Few could take advantage of it, and those that did soon came in contact with vultures of the "superior race," who proceeded to devour them and their substance.
Between July 29 and August 3, 1830, Echeandia had the California _diputacion_ discuss his fuller plans, which they finally approved.
These provided for the gradual transformation of the Missions into pueblos, beginning with those nearest the presidios and pueblos, of which one or two were to be secularized within a year, and the rest as rapidly as experience proved practicable.

Each neophyte was to have a share in the Mission lands and other property.

The padres might remain as curates, or establish a new line of Missions among the hitherto unreached Indians as they should choose.

Though this plan was passed, it was not intended that it should be carried out until approved by the general government of Mexico.
All this seems singular to us now, reading three quarters of a century later, for, March 8, 1830, Manuel Victoria was appointed political chief in Echeandia's stead; but as he did not reach San Diego until November or December, and in the meantime a new element had been introduced into the secularization question in the person of Jose Maria Padres, Echeandia resolved upon a bold stroke.

He delayed meeting Victoria, lured him up to Santa Barbara, and kept him there under various pretexts until he had had time to prepare and issue a decree.