San Xavier Mission Near Tucson

San Xavier del Bac

(Editor's Note: This article is taken from Mission Architecture, Exemplified in San Xavier Del Bac by Prent Duell. The Purpose of this to give the Readers an Idea and a Desire to Visit this Wonderful Old Mission).

In studying the Mission of San Xavier del Bac we are dealing with the most perfect example of mission architecture, yet how seldom is its significance realized. One hears a great deal more of the 'California missions, thanks to a peculiar faculty for advertising, indigenous with the "native son." But the popular thing is rarely the most deserving, from an artistic or architectural standpoint.

San Xavier, in the very heart of the desert, with nothing but sands and sagebrush about, hemmed in by distant mountains, has always attracted artists and students through its very greatness. Travelers who have seen other missions stand amazed before this great, white, isolated cathedral. Someone has said that it would do justice to Fifth Avenue, New York. Perhaps so as to an archaeological specimen, but it is peculiarly in harmony with the desert a land terrible in its desolation yet subtly beautiful in its moods of color.

Since the discovery, or rather re-discovery, of Father Kino's lost journal by Dr. Herbert E. Bolton of the University of California, one of the great epochs of America, we can place quite accur ately the trips of Father Kino and the beginning of the mission, hitherto a matter solely of conjecture. Kino (Kuhne) himself tells that he visited Bac for the first time in 1692. Bac is about nine miles south of Tucson, and is the name of the Indian settlement at which the mission is located hence San Xavier del Вас.

The word itself is Papago and there has been much discussion as to its meaning. Some hold it signifies "ruins" or "ruined adobe nouse," inspired no doubt by the note made by Father Segesseh, an early priest at the mission of San Xavier del Bac, that Father Kino utilized an ancient ruin on the spot, as the first mission of San Xavier. However, exhaustive research has proved the word Bac to mean "place where there is water" or "marshy ground."

Like Casa Grande, it was the scene of several civilizations and flourished perhaps about the same time, 1000 A. D.

Just who these ancient peoples were is not known, but they are now thought to be contemporary with the cliff-dwellers, and in turn the parents of the present Pimas. Humboldt ventures that they were Aztecs passing on their way to Mexico, and a legend goes that they came from the North.

At any rate Bac is a place of some historical and archaeological importance, and at the time of Father Kino was the largest settlement in Pimeria Alta. It is likely that he would have made a trip as soon as the opportunity afforded of visiting this flourishing place and making preparation for the establishment of a mission. It is said that the Indians, hearing of Father Kino's work in Pimeria Baja, sent a delegation to visit him in 1687 at his first mission and headquarters, Nuestra Senorade los Dolores. They besought him to visit the Santa Cruz Valley and build a mission for them. Guevavi had been built a few years before, so he and Salvatierra traveled as far north as Tumacacori and established the mission of San Jose. They were the first white men to enter the country since Coronado.

In the year 1692, as has been said, Kino made the first of many visits to Bac. He often dwells upon the excellence of the location for a mission. In a letter to King Philip V. of Spain be describes Bac as follows: "There are already very rich and abundant field, plantings and

Page Twelve ARIZONA HIGHWAYS SEPTEMBER, 1928

Crops of wheat, mazie, frijoles, beans, lentils, etc. There are good gardens and in them vineyards for wine for masses, wi.h reed-brakes of sweet cane for syrup and panocha, and, with the favor of Heaven, before long for sugar. There are many Castilian fruit trees, figs, quinces, oranges, pomegranates, peaches, apricots, pear trees, mulberries, pecans, etc., with all sorts of garden stuff ***.

The condition today is quite different and small sage brush and dwarfed mesquite trees mark the spot of this former paradise. That his letter is true is borne out in part by the great dimensions of the mesquite ceiling beams and pine doors to be seen in the mission. Mesquite trees of such size are seldqom found today in the valley, and the pine tree exists only in the mountains.

He makes notes in another place of his going down the San Pedro River to the Gila with Capt. Bernal and a guard of soldiers, returning by way of Bac in the fall of 1697. He also speaks of founding ranches in the Santa Cruz and San Pedro valleys, preparatory to founding missions, few of which materialized.

In 1699 he visited Bac and Sonoita with the Visitor-General Anton Leal and another Jesuit. It was, no doubt, at this time that they decided to found a mission. For seven years seemingly the project had been seriously considered, perhaps because of its being such a great distance from the base of supplies and because of a great length of time required to reach it. However, he states definitely in his journal that in either the latter part of April or early May, 1700, he went to Bac and founded the Mission of San Xavier, in honor of the great Jesuit, "Apostle of the Indies," ever his inspiration and guide. One has been tempted to push the date slightly forward, as there were no tangible facts on record now, and for all time, the date is settled by Father Kino's own manuscript.

Father Francisco Gonzales was put in charge of the mission in 1701 and it was administered, like Guevevi, from Dolores in the diocese of Durango. In the same year the untiring Kino and Salviaterra were at Bac and Tumacacori.

At this time the missions were flourishing and in Sonora alone (including what is now Arizona) there were twenty-nine missions and seventy-three vistas and rancherias. Father Kino visited San Xavier the last time in 1702, although he did not die until 1711, nine years later, at the mission of Magdalena. He made over forty trips and baptized alone over four thousand Indians. Several priests followed Gonzales until 1750, when the Pimas revolted again and the mission was plundered. The priest in charge was Father Paner, who escaped to Suamca. He leaves a very interesting note in the Tubac register as follows: "On the 21st of Nov. 1750, all this Pima nation rebelled and deprived this mission of its spiritual minister until now, 1754, in which year the Indians have returned to their peublo, meaning as they say, to live peaceably. And for the authenticity of this writing I sign it. Francisco Paner." He was entirely alone at San Xavier, 60 miles from the nearest mission, and though he undoubtedly knew trouble was brewing, he held his post. The Pimas had revolted before, but as there were no missions in northern Pimeria Alta (Arizona) at that time, most of the danger was felt along the Altar river. Father Paner was chiefly instrumental in quieting the natives. A presidio was estab.ished at the visita Tubac in 1752 for the protection of San Xavier and its vistas and rancherias of Christian Indians.

Peace was restored and the intrepid Jesuits again started out for the mission field. Paner resumed his charge at San Xavier. It is very probable that the mission was administered from Tubac, as the latter place was well garrisioned. About 1776 the Presidio was moved from Tubae to Tucson, as the latter visita was much closer to Bac and the danger from the Apaches was becoming serious. The amount of territory covered by one priest seems enormous. Tubac is approximately twenty miles from Bac, Tucson nine miles, and Tumacacori thirty miles, comprising an area of five hundred square miles; yet the baptismal and mar-(Continued on page 27)

SEPTEMBER, 1928 ARIZONA HIGHWAYS Page Thirteen Accounting for Highway Expenditures

ABOUT one year has elapsed since the control of the Highway Department was turned over to the Arizona State Highway Commission. One of the matters given early consideration by the commission was that of accounting. The Highway Code, providing for the Budget System, must be strictly adhered to by the commission and the state engineer. Severe penalties are provided for any violation. It was obvious that a method which would keep the proper check on these budgeted expenditures should be devised.

The accounting problems in the Department are not similar to those ordinarily encountered in industry. The sources of revenues accruing to the department are provided for in the Highway Code. The collection of a large part of these revenues entails considerable detail work, but the difficulties presented are not those confronting business. The receivables are readily realized upon. There is no elaborate credit and collection section and there are no bad debts to contend with; no income account or tax returns have to be cared for, as there is no profit. It was quite the natural thing to do, before the adoption of the budget system, to install a simple system of accounting for disbursements.

The first fiscal year under the commission covered a period slightly in excess of ten months. During this period the expenditures were very much below the estimates provided for the first budget. This was unavoidable. The code makes it compulsory to contract practically all of the construction work. It is estimated by the department engineers that it requires from nine to ten months to prepare for the letting of a contract. Locating, surveying, planning and other preliminary work has to be done. On Federal Aid projects the approval of the Bureau of Public Roads must be secured. Sundry agreements have to be entered into and rights-of-way obtained.

This was rather a fortunate situation for the new accounting plans. It presented an opportunity to consider and adopt them before the detail work began to increase at a rapid rate. For example the expenditures from the state highway fund for September, 1927, in round figures were $231,000. For July, 1928, the amount was $510,000. At August '5 the amount is approximately $300,000 for the half month.

By R. L. JONES, C. P. A., Chief Accountant Many of the practices formerly used by the department were sound from an accounting standpoint. They were such as are recognized and in use by large business corporations. One such condition was the Purchasing Department. In the conduct of this department large and numerous purchases are required. It had been long recognized that these should be properly safeguraded. The authority for originating the purchases is vested in a number of employees. Field men, shops, warehouses and general offices all need a various assortment of goods and supplies. Very few changes were found to be necessary; these were details of a minor character.

The purchasing is handled by the department in about the same way that it would be by a large manufacturing or other concern. The real problem ahead was to devise ways and methods to take care of the situation which was known to confront us. A threefold volume of expenditures was in sight for the future. There was a prospect of a much larger and more expensive accounting force; many expensive filing devices and record books appeared to be unavoidable.

After giving the matter some consideration and making some investigations it was decided to try a new venture in accounting. For many years the Census Bureau in Washington has used mechanical tabulators to accumulate their statistical information. They proved to be satisfactory and their use was later adopted by many large business concerns, insurance companies and railroads. There are two well known manufacturers of these machines; they do not sell their machines but rent or lease them. Unless, in the opinion of their representatives, a business has a volume large enough to warrant it, they will not install them. A representative of one of these companies (the Powers) made a short survey of the work coming into the department general office. His recommendation was in favor of the installation. A leasing contract was entered into on October 31, 1927. The battery of machines were installed in December. At that time the space in the accounting department room was inadequate for a full use of them but this has since been remedied. The Powers corporation sent one of their factory men to set up the machines (this service goes with the contract) and he remained from December until March, at his company's expense, and gave proper instruction to the new and untrained operators. The rental on the machines started Feb. 'st, 1928. The department is convinced that a step forward in efficiency was made when these machines were installed.

tory men to set up the machines (this service goes with the contract) and he remained from December until March, at his company's expense, and gave proper instruction to the new and untrained operators. The rental on the machines started Feb. 'st, 1928. The department is convinced that a step forward in efficency was made when these machines were installed.

The distribution of expenses is the largest item of accounting detail. The first application of the new machines was on that record. Satisfactory results followed and it was then applied to other records. The warrant and invoice records were embraced in its service. The department was then faced with a statistical job of considerable size. The new code provides that the motor vehicle division shall keep records of registration of motor vehicles. These must be kept in suitable books or on index cards in several different ways for reference purposes. Among others there must be records by engine and serial numbers and by name of vehicle. The anticipated registration was approximately one hundred thousand cars. This presented the prospect of the task of typing not less than three cards for each vehicle and the filing of these cards in proper filing cases. The outlook for additional space, filing cabinets and typewriters was rather discouraging. The tabulating machines here demonstrated their usefulness. One operation of the punch machine on the tabulator card provided the nucleus for all these records. The new operators on these machines soon learned to turn out from one hundred to three hundred of these cards each hour. The sorting machines sorts them numerically in any series desired at the rate of approximately twenty-one thousand cards per hour. The numerical tabulator transfers the information from the punched card to sheets 17x20 inches in size at the rate of ninety-five per minute. The alphabetical tabulator runs them through at about sixty-five each minute. These sheets fit a loose leaf binder and contain records of one hundred cars to the sheet. Two hundred and fifty of these sheets can be put into one binder without causing it to be cumbersome. This means a record of twenty-five thousand cars in one binder. Four such binders hold all the records for one list-ing

ARIZONA HIGHWAYS SEPTEMBER, 1928

ing. Twelve binders hold the complete three way listings. Each one contains exactly the same information, as the other two, except that each is arranged in a different continuity. This in connection with the master files in the department and the offices of the county assessors give a valuable reference record, easily referred to and plainly tabulated. The first days' listing of these records produced one hundred and fifty-eight sheets. This means a record of fifteen thousand eight hundred automobiles was made in one working day. Naturally the preliminary work of actually purchasing the cards had preceded this performance. It was recognized that some better method should be adopted to secure individual performance on the equipment belonging to the department. Some of the units are old and require constant repair and attention. It was discovered that in the gathering of this class of information in a quick and accurate manner the machines were right at home. It is now possible for the accounting department to give the equipment department this information. The cost of upkeep of each truck and other unit over a period of months is gathered in few hours. At the same time a record of earnings and gas and oil consumption per mile is shown There may be a question in the mind of the reader concerning the source of earnings on this equipment. It is rented by the equipment department to the maintenance and construction projects at so much per day for each class of equip-ment. These rentals are credited to the equipment department and against them are charged the costs of keeping the equipment in repair. These charges are made by the use of standard shop or-ders similar to those used by the average automobile dealer or repair man. Without the use of this system or something of a similar kind, the maintenance and construction costs would be more or 'ess fictitious. The use of the equipment constitutes a large part of the total costs for construction and maintenance. The department is buying new equipment as the finances permit. The equipment department can now visualize the performance of the old units. This enables the selections for discard of the ones with the poorest performance records as new ones are added.

Management. These rentals are credited to the equipment department and against them are charged the costs of keeping the equipment in repair. These charges are made by the use of standard shop orders similar to those used by the average automobile dealer or repair man. Without the use of this system or something of a similar kind, the maintenance and construction costs would be more or less fictitious. The use of the equipment constitutes a large part of the total costs for construction and maintenance. The department is buying new equipment as the finances permit. The equipment department can now visualize the performance of the old units. This enables the selections for discard of the ones with the poorest performance records as new ones are added.

With the closing of July records these machines have been on rental for six months. In addition to the work above described they are doing several other useful things. For the Motor Vehicle Division the records of certificates of title, common carrier taxes and gasoline tax refunds are being made. As the scope of activities of the department grows new units can be added to the present battery at small additional rental cost In fact, it has been found necessary to add an extra alphabetical key punch to the renewed leasing contract soon to take effect. New applications of the machines can be made as the necessity arises. It is the belief of the department that twice the amount of detail now being handled can be taken care of with the addition of not more than two extra clerks in the tabulator room.

The results of this experience convinces the department that it has been able to meet the provisions of the new law at a minimum of expense. The machines have undoubtedly saved already a substantial addition to the general force. In the accounting department at least three additional men would probably have been needed. The Motor Vehicle Division would have needed an addition of eight or ten typists to take care of the registration records alone. The records have another advantage. They are much more uniform and legible than would be possible to obtain by hand work. The binders required to hold these records are much smaller than the ones formerly used. This makes them lighter and more easily handled. The cost is much lower for the binders and the quality of paper used effects a saving in expense.

A few changes have been made in the detail methods of accounting. New forms have been devised which seem to bring out a little efficiency. Invoices are handled strictly through the general office and the field forces are required to submit receiving reports for all goods received by them. This gives a chance for a follow-up and control over the encumbrances accrued against the various budget items. There are other reforms in the methods which are being considered and which it is hoped very soon will be put into effect. A comprehensive control

The Samaniego Freighters

CEDAR Springs was a small cow ranch and mail station near the west end of the Graham mountains. Here the freighters and teamsters bought provisions and watered their stock.

The place was in charge of John Mowlds and his only companions were his wife and stepson, named Frank Coulter.

Geronimo and his Indian band were coming through the Graham mountains, traveling high up, near the ridge, as was their habit. They could see for miles across the country below and so they were able to locate the freight outfit of Francisco Samaniego. The outfit was on the way from Willcox to Globe and carried coke and provisions.

The Indians located the outfit early in the evening, but they were not ready to make the attack. The freighters had camped in a place where they could defend themselves if necessary, so the Indians decided to wait until the next morning.

One of the men with the outfit, had the position of "horse herder" and did no actual driving. Early in the morning, he circled around through the hills, on horseback, hunting for some deer, which were reported as being in that part of the hills. The herder traveled much faster than the outfit and came out near Cedar Springs, about half a mile or more in advance of the teams.

There was a spring not far from the station and the herder got off his horse and stooped to drink. As he did so a number of shots were heard and bullets struck all around him. Geronimo had posted a few of his band on a small round top hill, not far from the ranch and these Indians did the shooting at the herder. He jumped on his horse and made a run to the station. As the herder reached Coulter, then about nineteen years of age; heard the noise. He knew something was wrong and rushed to the front door. The herder pushed past him into the house, with his rifle. Another volley killed his horse at the gate and everyone on the place got excited and ran out into the yard. The shots from the Indians on hill struck all around, but no one at station would go to help the teamsters.

The rest of the band were lying in the rocks on either side of the road, waiting until they had the wagons in a flat spot where they had no protection.

The folks at the station went into a (Taken from "An unwritten History" by Edward Wilson. The accounts given Here are actual experiences of Mr. Wilson and persons with whom he was acquainted).

A small rock house, which was specially built for protection against the Indians. It contained port holes and was a sort of small fort.

As the horse at the gate was shot, more firing could be heard out on the flat-the Indians had the freight outfit in a trap.

In plain sight of the folks in the little rock house, on the morning of Oct. 2nd, 1881, occurred one of the bloodest and most stubborn fights that Geronimo and his band ever took part in.

John Mowlds had gone to Fort Grant on business and the only ones at the ranch were Mrs. Mowlds, young Coulter and an Irishman, who had stopped there. They were eating a late breakfast when the Mexican herder rushed up to the station and he made one more defender for the place. He had a Winchester rifle and seventeen cartridges. The ranch had only an old cap and ball pistol, with some caps, powder and buckshot, but no bul-lets for the pistol. Not very much in the way of protection.

Mrs. Mowlds cut her apron into small pieces and wrapped up some buckshot in each, as bullets for the pistol.

The Mexican herder, a plucky young fellow, laid all the cartridges he had on the bed and said to Frank, "If I'm killed, here is all the ammunition I have."

But the Indians seemed satisfied that those in the house did not try to aid the teamsters and did not make a direct attack on the house.

The people at the station saw the entire massacre. They could not go to assist the freighters, for to leave the house was sure death.

All the teamsters were Mexicans and braver men never freighted in the country.

When the Indians first opened fire they tried to drive their wagons into a circle. The shooting got too hot and they were forced to turn and fight for their lives, without any protection. When the herder saw the position of the teamsters, he had to be held to keep him from going to the aid of his companions.

The Mexicans did not have much chance and the watchers in the house could see one of them fall, every little while, until the last had been killed. When the last teamster was killed. the Indians made a raid on the wagons and took everything of value from them.

Before the Indians left they fired a volley at the house a warning I suppose.

When all the Indians had left, the people in the station house went to the field of battle and with the help of another man, who just happened along, buried the teamsters, all in one hole, seven of them.

A large adobe house rests over the grave of the brave teamsters.

During the raid on the wagons, the people at the station, were able to count: seventy-five warriors and their squaws and papooses were along.

After killing the teamsters and plundering the wagons, the Indians left, going along the road toward Fort Grant.

They met John Mowlds on his way home and shot him. Mowlds fell from his wagon but got up and ran from the place. He went down a small canyon, where he fell dead.

When he did not "show up" at the ranch the people were sure he had been killed by the Indians, but they could find no trace of his body. It was supposed that the Indians had burned the body.

Nearly a month later, a couple of cowboys happened to ride down a small canyon and so discovered the body of John Mowlds. Many of the Indians' victims were never found.

At the time of the killing of the team-sters, the U. S. troops were camped at the Underwood ranch, about three miles from Cedar Springs. The shooting could plainly be heard at the ranch. The troops were under command of General Wilcox and Lieut Overton.

Robert Thompson, a teamster urged the officers to go to the rescue of the Cedar Springs station, as he felt sure the Indians had made an attack on the place.

Gen. Wilcox said he wouldn't go until he had finished his breakfast. However, he sent six soldiers with Thompson, saying the rest would follow later. They were too late and found all the freight-ers dead and the Indians gone.

Francisco Samaniego sent in a bill of damages to the U. S. government. The(Continued on page 30)