The Tale of Spanish Squatters and Latino Settler Don Mariano
The tale of Spanish squatters and Latino settler Don Mariano who resided in San Diego County is the inspiration for the book "Squatter and the Don." Don appears to have more authority and is wealthier than the other squatters. A constitutional amendment is made in the United States that exempts San Diego County from the requirement to erect legal fences on private land. However, the laws permit trespassing animal owners to be held liable for twice as much property harm as the animal caused. On the other hand, municipal and state legislation prohibits property owners from killing trespassing animals. These rules are problematic for Don Mariano and the squatters alike. He, therefore, calls a meeting with the intentions of suggesting better ideas that can help the settlers in the long run and also try to save his remaining cattle where most of them had been killed due to trespassing and damaging the squatter's grain field.
The Relationship Between Men in the Novel
Generally, the relationship between men in this part of the novel can be described as loving and respectful. Throughout the meeting, the men discuss their issues without using abusive words although all of them were not in agreement. Before the meeting starts, the men peacefully sit down and giggle amongst their friends. Gusbang, the host of the meeting equally welcomes his entire guest without considering whether they are Latino or Spanish. During the meeting, the men clearly show that there are peaceful and respect each other's opinion all though they might not all be in agreement.
The Hatred towards Don Mariano
Just in any regular community, not everybody seems to like Don Marian who seems more powerful and wealthier. To be specific, Don Mariano have a strenuous and unhealthy relationship with Gasbang, Mathews, and Millers. The hatred toward Don existed before the meeting and was not in any way triggered by Don's proposal to keep cattle and grow fruits instead of grain farming. Lauter et al. (2006), states that "All saw the fine irony of the rejoinder and laughed heartily (250). Miller scratched his ear as if he had felt the report there, knowing well that, with exception of Mathews and Gasbang, he had killed and "corralled" more of Don's cattle than any other settler." Throughout the meeting, the three friends did not seem to agree with anything that had Don says even though it made sense and would me more helpful. They have an entirely negative attitude towards Don, and it is clear they don't like him. This kind o interaction makes them decline Don's proposal on new use of land. Instead, they are willing to maintain the regular and unpredictable grain farming business.
Don Mariano's Supportive Relationship
On the other hand, Don seems to have a supportive and helpful relationship with the rest of the squatters more so Darrell and Mechlin. They give Don a chance to explain his proposal without interrupting him. They are also very supportive of Don are trying to make sense out of what he is saying. In the novel, Mechlin support Dons by telling Matthews that "We did not come to discuss the "no fence law," but only to propose something that will put more money in your pockets than killing dumb beasts (Lauter et al. 251)." In fact, they are willing to give Don's proposal a trial. This kind of relationship and attitude towards Dons make them reason with his proposal of cattle keeping and fruit growing. In fact, they are willing to give it a trial.
The Issue of Races and Power
In the novel, the author has also brought up the issue of races and power. For example, Clarence claims that Don Mariano sons; Gabriel and Victorian looks like English men. Romeo furthers adds that they are more light skinned like Germans. In my opinion, the issue of being "light skinned" can be acquainted with love for power / being in control. Don proposal not only focus on helping himself and other squatters but see cattle keeping and fruit growing as a sure way of making the whole County flourish. He wants San Diego County to be among the best producers of fruits and dairy products.
Don's Vision for San Diego County
He believes this can only be done by making proper use of the land. Don Mariano tells the squatters that "And is it not a pity to impoverish our County by making the bulk of its land useless? The foolishness of letting all of the rainfall go to waste is an old time folly with us" (Lauter et al. 254). This explains that he not only want success for himself but the whole County. He is willing to give out some of his belonging to kick off the projects. The issue of power has also played a major part in Don's relationships with the other squatters. He seems to be more respected not only because of his ideas but also his wealth. He is among the richest in that area, and thus most people appear to believe in him.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the relationship between men in this novel is respectful, loving and supportive. Most people are in good terms with one another. Although there are few strenuous relationships between Don Mariano and the squatters, the authors have conveyed a peaceful environment and warm interactions amongst themselves.
Work Cited
Lauter, Paul, et al. The Heath Anthology of American Literature: Volume C. Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, 2006.
