. Its receptions are among the great social functions of the winter, and its attentions to distinguished strangers who deserve well of their fellow-men have been innumerable. Members have the privilege of introducing visitors who are non-residents of the county. The present secretary is W. A. Little, Esq.

Other Clubs. - Are the " Harmony," a coterie of influential Hebrews; "The San Antonio Rifles," inaugarated by a company of volunteers of that name ; The " Casino," an old established Crerman association ; the Turners and various Singing, Literary and Shooting societies.

the corner of Alamo and Commerce streets, u]) stairs, temporarih-. Mr. Rae will be found in charge and everybody is welcome to their Reading Rooms and Crymnasium.

Military Organizations. - San Antonio has seen nuicli of war in earnest and in the peaceful contests of competitive drilling has retained her military laurels. The San Antonio Rifles, under Capt. Badger, and the Belknap Rifles, under Capt. R. Green, achieved a national reputation at Washington, and have won prizes at every inter-state and state drill they have attended. The Maverick

Rifles, a younger company, has also distinguished itself. The armories of these companies are the scene of many pleasant informal hops during the season, and the members are otherwise a great social force in the city. Many dates of interest in the history of these companies will be found in the Calendar at the end.

Friendly Societies. - All these organizations are very adequately represented here. The Masons are contemplating erecting a fine hall. The Odd Fellows are already installed in a magnificent building on Houston street. The Knights of Pythias are extremely strong, and the .society comprises some of our most active business and professional men.

The Ditches Or Acequias

And now comes a pleasant chapter to narrate, pleasant becau.se it deals with that which makes San Antonio the naturally charming place that it is, pleasant because it deals solely with the efforts and arts of peace in a history that is only too full of the strivings of war, bloodshed and contention ; pleasant because it has to do with clear crystal springs rising in volume from unknown, mysterious depths, deep translucent pools and bubbling brooks, a swirling river of pure living waters and the arborous accompaniments of foliage, high canopies of greenery, broad groves, great trunks and tangled vines, and with the plenty of fields of waving corn. Let imagination wander back to the time before the waters were in the least fouled by the contact of civilization, when the first Spanish Missionaries traveling over the drier western plains happed suddenly upon this valley, knowing little of it, and that little only by hearsay, how their hearts must have leaped at the sight of this abundance of pure water, these strong

Several of the smaller cuts in the letter-press are produced here by pennissiou of L. Prang & Co., Boston, and are copyrighted designs from their series of studies.

constant springs, and snootily lands. They niij^ht have had within them a feeling of thankful exultation that their lot was cast for at least a brief space in pleasant paths. In these peaceful glades they nii^ht soon fori;;et the lurking danger and hostility of the warlike natives : and overlooking the valley they might ha\e concluded " X'erily a river went out f)f Ivlen to water the garden ; and here are provided two, that river was divided into four heads, these by the blessing of Ciod and our Lady Marj' on our labors and resources shall be divided into many to water this second Kden." Some such an inspirtion was likely enough the origin of some of the older acequias or irrigation ditches. Or it may have been that the plain practical thought only occurred to them, *' here is provided an abundance of water and fine facilities for irrigation, necessities to the success of our undertakings and Missions. Let us take and have enough and to spare, for nature is lavish ; besides our converts and the people that shall be afterwards drawn here and shall follow us soon, and shall enjoy and supplement our labors, - the.se will need it all by and by." It may be that this is nearer the truth, for that the Fathers were eminently practical and unselfish workers as well as thinkers has been proved by works which testify to this day. In these later days, when the Spanish domination is almost forgotten by the prevailing population, when the representing race of it is regarded simply as one of the attractive curiosities rather than one of the main historic quantities of the place, when the past and present influence of it is only keenly remembered by the lawyers, searchers after land titles and aspirants to local political emoluments (and honors) at election times, we are apt to forget how much we modern San Antonians owe to the right estimate that these men and their generation put upon the value of the water of this valley and their quick appreciation of the facilities for its distribution. San Antonio owes its very existence to this estimate. For that it has been a city always more or less flourishing, it may thank these pioneers. Are we not now also - in our arrogance of the possession or rather enjoyment of an almost perfect modern system of water works, with its miles upon miles of iron pipes that was almost pressed upon the citizens like a dose of wholesome medicine upon a wilful and perverse child - only too prone to despise in our scientific superiority these monuments of a simple wisdom and industry of the past.

If any reader should weary at the length of the.se remarks on the " taking of the water, ' ' (saca de agua) he may skip it ; but it must be written if only to do justice to the founders of our city, not to speak again of the pleasure of the task. Let this be the apology, if one be needed, for an article that may prove wearisome to some by reason of its length ; the editor has found that no such true estimate and understanding of the history, domestic and public, of the aims of these good old religious pioneers, and later their imitators in ditch construction, of " their useful toil their destiny obscure," nor indeed for that matter, the historj' and growth in the last century of the whole community, as by following up the gradual construction, fact of existence, and logic of these old water ways. The reader may judge for himself if it is not so, by following the story of one of these acequias from the discovery of its public necessity to the formation of a company of shareholders among those settlers most nearly interested and concerned, to the obtaining of the permission from His Majesty, the King through his representative the Governor, to the settlement of the neighbors' real or fancied prior water rights, to the election or appointment of the Acecjuiero or Acequiador (the constructor of acequiasj, to the actual construction, and finallj- to that interesting operation of the drawing of lots among the shareholders of the company for the " suertes " of land which the King will grant to them upon the simple conditions of cultivating the lands thus granted, of keeping the channels clear and clean, the locks, water gates, sluices, fences, aqueducts, troughs, etc., of the ditches in proper repair, and one horse, and arms and ammunition in readiness to meet enemies in the protection of the colony. On this line, from how they learned to grasp the natural water advantages of the valley, may be traced the true inwardness of the life and growth of the town in the eighteenth century, say from 1729 to 1793, of its population gradually increased by soldiery, settlers, special immigrants as those from the Canary Islands, camp followers, adventurers and Indian converts.

This is the oldest of all the Acequias. The exact date of its construction is doubtful, but it was begun early in the last century. In evidence in a lawsuit - Rhodes v. Whitehead - this date was given as 1729 (see Calendar of San Antonio, October, 22d, 1858). It is perhaps more probable that it was completed a few years later than this. It was finalh^ abandoned in 1869, thus serving its purpose nearly 140 years. It was abandoned on account of the dam which provided it with water proving too great an obstruction to the river's current and a nuisance to the city during flood times. This dam was built across the river a short distance above the town ford, and above the present dam of the old Lewis Mill, about on a line with Presa street. It was very high - some two or three feet higher than the I^ewis dam. From this high level, through a deep cutting, the Pajalache ditch took its waters, and striking Garden street almost immediately, it followed the direct line of that street to the Concepcion Mission, and thence on to joui the River below, irrigating lands on its way by laterals. At the intersection of Mill and Garden streets, the Alamo Madre ditch, coming from Water street a few years later, met it, and the waters of this ditch were taken across on a substantial arched stone aqueduct, which exists now, only the arches have remained buried since the disuse of the Pajalache. Before or upon the abandonment of the Pajalache, in order that the compromise between the citizens and the holders of water rights might be as peaceably effected as possible, part of the waters of the Alamo Madre were taken at this same intersection into a new ditch down Garden street, to the left of and on a higher level than the Pajalache, but joining the old Pajalache channel below, and so on to Concepcion Mission. This was a small enough ditch in comparison to the old one, but was better than no water at all. The main water of the Alamo Madre still crossed on the aqueduct and continued down Mill street, crossing this street some distance down, turning to the left and on to join the River below.

A miinl)er of laterals issued from these ditches ri^ht and left, as from all the main ditches; hut only those minor laterals that have some historical interest in themselves - sucli as the Alamo Mission ])ranclii;s - will he mentioned.

The Pajalache ditch was made both wide and very deep, as may yet be traced on Oarden street; of sulVicient size - tradition has it - that the Fathers and their Indians kept a boat on it, from which to do tlie work of keepiui^ its bed clean and clear of obstruction. The main object of this old acecpiia was to supply tile Concejicion Mission and its lands with water.

This ditch comes next in point oi interest. It was constructed to supply the \'illa Capital de San P^ernando as well as to irrii^ate lands alon^ its course. It issues from the east side of the head waters of the vSan Pedro creek, taking its way towards and down North Flores street crossing to Acequia street and flowing acro.ss the west side of Main Plaza innnediately under the front of San Fernando Church (Cathedral now), then still keeping to the east of South F^'lores street passes through the United States Arsenal grounds to the east side of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad Depot, on to join the Sati Antonio River, wnth a branch to the vSan Pedro Creek, in the fork of the Y of the River and Creek. As to the date of the construction of both this ditch and the Alamo Madre, the evidence is a little tangled. It cannot be many years the junior of the Pajalache. It is frecpiently mentioned in the documents relating to the Upper Labor ditch of 1770 to 17S4 in the County and City Records and other documents, and at the earliest of these dates the San Pedro <litch had undoubtedly been in use many years. Such evidence in regard to these two ditches as has been found bearing upon the point will be given, and the reader may draw his own conclusions. A fuller description of the origin of the l'])per Labor, the editor tru.sts, will in a measure make up for the lack ot accurate knowledge as to the.se. In 17o0 the Canary Island settlers came, and on November the 2Sth of the same year, La Villa Capital de San F'ernando was founded and a Presidio " erected " under Antonio de Aviles, so says an ancient copy of the Ordinances of San Antonio. In \~oS the corner stone of the old Parish Church of San Fernando was laid, and on P'ebruary 10th, 177o, that good Governor, Baron Ripperda, who seems to have been so active in any matters that pertained to the welfare of San Antonio, built the first Quarters, Guardhou.se and Jail for the Presidio. Now, it is highly probable that the vSan Pedro ditch was completed just about the time of the building of the Parish Church. This period was very active in the prosecution of many public and ecclesiastical works. There is good reason to believe that it was constructed later than the Pajalache and earlier than .some of the others.

The purpo.se of this ditch was to supply water to the Mission of San Antonio de Valero, or the Alamo Mission, and its lands. Its course was and is a long and u.seful one, and its carrying cajjacity is large. It has many useful and historical laterals and branches, and some that are abandoned and some that were failures from the first. The course of the mother ditch (the laterals will be spoken of afterwards) is on this wise : After leaving- its source, at one lA' tiie most easterly points of the head of the River, its meanderings follow a little to the east of the line of the road known as River Avenue, passing between the west end of the Government Post Reserve and the River, whence it goes on to a point a little to the west of the vSouthern Pacific De])ot, passing on through properties lying between Avenue E and Austin street ; thence across the junction of Nacogdoches street and Nolan street, across Crockett, Blum and Kast Commerce streets (nearly all this course was formerly irrigable land), down Water street, over the old Pajalache in an aqueduct ; thence down Mill street, across it, turning to the left to the River below. Its first notable branch (to go back again to its source and going down) was one which was called the Valley Ditch, constructed from plans of Mr. Freisleben ; and which, from the time of its completion - aboi.it 1872 - proved to be an iitter failure, and but a sorry venture to the city, the engineer having made errors in the grade. It was almost immediately abandoned. It issued from the Madre at a point at the extremity of Grand Avenue, near the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, taking a south-easterly direction down Walnvit street to a course left of the old Goliad road, over the south-eastern limits. The next branch - that one which issued from a point near the end of Fifth street (east), not far from the angle formed by Nolan and Nacogdoches streets, is of .some historical importance. It makes at once for the eastern walls of the Alamo Mission, and may be .seen clo.se under the ea.st end of the Alamo Church, and is .said to have .supplied the bcseiged with water in that terrible .struggle of 1<S36. From here it pa.sses on through the Menger Hotel covirt-yard ; thence to supply, in old times, the inhabitants of Ea.st Villita, joining the mother ditch once more near the intersection of Goliad and Water streets. This ditch was known as the ditch of the Alamo proper, and it.self had a branch abandoned years ago, reaching around the north and west ramparts of the Alamo Mission square, pa.ssing along the west line of stores on our modern Alamo Plaza, through the Opera Hou.se ground, joining the River there at the back on Crockett street. Then another modern branch (^about in the '(iO's) reached backward from the mother ditch on Martinez street toward Garden street, crossing the old Pajalache in one of tho.se curious aqueducts spoken of in the Spani.sh records as " canoa " - a canoe or hollowed log, of cypress generally - joining the River immediately after crossing Garden street. The next branch was one already mentioned in the description of the Pajalache - a compromi.se ditch to the lands around Mission Concepcion.

The Mission of San Antonio de Valero, as .shown by Giraud, was moved to the east bank of the San Antonio River from the Post of San Jo.se, out West, in 1718, "on account of the .scarcity of water ; " but the building up of the Mis.sion went on but slowly, and the foundation of the Church was not laid until 1744. The date that this Mi.s.sion supplied itself with water by means of the Acequia Madre del Alamo is uncertain. That it is one of the earliest ditches is certain. At any rate, it is placed here third in the order of chronology. One reason of the scarcity of mention of this ditch, may be found in the fact that the partition of the Alamo lands did not occur until 1793; so that it is not mentioned in deeds as a property boundary line until then ; but of course it was made many years before that date.

More i)articulars concerning the origin of this ditch can he j^iven than of anj' of the others that have l)een described, and tlie\- are i;iven in the belief that these ])articnlars throw an interesting^ li.i^ht \\\)n]\ [\\c life and workings of a period in the history of vSan Antonio which cannot be regarded Inxt curiously and iuc[uiringly. In the County Records may be toiuid many documents and copies of decrees, ordinances, i^etitions and letters in the original vSpanish relating to this Acecjuia, and in the City Engineer's office may be found translations of some of these and other documents, presumably sent from Coahuila, and from other sources have been obtained cojiies of translations of these with additions, notably a lengthy document, which, it is alleged, was published in the San Antonio Ledger on April 1st, lN-')2 ; all these are more or less tangled in their dates and abound in other clerical errors.-'- These dates have been compared and checked off as far as possible, and from this material has been gleaned most of the following information.

In the first days of the year ITTd, it was found to be desirable to irrigate lands lying between the u])per part of the San Antonio River west and the San Pedro vS])rings. The matter was agitated among some citizens interested until

*The following is a specimen excerpt of the documentary evidence referred to, the translation does not seem to be very good, a few of the most conspicnous errors have been corrected. The first decree of the Governor.

"Don Juan Maria de Ripperda. Harou of Kipperda, Colonel of Cavalry, Governor of this Province of Texas, its Missions and Conquests and Frontiers, Commander of .-^rms (or Forces) of the same and of Coahuila and Nueva Leon. Captain of the Koyal Presidio of San Antonio de Bexar, by his Majesty the King.

"Not having been practised up to this, the interesting and important conveyance of water, which operation is rendered .so easy by the proximity of the San Antonio river to the city and garrison, and although in a communication from the Viceroy, the Marquis Casa Fuerte dated September 20th, 17:51, His Excellency ordered that the water of the two springs should be divided among the four first settlers that should come to this place, and Mission with their families, allowing to them such hours of the day as might suit their convenience for the irrigation of their land, letting afterwards the waters to flow freely so as to give the same benefit to the next neighbors by such means all would Vie provided witli plenty of water for their lands in cultivation without injuring each other.

"In a second communication from the same Most Kxcellent Viceroy dated the 12th of May IT^W to the Governor of this Province, Don Antonio Bustillos y Cevallos, the order was given to distribute the waters of the San Antonio river and the San Pedro creek among the Fathers of the Missions, the Garrison and all the settlers of the town of San Fernando giving to all the necessary' supplys (sic) without depriving the Indians in their settlements, but with the condition that should the water at any time be insufficient to give to all continually a supply, in such a contingencj- to be served by turns between all the neighbors, according to law 11, title 17. book 4. of the Recapitulation of the Indies, which states that in case their town should increase in population, it was the imperious duty of the Governor to have all the inhabitants well supplied with water.

"In compliance with the said law, the actual Governor (being sick at the time.) appointed Don Mateo Perez Lieutenant of this Company of liexar with instructions to give possession of the right of water for irrigation to all the actual settlers, and for any other that might come in future, accordingly the right was given in due form on the 27th of Octoljer 17;!;{, to all the settlers residing above the town ford on the same river. San Antonio, and with the intention of carrying into effect the taking of the water, several of the neighbors of this city and Presidio have applied to me wishing to aid in its execution, and as all the families of the Canary Island settlers as well as all the rest of the inhabitants feel intei est in it, according to former superior decrees, and in order to avoid in future all motives of discord between settlers, I have ordered that if the said families of the Canary Island settlers, or their actual descendants should have any other document that may prove in their favor, to present it to me within four days with the answer signed bj- all the persons, heads of said families, so that I may proceed without delay to the construction of the work, it being of great importance.

"Acting as Judge Receptor with the witnesses of my a.ssistauce in the absence of a Notary Public, there being none in the Province, and on the present common paper not having any with the Royal Seal or stamp.

Upper Labor Ditch

the Governor of the Province of Texas, Baron Juan Maria de Ripperda, a progressive and industrious man, directed his attention to it, and on January 10th, 1776, he issued a decree in order to avoid, as he says, in the future, all motives of discord between settlers, ordering the Canary Island settlers or their actual descendents to produce any document, if they have one, that might prove in their favor, and present it to him within four daj'S, their reply to be signed by the heads of the said families. To this decree on January loth, the}- reply that they have no document, but think there are some decrees or schedules in their favor, deposited in the Archives of this town, and they respectfully ask permission to be allowed to examine the Archives to search for these. This request is signed by eleven of the Canary Island settlers, or their descendents.

The next day, Januarj^ iGth, 1776, a meeting of the Cabildo is called by special order of the Governor, and in the presence of that corjioration, it was decided that all the documents bearing any relation with the town and the Canary Island settlers should be examined, and it was there and then declared that should any document be found in the Archives of the Captain-General, the right should be reserved to make use of them at any future time. A memorandum to this effect, besides being signed by the settlers, bears also the signature of the President, Father and Friar of the Missions Pedro Ramirez.

Baron Ripperda next addresses a communication similar to the firstmentioned to the President of the Missions, reiterating that there were onh- two documents or superior decrees in existence in connection with the water rights granted to the Missions and settlers of the town and maintaining that the inhabitants of the place were free to use the water of the River for irrigating purposes if they did not interfere with the supply to the Missions. Those documents being decrees of the Viceroy the Marquis of Casa Fuerte dated September 20th, 1731, and May 12th, 1738, therefore the Governor wishes to know if the Missions under the President's charge have any claim emanating from any superior decree. If they have, the Governor would like to be informed of it as soon as practicable, "so that the public maj' be no longer deprived of .such a great benefit " as the distribution of the water. To which communication the President of the Missions replies, dating from the Mission of San Juan, January 20th, 1776, that none of the five Missions possesses z.\\y document in their favor in prejudice of the inhabitants, he sees clearly, however, that the Missions being situated by Royal decree upon the banks of the River, with the rights of permanent and sufficient water for the cultivation of their lands, they have the prior right of possession and construction of channels, he mentions this right in case the Missions may wish to exercise it at some future time, but the President is not of the dog in the manger kind, and he says he is of the opinion that there is such a profusion of water in the River that it affords to all the same benefit, and the Missions will make no opposition under the one understanding that the right of priority be reserved to them.

The Governor Ripperda having thus satisfied himself that he is trespa.ssing on no one's proper rights, he desires that the two documents be filed under the understanding that any taking of the water must be effected without injuring the supply to the Missions. He is also satisfied that it has been clearlv shown ami (Icclarcil lliat llaiv lmnIs mo oUicr superior dL-crcc* that might act in the favor cithc-r ot the- suttk-rs or the " five towns of the Missions," he accordingly issues an ordiuaui-e re<|uestin,i; iht.' uei.ulitiors and tliose who may wish to contribute to the taking of tile water, to enlist themselves fortiuvith, contributing every one any and " necessary utensils," and the Baron promises that the partition of the lands " will lie made witli the due equity of chance." He insists that the i>erson who ma\- take charge of the work must possess intelligence and exjierience ; the election of the Acetpiiero to be decided by a ])lurality of votes among the shaieholders. 'i'he Ace<|uiero elected shall be entitled to an extra portion or snerte of land, but he shall furnish two additional men. The Governor then makes in his decree, numerous suggestions concerning the construction of the ditch, as to its i)rotection from cattle by the planting of nopal trees (prickly pears) or other thorny bushes, and says that the water gates must have stone and mortar Ibundations and suggests other sensible precautions concerning the width, dei^th and general comi)leteness of the work to be done. He is very thorough, but withal indulgent, and he says that all the persons engaged in the construction may suggest any opinion that may contribute to the convenience and l)enefit of all, so that everything (he loves peace - this good Governor) may move smoothly and peaceably, for the end, he says, "of the respectable laws of his Catholic Majesty, is to avoid in his dominions all kinds of discords amongst his subjects." And in order that this important decree may be made known and promptly executed, " I have ordered its publication, after holding High Mass, at the beating of the drum at the door of the Court House, as customary."

In the meanwhile, we may surmise that things went along smoothly for a while, for nothing more is heard of the Upper Labor Ditch and its construction until July l-Uh, 177(), when we learn of the second election, in which one Angel Galin is elected over his opponent, Bartholome Seguin, to take the place of Foribio Fuentes, wdio, for "reasons by him exposed, which were found sufficient," makes application to be relieved and to be awarded the emoluments in land, etc., to which he was entitled. He is relieved on July l-")th, on the condition that he ])ut two men daily on the work of construction until the new director shall bring the irrigation to a convenient place, which means that the first Suertes of land would be drawn for and granted when the water had been conveyed over sufficient land to warrant a partition. On the former date, July l.'ith.the share-holders who seem to desire to profit by some undesirable experiences entered into a hard and fast agreement with Angel Galin, the newly elected Acequiero, in which he is bound to continue the work to its conclusion without the interference of any person, for the siun of one dollar per da\-, deducting the price of four men of the twenty-six to work daily, (the poor peones or laborers could not have made much above the price of their salt, according to this), and under no consideration whatever will a substitute be allowed him, and that those entitled to irrigation shall have the right to remove him, in case the work shall be badly directed, or for any "other motives that impartial persons may find, such as delay, bad work, direction &c,' ' he is to inspect the work daily until the object of furnishing all the neighbors with water be accomplished, and he binds himself to the completion of the contract "with all his present and futttre property." To all this Angel Galin is readv to agree, so he takes charge of the work.

Thk Upper Labor Ditch

All these decrees of the Baron are dated, "in the town of San Fernando &c., &c.," now comes one however dated "In the Royal Garrison of San Antonio de Bexar, and city of San Fernando" on the 2Sth day of April 1777, in which the Governor says, that he has been informed that the work has reached as far as L,a lyomita de Vieja, and that the first distribution of Suertes could be made to the twenty-five persons entitled to them and two for Foribio Fuentes, the Ex- Acequiero. Twenty-six chances contain 25, 21^3 varas of land, which are measured for irrigation into portions of different lengths lying between the River and the Acequia. It is a pity to waste a season, and it is now April and the season for planting corn is passing, so the Governor orders the drawing at once to be made in the Court House of the town, giving admittance to all the persons interested, (a complete list of the shareholders follows) and to ev^erybody wishing to witness the operation. The twenty-six tickets are placed in one covered urn and the names in another, two children draw these, the Governor reads the results. Each shareholder draws his Suerte (literally his luck) of good rich acres of the Labor de Nuestra Sefiora de los Dolores, and it is granted to them by the king that they may take possession of it, and bequeath the titles to their children or anj^ other heirs, - and no other person or persons shall at any time have any claim or right in the said properties which have hitherto been considered as belonging to the Crown af Spain. The Governor forthwith directs Don Simon de Arocha Eieutenant-General of the Province to give to those entitled, possession of their lands thus drawn, upon the simple conditions mentioned in the introductory to this subject. The second and final drawing was held on the Sth day of March 1778, the total being fifty-two Suertes distributed, thus; first drawing, twenty-five among the shareholders; one extra to the ex-constructor who was also a share holder; second drawing, twenty-one among the shareholders; one extra to Angel Galin, constructor who was also a shareholder; and four to be cultivated in common, to cover some expenses; total fifty- two Suertes. Perhaps it is a fact sufficiently interesting to notice, that the famil}^ of Rodriguez still occupies the land thus granted near the junction of this ditch and the San Pedro ditch. Everything is not cleared up however with regard to construction until April 2nd 1781 when Angel Galin reporting that the ditch being newly cleaned, and the water turned in, he desires to be released from further obligations. And still the shareholders were not satisfied, and in 1784 the quarrels over the Upper Labor ditch were waxing so hot, that the Governor by petition, used his influence to keep the peace.

This ditch, the Upper Labor, taking its waters from the west side of the head waters of the San Antonio ri\'er, takes the course of the Rock Quarry Road, reaching around Tobin's Hill, acro.ss San Pedro avenue, joining the San Pedro ditch at the Rodriguez property near the west extremity of Laurel street, and by an overflow here really joins, across the narrow strip of land intervening, the San Pedro creek. From a point soon after it leaves the Rock Quarry road, a branch issues from it in a direction towards Madison Square, watering lands between that point and the San Antonio river. It has another more important but ([uite modern branch in the Alazan ditch, this was constructed from plans made by Mr. Giraud in 1872, and in reality carries the Upper Labor water north up San Pedro Avenue and around the San Pedro Springs to the west, then taking a southerly course irrigates all those lauds wcsl of the vSan Pedro creek. The I. & G. N. R. R. follows i)rctty closely its line as far as the ditch goes. This ditch finally joins the Ala/.an creek some little distance before that creek joins the vSan Pedro creek. It was finished and opened June '>th, 1S7"). It cost the city with the Valley ditch, a branch of the Alamo Madre ditch, mentioned before, and constructed at the same date $3.S,()(>i). The Ala/.an was a bold and practical conception, but the work seems to ha\e been ina(le(|ualely done.

The control of the ditches has long since left private hands. The first American manager of ditches was Capt. J. H. Beck in 1S5(). In 1S5.S the city took them in liand and on January 1 st of that year John Fries was appointed first Ditch Commissioner by A. A. Lockwood, mayor. That office is at present held by Mr. Frank Huntress.

iJut then I love its lazy daj-s' Perpetual blaze of bluest blue, And love to bask as oft I do Down where the river winds its ways. Where giant trees the Summer through Seem halls that echo wizard lays, Where all day long those lays are heard From throbbing throat of mocking bird Above the chorus crickets raise, Where most I miss the purple hue And scents of lieaths and heather. And where I love to sing the praise of Texas Summer weather.

The story of the river as applied to the public interests of our city is a storj^ to make angels weep and to cause the alligators, if our river had any. not only to shed crocodile tears, but to actually feel sad, and this is all the more touching when it is considered that sadness must be a feeling strange to animals of such proverbially good digestions. Of course the alligators are hypothetical, they were never pets of our Saint Anthony.

The good saint in the first place made his river too crooked for their comfort and in the second they concluded that he and his river were entirely too fresh for them, so they returned to the muddy bayous of Eastern Texas. But this is not to be a history of angels or alligators, but a word or two about a subject we are just a little chary of handling without gloves ; this accounts for our (pioting poetry and dragging angels in by the nimbus and wandering off to such irrelevant subjects as alligators.

Thk San Antoxio Rivkr

"We would a round unvarnished tale deliver " but it is just this way with us - we don't know exactly whether to feel glad that the Head of the River is not a beer garden - or to be sad that a city could sell so grand a birthright, not only to sell it but to be so blind and remorseless that it refused to buy it back when it had a good chance. And as we won't be sad about it. There is such a variety of ways of looking at this subject that we will just state some incidents and particulars that we know about, nor rashly rush into any unseemly display of high spirits. The worst that can be said about our splendid system of water supply is, that "it gomes a leedle high." The City of San Antonio is a credit to its Water Works.

It is said that the first permanent settlerhent on the San Antonio river was near its head in the year 1692. Nearly two hundred years ago. For years after this the river source to mouth belonged to the Crown of Spain.* The first charter granted to San Antonio was given by the King of Spain in the 3- ear 1738 or '34. It only has to be remembered that the Recapitulation of the Indies contained strict laws and rules concerning public water rights, to be certain that the wonderful resources of our river in relation to public comfort and welfare were duly remembered. True, to the Missions were granted the prior priviliges, but then the Missions were one of the many starting points of our City's history. Forty years afterwards neither these privileges nor those alleged to have been conferred upon the Canary Islanders were held to interfere with the rights of any other citizens or settlers in and about San Fernando. And it came to pass in later days when Texas had changed hands the new City Government found it necessary to establish the boundaries of San Antonio. This was finally done in the courts, all about which doings can be found in Texas Reports, Vol. 7, page 288 et seq. And Giraud made the " Original City Survey." The lots containing the Head Springs of the river, or the Worth Springs as they were called about that time - because General Worth had camped there with his Military force - were accounted, with much other land, as belonging to the City's public domain. Now, the finances of the City in the years preceeding 1850 were not in the most flourishing condition. The Council hardh^ knew to what quarter they should turn for funds to build the long talked of Court House, Jail and School House. The Council felt themselves to be " land poor." In section eight of the City Charter of December 14th, 1837, it was permitted that certain parcels of Public Land might be sold. The proceeds of any such sale to be appropriated to the erection of the buildings mentioned and the endowment of a Public School. The land was not ordered to be sold until Augu.st 24th, lS4i). It was decided on October 29th, 1849, to erect such buildings and in the following year, September 6th, they were begun on the northwest corner of the Military plaza. This, the old "Bat Cave," is to be removed soon or as soon as the New Citv' Hall is completed. And this old ' Bat Cave ' furnished the excuse and grounds upon which were sold the City's lands. Shortly after this there was appointed by the Cit}^ " a committee to regulate the sale of the City Lands " and on November 4th,

|s:)2 when the folly was ripe another committee which had been similarly appointetl "to tk-cide the manner of selling the City i)roperty " reported to the Council that ihcy had chosen Martin H. Campbell licensed auctioneer to sell the City lands by public outcry. To Giraud's everlasting credit be it said, that he saw the mistake that was about to be made and the wrong that would eventually revert njion tlic City, and to a meeting of the Council on November Sth, ls")2. he presented a report =-- which was adopted strongly advising the reservation of certain lots at the Head of the River to the use of the City. He thought it would be a good place for the U. S. Arsenal and other public works. Whilst he was on the subject he wished also to recommend that a S(iuare be kept at the San Pedro Springs for "a male college." Also that certain hard stone (juarries on the City properties be not .sold, and the wise Engineer continues to lieg the Honorable Body to reserve and make a road upon the east bank of the river, twenty varas wide, also a similar road on the east side of the Alamo Madre ditch, " as near the river and ditch as they may be placed consistently with public intere.sts." But alas ! on that very day, November Sth, 1N")'J. Lot ."U. Range 1, District No. 2, containing 11 acres had been sold bv the auctioneer upon the usual terms, '20 per cent, cash down, the rest in fifty years bearing interest at -S per cent, per annum, for the sum of S.s2(). Also lot ."iO, same Range and District containing 12, %%, same terms, for the sum of SH;')."), - l)oth to Alderman J. R. Sweet. Lo'c ol is the land upon which was erected the old Sweet Homestead, and the lot upon which the fine residence of Mr. Brackenridge now stands adjoining it. These lots were the nucleus of that most desirable property that is generally known as the "old Sweet place," without doubt one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, places in Texas, its woodland grace and parklike beauty so heightened b)- the perpetual mystery of its profound and noble springs. This is the Head of the River. There are other fine properties in this neighborhood with exceptional water advantages and privileges, but this property was really the key to the situation, the Ojo de Agua, the birthright of the city. The "Sweet place" included besides the two already mentioned, five other lots, originally sold at the same time by the City to various purcha.sers, but all finally accpiired by Mr. Sweet b}' the sunnner of l.S.")9, and by him sold on August 2l)th 1S.")9, to Mr. G. W. Barnes, ofSavanah, Ga. These other lots were Nos. -M) and 31, Range 1, District ;>; .something over twenty acres apiece sold by the City to Franeois Marchant, Marchant and City to Sweet through the sheriff". Lots Nos. 2S and 2!), Range 1, District 2, sold by the City to T. J. Devine, Nov. Sth, 1S52, by Devine to O'Hara, by O'Hara to Sweet. Lot ;52, Range 1, District No. 2, sold by the City to Geo. M. Martin, by Martin to Sweet in ISoU. These seven original City lots formed the "Sweet property" and this, G. W. Barnes owned for just ten years when he sold it to Mrs. Lsabella H. Brackenridge, September l')th iMi*.!. It is now owned by Mr. Geo. W. Brackenridge. the well known l)anker and president of our Water Works, who has by many improvements, additions and wi.se investment, made it what it is to-day - an invaluable possession. If the story of our City's negligence and folly had

* U would be iuteresting to hear what good the adoption of this Report ever did for the City of San .\ntonio. .ind further to learn why the members of the Honorable Body themselves paid so little heed oi respect to its purjwrt. And was it not this same ((uestion which so agitated the honest soul of our good Alderman Mackey. some two years ago. ?

Thk San Antonio Rivkr

ended here in the sale of her finest heritage, it would hardly be worth while to waste further space. But there is a sequel, a lesson it is well for the rising- generation of electors and embryo aldermen to take to heart.

It is highly probable that Mr. Brackenridge, with his keen instinct for real values, did not underate the prize. It is moreover not wholly surmise upon which it might be averred that he saw that the City ought to be the owner of this magnificent property. He sees it to-day, but now as before he does not underate his possession, as far as their value to the City is concerned. The Head of the River property and the Water Works are too closely linked together by mutual interesst, to allow a consideration of them apart. That Mr. Brackenridge was willing to part with the Head of the River at all, is an indication of some disinterestedness, but what speaks more loudly for this, is, that he was willing to part with it at not an immoderate price. His terms are sufficient proof of this to-day. The area of the Sweet tract was altogether 108 acres more or less. This with improvements and some important additions, Mr. Brackenridge on January 16th 1872, offered to sell to the City for the sum of $50,000. He offered it upon easier terms than those upon which the City had sold its lands twenty years before, except that he was the better judge of values. He did not even ask for the 20 per cent., cash down, it appears. He would, he said, rent the place for $4,000 per annum, the exact amount of interest he asked, viz 8 per cent., the money in fifty years. It seems almost incredable, yet if the very full reports and large correspondence may be relied upon, these are true particulars. His oifer was read and accepted on January 22d by some members of the council and Maj-or Thielepape, yet there must have been a division of opinion among the members. The matter at once became a subject of consuming interest in the town. The newspapers were full of it. People for the time talked of nothing else. A most prophetic letter, viewed in the light of subsequent developments, appeared in the San Antonio Herald over the signature of "Citizen" on February 2nd 1872. It strongly urged that the purchase be consummated and pointed out that the price and term? were reasonable. The misguided faction won the day. Governor Davis on March 12th put a check upon the proceedings. The Secretary of State with many others unfortunately, threw what influence they possessed, unwittingly, against the best interests of the community. On March 27th Governor Davis appointed Mr. Newton in the place of Thielepape removed, and effectually threw the business into abeyance. Thielepape, as long as he had the power, without doubt had done all he could to clinch the bargain. He said he saw that the purchase would prove to be a bargain for the City. It must be acknowledged that the odds are that he did, and that he was much more of a prophet than the majority of his fellow citizens. Another clear case of the minority being in the right. On April 3rd a special committee of four - Their names? - It matters not - was appointed by the council "to test the finality of Ex-Mayor Thielepape's contract with Mr. Brackenridge. This committee on May Gth, causes the alleged purchase to be revoked and rescinded. Of course this proceeding does not satisfy Mr. Brackenridge so on August 3rd, he tenders the rent for the property he has been occup}-- ing This is refused by Maj^or Newton. Not ev^en content with this and fearing a cloud on his title, Mr. Brackenridge enters suit to try and compel the City

This is the true story of how and why the City of San Antonio to-day does not own the i)roperty conunonly called "The Head of the River.'' And where, O where are your twenty \ara roads - good honest hearted Criraud?!

It has already been said what a lovely river the San Antonio is, what a source of blessing it is, and how it meanders and winds up and down. " in and out and around al)out" the City, that this is mentioned again must be excused for we have ac(|uired the San Antonian love for this dear stream, and we leave the sentiment with regret to talk of iron pipes, contracts, engineers and incorporaters, and suchlike soulless articles and beings.

The first "Water Works" of San Antonio were ofcour.se the early irrigation ditches, supplemented b}' shallow wells. The abundance of water, apparently pure, but really impure by reason of generations of drainage over and through accumulations of filth, was a stumbling block to the minds of the less enlightened citizens. The con.stant preaching however of those who knew to those who wished to know, at last made a system of Water Works possible in the comnumity. Very gradually the conversion went on, until to-day every citizen of us is alive to the importance of the hand}- profusion of sweet pure water, and keenl}- .sensible of the tremendous growth } ear by year in monetary value of "The Water Works" property. The water question was in constant agitation from the date of the last visitation of cholera in 1866. Many suggestions and offers were made and discus.sed, but the first really definite proposition was made in May ISTo, by Mr. Geo. M. Maverick, but it fell through. In April 1875 there was a meeting to consider an offer made by ' 'The National Water Works Company' ' of New York. The offer was refused. The matter did not abate in interest, however, for on May od, ISTo, a meeting was called, and held on the 6th at the Menger Hotel, at which much was said in favor of a system of Water Works for the City. It was hard Missionary work. September 3d a company was suggested, in spite of apathy and indifference prevailing, of which Mr. H. B. Adams was to be President and F. Giraud Secretary. The time, however, was not quite ripe, and this company was never probably fully organized.

On April ."Id, is"", the City of San Antonio gave the original contract of the San Antonio Water Works Company to J. B. Laco.ste and a.ssociates, in which the latter were to supply the City of San Antonio with water, using the Head of the San Antonio River as a source of supply. The work was to be begun " six months from the date of the arrival of the Railroad," and to be finished within fifteen months from and after April 3d, 1877. This arrangement as to time was literally carried out. The storage reservoir was to be completed within two years from April 3d, 1877. The City of San Antonio agreed to lease to J. B. Lacoste and associates for a reservoir, six acres of ground on the upper or western part of Rock Quarry Road, and also the property at the head of the Upper Labor Ditch, " heretofore set aside by the City for the purposes of Water Works," so long as this contract continues in force. Permission for the Company to use rock from the City quarries was also given.

The contract "shall subsist " for a period of twenty-five years from the completion of said works, at the end of which time the City shall have the right to buy the works at an appraised value, but if the City does not buy back at the end of twenty-five years, the contract shall run until the works are purchased, and the right to purchase the same shall inure to the City every five years thereafter, the City to give twelve months' notice of its intention to buy.

The amended contract or ordinance was made on January 29th, 1881, when Mr. J. H. French was mayor, and when Mr. Brackenridge had acquired the control of the Water Works Company, he being President of the Company at that date. The features of the amendment were the relinquishment by the City of the rental of $500 per annum, that the Company was to pay taxes on an assessment up to the amount of $250,000, and that at the expiration of the contract if the City should ' ' avail itself of the right to purchase, and the parties cannot agree as to price, the matter is to be decided by arbitration."

To return to the work done by J. B. Eacoste and associates under the original contract. Credit must be given to the first engineer of the works, Mr. W. R. Freeman, for the simple and effective scheme to utilize the water power of the River to pump the water of the Head to a still higher level, to obtain sufficient pressure. The reservoir, was not constructed upon the site originally selected, but on the summit of a higher hill in the eastern vicinity of the Head of the River. The raceway, however, was constructed as designed without interfering to any appreciable degree with the supply of water to the irrigation ditches. And the turbines did good service for many years. The works were duly finished under the original contract, and upon completion, they were tested and re-tested, and on July 5th, 1878, Mr, J. P. Newcomb, Chairman of the Committee on Water Works, etc., reported to the Council that the Water Works had been duly finished on July 3d, 1878, and recommended that the following resolution be adopted : " Resolved, That the City of San Antonio hereby formally accept the Water Works constructed by J. B. Eacoste and associates under the contract made with the City under Section 560 of Digest of Revised Ordinances. This acceptance to date from 3d day of July, 1878." This report and the accompanying resolution was unanimously adopted July 5th, 1878.

There was for some time but poor patronage for the Water Works. People had to be educated to the importance of their new acquisition. Prejudice had to be overcome. Mr. Eacoste disposed of his interest, and the Works took a new lease of life under the Brackenridge rule. With a serene faith in the future of the City, Mr. Brackenridge has yearly put and advised his Company to put thousands