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Sunday, May 23, 1999
Last Word on Oñate is Failure
Governor's mistakes threatened colony
This historian's assessment of Juan de Oñate concludes the Journal's series of articles commemorating the settlement of New Mexico in 1598. The series, which was started on May 4, 1997, touched on the state's known pre-European history and then gave a detailed account of its exploration and colonization by Spain, focusing on the life, successes and trials of Oñate, the first governor, and the colonizers who joined him. The entire series can be found in the Journal's Web site at www.abqjournal.com/venue/museums
By Miguel Encinias
For the Journal
Like it or not, Juan de Oñate was a failure as the first governor of New Mexico.
During his long and troubled tenure, in his quest for something of discernible value, he neglected in just about every way to establish a firm footing for a viable colony.
He refused to develop a means of subsistence for his people and depended on the natives for most of the necessities of survival.
He also failed to provide adequate support for the friars in their evangelistic efforts.
As a consequence, he alienated a large number of settlers, with whom he dealt rather severely.
Approximately one-fourth of his people deserted, including almost all of the missionaries. The only missionaries to remain behind were the two that were away with Oñate in Quivira (Kansas) at the time and the head of the mission, who encouraged the exodus but stayed to maintain a Franciscan presence.
The standard punishment for desertion at the time was beheading. At least four of the Spanish settlers were so punished, and two others were killed in other ways for the same offense.
The Acoma tragedy is generally considered to be the greatest blight on Oñate's record, particularly the grievous punishment administered to about 20 young men after the battle by cutting off a foot.
There is a certain mitigation to the matter. The battle was the result of the death at the hands of the Acomas of Oñate's nephew and second-in-command, Juan de Zaldívar, and 13 of his men. Zaldívar and his men had tried several times to trade for supplies. On the last day, the Acomas caused the Spaniards to disperse by telling them to search for the provisions themselves. As they dispersed, they were attacked.
Zaldívar was urged by his men to allow them to open fire. Instead he ordered them to fire over the heads of the Acomas as a warning. No Acomas were killed in that encounter, but it did lead to the battle and defeat of the Acomas and their subsequent punishment.
In view of all this and the apparent lack of productivity, the authorities, both in the mother country and in New Spain, favored a total pullout.
New Mexico was saved mainly through the efforts of Father Lázaro Ximenes, who made two trips to Mexico City to persuade the viceroy and the Franciscan order not to abandon the natives who had been baptized. When he returned from his first trip, he launched a campaign to increase the number of baptisms, since at that time the numbers of converts was minimal.
Oñate eventually was tried and convicted of several charges relating to his administration of the new colony.
Before he died, however, he was able to regain his title and was given an important assignment in Spain.
The Cuarto Centenario, or 400th annniversary, of New Mexico has passed, but the nature of a planned memorial is still not resolved. As a serious student of history, I favor a memorial which will depict the many positive aspects of 400 years of mainly peaceful coexistence.
Both historical recriminations and overweening pride are counterproductive and mainly cause division. As a country of varying historical traditions, it is only by respecting each other's heritage that we will achieve the harmony essential to a multi-ethnic society. The current situation in the Balkans should give us pause in taking historical traditions and legends too seriously.
Miguel Encinias is an Albuquerque historian who co-wrote a critical edition of the epic poem by Oñate loyalist Capt. Gaspar de Villagra, "Historia de la Nueva Mexico," and wrote the historical fiction novel "Two Lives for Oñate."
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