Simultaneously with Russia's efforts, Spain asserted
its right to the entire Pacific Coast based upon a grant
made her by Pope Alexander VI. of one-half of the
world. Spain maintained that, being in possession
of the coast from Chili to California, the territory lying
farther north was hers by its propinquity. Therefore,
in 1774, Juan Perez sailed in the Santiago” to explore
the northwest coast in the name of Spain. He first
sighted the snow-capped summit of San Christobal,
the highest peak on the Queen Charlotte Islands, on
July 18th, 1774, and proceeding northward, entered
Dixon Entrance, where the distant shores of Alaska
came to view. On his return journey he endeavoured
to land at several places along the British Columbia
coast, but without avail. It is interesting to note that
the Spanish government neglected to publish the
records taken by the two friars aboard the ‘Santiago’
thereby robbing Juan Perez of his well-earned position
as the discoverer of British Columbia. Speaking of
Spanish explorers, we cannot fail to mention the
name of Quadra, who sailed up the coast of British
Columbia in a ship whose length was only thirty-six
feet, with a twelvefoot beam! No one can refrain
from expressions of surprise and admiration for the
performance of the little ship ‘‘“Sonora”’ and its famous
master, Quadra, who was beset to such an extent

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