Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-01-04
IN THE CHAPEL OF DEATH
A Hitherto Unwritten Chapter In the Lin ol
President Juarex, Of Mexico.

at was the best thing 1 ever saw in
| the National Theater." said an old
timer to the reporter of the Two Repub-
hes, yesterday.
"Oh, it is an old story. but l never
saw it in print" he continued.
What was it about?" asked the in.
terested newsgatherer.
The old man then referred to an in
teresting story regarding Jose Valero.
the Spanish actor, who is at present
occupying the chair Of elocution in q
Madrid college. The curtain rings up
at the time of the occurrence, 1868, on
the stage Of the National Theater in
this cit;.
Valero was playing that November
night, and the theater was crowded
with people. The eminent actor was
inspired that night-not by the breath
Of the everlasting roses Of Mexico; not
by the fascinating glances and the be-
witching smiles telegraphed by dark
eyed senoritas from behind their hutter-
ing fans; not by the waves Of applause
that swept over the stage and drowned
even his magnificent baritone voice.
His inspiration was that of friendship.
Valero had tried and true friend
Juarez, the illustrious patriot and Pres
ident Juarez admired the actor for
himself as we'll a. for his princely art
and his irresistible magnetism. Time
had not frosted Valero's temples, and
the actor was in his prime.
Tho President occupied . box, and
was enthusiastic in his demonstrations
Of pleasure over the success Of his
friend.
The political revolutions Of that time
had created ntagonism to the admins
tration. and Is Juarez was inexorable.
and was a perfect slave to the law,
hundreds OF executions occurred. Ono
Of the victims Of the spirit Of uprisal
was Manuel Rodriguez, an officer Of
the regular army, under sentence Of
death for insubordination. Rodriguez
combined the chivalry Of tho Cid with
the fiery impetuosity Of the Aztec. and
was very popular in the City Of Mexico.
Hence many efforts were made to save
him, but to all appeals Juarez turned
deaf ear. Rodriguez was removed to
the chapel, across whose threshold he
should only pass to face the sunlight
for the last time. and 60 down under
the bullets Of his executioners.
That night Valero appeared in the
passionate, pathetic drama of Palau,
LA Campana de Ia Almudaina," the
Bell Of Almudaina.
ut is a good OCCASION" said the
friends of Rodriguez, ''to mako a last
effort to save him. Let Valero speak to
the President.
Valero Immediately consented to
make the effort. During the interval
between the second and third acts, he
repaired to the Juarez box in his stage
costume.
"Valeror' exclaimed Juarez. "How
is this?'
Excuse my appearing in this cos
tune, replied the actor.
at is costume Of honor" replied
glorious laurels."
"lhanks. your excellency."
'Are you coming to give the third
act of your drama in my boxP'gracious-
ly asked Juarez, with smile.
A shade Of sadness floated over the
actors eyes, like cloud over the sky,
as his voice softened into tenderness.
and he said: mo. sir, have come to
avert tragedy, and not to continue q
drama"
"How is that?" said Juarez, deeply
interested.
"Well, l will explain in few words.
I am Spaniard by birth, but in Mexi-
co have received so many marks of
esteem that l consider it as second on
ly to my native land. and you. friend