The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-12-02
PROF. COPPEE'S LECTURE.

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great problem of the triumph Of mind over matter
was involved in the subject of the lecture, and the
close examination of the conquests of Cortez and
Gen. Scott would afford another grand demonstra
tion of the complete subsection of nature to the will
of man. 1t is the destiny of mind to overcome all
physical difficulties, and the triumphs Of the age Of
Cortcz were the first evidences of the awakening oil
the powers and energies which have reached such
fullness in day. Wonderful progress in invcn-
ton Immediately preceded the first conquest. The
invention of the printing press gunpowder, and the
mariners compass the fruits of that day With
these auxilaries Columbus had discovered a conti-
ncn Bat twas not his greatest renown that he had
made this discovery. His glory consists more in the
fact that he removed the incubus of superstition
which shackled the mind of that period and by so
doing advanced the great ofreigion and civil
ization. Columbus the Luther of civilization.
Discoveries run in cycles. The great energies of
mind at times have, for wears and wears remained
latent Apparently recruiting their strength to
burst forth in greater spendor and more enduring
triumphs. This is an age Of discovery and science.
New worlds found in the map of the heavens,
and the lightning is made chained servant The
elements are converted into appliances and convent
enccs and all nature is made to pay tribute to man.
The fifteenth century did much for the advancement
OF science but the nineteenth has done more and
will still do more.
face for the purpose of calling attention to the par
allels of the period of the two cOnquests. That of
CorteZ lives in the pages of history. One of our
own brilliant countrymen has painted with mas
ter pen the panorama of that eventiul and glorious
contest. The history of the last lives az vet in
musty documents and fragments of literature But
1t has history which is written in the heart MANY
of those who are here tonight have a deep remen-
brance of it. Some by actual participation, and
Others who sent forth or brother, husband or
father, to return with imperishable renOWn, or die
amid the scenes Of its glory and triumph. Its his
tory lives in the fame Of the heroic living, and the
brave and lamented dead. He next referred to the
outfit of Cortez, and the manner in which he
reached Mexico. On the DIST of April, 1919 Cor
tez landed on the point where Vera Cruz now
stands. Clad in complet, steel--his armor bur
nished, and with the cross and the flag of Spain in
his hand, he sprang upon the beach, and consecra-
ted the soil to the faith Of the cross and his sOve-
reign His little band Of 800 men was at his side,
dressed in all their richness, and full Of enthusiasm.
The natives look on the lebarkation with wonder
and superstitious Soon the bravest of the
swarthy crowd step forward and bow in humble
subsection to the supposed God. Cortez scarcely
perceivcs the homage. His mind is busted in CON
templating anticipated glOries. Visions of gold
float before his minds eye. Scenes of future tri-
umphs are passing in rapid succession before him.
Not only does he think of victories for the crown
but also for the cross.
He then referred to the American conquest COM
pared the condition of the two fleets, and spoke of
the changed aspect of the landing place. In ima-
ginatOn he painted the scene of debarkation. The
boats. as they left the vessels crowded with the
intelligent and enthusiastic Northmen-the rivalry
of the onrsmen as they pulled for the beach,
each soldier anxious that his foot may
be the first to press the soil, and
each standard bearer longing to be the first
to unfold the stars and stripes. where, 32S
years before, the flag of Spain and the banner of
the Crusades planted by Cortez and his band.
Here parallel in the landing of the conquer
ors. Cortez, after landing, laid the foundation of
city, intended as retreat in case he met with dis
aster; and Scott determined to besicge the city of
Vera Cruz so that, in the event of misfortune he
would have a place of safety for his command.
Cortez, to silence rebellious feeling among his
followers, and to prevent their return to Cuba
stranded his vessels. Scott, as soon as he had
landed his men and munitions of war; dismissed his
fleet. Each conqueror felt the same emotions. and
each had determined to be satisfied with nothing
short Of the gories which would attend the taking
of the city of the Montezumas. The main road
which taken by the last hero, was the same
which the first pursued. The same fertile fields
beautiful plateaUs, extensive plains, and sparkling
lakes, greeted the eyes Of the two armies on their
march. The lecturer gave an eloquent descrip-
ton Of the country, and also referred to the
plan Of operations Of Scott-his refusing to
listen to the Iotspurs Of the army. in their
desires for an immediate attack on Vera Cruz
And he pronounced the taking of that
city the solitary instance in history where the
science and tactics OF war were brought to bear
in a besiegement. lie also paid glowing compl-
ment to Scott. He pronounced the parallel of the
march of the two armies precisely similar, until
both the armies stopped, and both in the same
month august of the year. Puebla was to the
race of people in Mexico, at the time of the first
conquest what Mecca is to the Inlidel of the East
or Jerusalem is to the Christian world. 1t was the
holy city-the cOnsecratcd spot where magnificent
temples reared their spendors to the sky, and
where costly idols and golden images, were daily
worshipped. The holiest of shrnes and the sancti-
RaGe g {F s the RdcaSoas @
their snOw-capped SUBMITS, which were looked
upon by the natives as the unapproachable abodes
of Cod He here related several incidents which
took place, stating that one of Cortez' command
reached the summit of a volcano, entered the crater
and brought forth birthstone, to make powder for
the use Of the army. Several persons of SCOTS
army ascended the same volcano. From the city
of Puebla, the roads taken by the two
armies differed slightly, but the command
ers of both were pressing fer the goal. After
days of toll the spires of the sought for city
greeted their eyes. Its beautiful surroundings
the lakes-hright expanses of silver set with emer-
aid gems-the graceful plains, and all the adorn-
ments OF the magnificent city lay before them. The
Spaniards entered the city, but were driven out by
the natives for violating their rightsruining their
temples-desecratng their sanctuaries, and destroy
ing their idols. But the Spanards were not to be
dsmayed or conquered. The bloody memorable at
tack on the city took place. Cortez with his band
of Spaniards and his native allies pressed into the
city, Street after street was gained, until the main
temple, in which the sacriticial stone deeply
colored with human blood, was reached. Here the
great struggle took place. At the cry of religion
the passions grew hercer, and the widest phrenzy
filled the breasts of the sodery. In imagination
the lecturer could see the mailed warriors, broad
sword in hand, cutting down the natives as they
protected their affairs, their palaces and their
homes. The hour of triumph arrived-the sacred
fire was blown out and the most treasured idols
were dashed to pieces There was no spot too sa-
cred for the SPanard's foot; All the holy places
were desecrated Here the first conquest ended.
The lecturer then REQUIRED to the march of Scott
and the attack upon the city. The religion of the
people was not only undisturbed, but the power of
the conqueror was used to protect them in their
rites. The places of worship were not desecrated
by soldiery thirstng for wealth and wild
with religious excitement, but were respected
as temples erected to the Most High. No
images were torn from their affairs and broken
into pieces. All the means of wOrship-a the rites
of religion, respected and guaranteed by the
cOnquering hero. The American flag had won
honor in every cline during the seventy past
years. But it had no triumph to be compared to
this. All the enormites which usually follow as
the inseparabe concomitants of war, were not to
be found in this triumph. \ city which, under its
native rulers seat of anarchy, became in
three days, under the administration of a conquer
ing cheitain, the abode Of safety. Here ended the
second conquest The lecturer then referred to the
condition of the people of Mexico in the days of
Cortez. and remarked: Cortez found the people re
ligiousy supersutiOus, ruled by willy priesthood,
and impoverished by an indolent sodiery. Monte
yuma was both priest and soldier. The same
powers that ruled it 300 years ago still usurp
the rights of government and violate the rights OF
the people. The priest and the soldier still the
curse of Mexico. The conquest of Mexico by
CorteZ was followed bv the subiugatiOn of
Peru. Gold flooded Europe. The Spanish people
started for the new world with minds filled with
golden visions They could imagine nothing which
they did not believe Ell Dorado could furnish.
The tabled stream whose waters were to give i'm
mortal youth, was sought for. The mechanic arts
awoke from their lethargy, and commerce unfolded
her wings. Ship-building received an impetus, and
enterprise carried thousands to the strange lands
beyond the The acquisition of California fol-
lowed the late conquest of Mexico. The discovery
Of gold there created almost great an excitement
among the people of this age the fabulous story
of the wealth of Mexico and Peru did in the DAYS
Of Cortez and PiZarro Men hocked to the golden
shores, indugng in dreams of unimagined wealth;
youth and age braved the dangers attending emf
grafton. and thought not of disaster or death while
iOurneying to the land where the precious
metal reflected the rays of the sun, as it lay
upon the plain. And, even now, with all the
lessons Of experience before them, the cry is 'West
ward" The Western coast of this country is now
being penpled by the influences which peOpled
the Western coast Of Peru after the conquest. Al
classes of business aroused into unknown ac-
tivity. Commerce increased in a ratio never be
fore equaed. The different branches of industry
put forth new energies, and every pursuit felt the
revivityinG influence of this influx of gold. The in
of the precious metal was so great that it de
preciated IN value. These were results similar tC
| those which followed the conquest of COrteZ. But
the moral problem involved in these conqucsts is
| greater than all others. The conquerors carried
the Christian religion with them, and the designs
! the Great Creator are being fast fulfilled. The sai
OF bethlehem is the grand centre around which tht