The Mission as a Frontier Institution in the Spanish-American Colonies

Abstract

OF the missions in Spanish America, particularly those in Cali fornia, much has been written. But most of what has been pro duced consists of chronicles of the deeds of the Fathers, polemic discussions by sectarian partizans, or sentimental effusions with literary, edifying, or financial intent. They deal with the heroic exploits of individuals, with mooted questions of belief and practice, or with the romance that hovers round the mission ruins. All this is very well, and not to be ridiculed, but it is none the less true that little has been said of these missions in their relation to the general Spanish colonial policy, of which they were an integral and a most important part. Father Engelhardt's learned books are a notable exception, but his view is confined closely to Cali fornia, whereas the mission, in the Spanish colonies, was an almost universal establishment. 'H.