The Democrat. (Scotland Neck, Halifax Co., N.C.) 1884-1896, 1885-05-14
THE CONQUER0R OF BARR10s.
Rcminis cences OF the Career OF Zal.
divar, President of Salvador.


Rafael zaldivar, president of Saliva.
dor, with less resources than his oppo-
nent, the late Rufino Barrios, president
Of Guatemala, has been unexpectedly
successful. As far back as fourteen
years ago he was in Germany, where
Duenas, who died in San Francisco last
year, sent him on a special mission as
charge d affaires of the Salvadorian re-
public. From that time dates his first
appearance in the political field, for he
then gave up his profession, in which he
held quite high position, being at the
head of the medical faculty, and devoted
all his attention to politics. After the
battle of Santa Ana, in which the gov
crnment, represented by Duenas, was
defeated by the Liberals led by Coma
lcz, who then became President. Zaldi-
var had narrow escape from death.
For a few days he had acted as minister,
and had enacted very arbitrary measures
against certain moneyed men, in order
to make both ends meet, which created
a very strong feeling of resentment
against him. The first reports circulated
after the above mentioned battle had
been so favorable to Duenas that
TIE Deum was sung in
the cathedral to thank God
for the victory obtained by the govern
ment, and firing was INDUCED in to such
an extent as to kill woman on the
plaza Gin celebrating national events,
Central Americans invariably shoot
someone accidentally, Zaldivar, who
ness, was celebrating the triumphs of
his party, when suddenly the Liberals
appeared in the capital.
He ran out of his house, sure that if
caught alive he would be shot Immediate
lv, and seeing the French flag waving on
the top of mcrchont's he knocked
paating at the front door, and upon be-
ing let in, threw himself on the mercy of
the Frenchman. Monsieur Bouineau-
such was the name of the gentleman
did not hesitate in assuring him of his
good will After hiding him he an
swercd personally to the calls OF the sol
diers who were yelling ferociously in
front of the house. "Death to Zaldivar!
(Que muera ZaldivarD He told them
that the ex-Minister had just run out by
the side door, and must then be en- his
way to the volcano. advising them at the
same time to follow him in that direc-
ton if they wanted to capture him.
The soldiers did not wait for any more
explanations, but started in quest of the
man whom more than half of San Sal
vador would have been pleased to see
shot. After they had gone kind hearted
Monsieur Bouineau sent good horse
out of town with a servant who had
an order to wait for his friend, and then,
having blackened Zaldivar's face, hands
and feet, he dressed him like moyo
(servant) with cotton shirt and drawers,
barefooted, big broad brimmed ha+,
grass on his shoulders, the future president
crossed several main streets on his way
to the suburb where the servant and the
horse were waiting for him. Upon reach
ing them he quickly threw the yacate
aside, jumped on the horse, and disap-
peared, leaving message of eternal
gratitude to his savior. In the mean
while the soldiers had returned to Mon
sieur Bouincau's house with an order to
search everywhere, but it was too late.
The bird had flown. Zaidivar did not
stop until he reached Costa Rica, where
he was we'll received.
He returned to Salvador only to fight
for the presidential chair, which he has
occupied for two terms. He was re-
elected, with some opposition, however,
for third term, about year ago. Since
he has become president of Salvador he
has amassed several millions. He is q
married man and has one son and two
grown-up daughters. He is greatly ad
dicted to pleasure, and will at almost any
time olive I'M business in order to have a
good time. If success, however, is the
best recommendation, he can be highly
praised, for his career, though eventful,
has been remarkable and brilliant.-,San
Francisco CALL