The National tribune., 1891-12-31
Observation-Disclosures
How He Addressed His Brothers on the Eve or
his Saicid~

his Ssicide.
Following Is translation of the letter
written by Balmaceda, late President Of the
Republic Of Chile. As will appear from the
text it was written in the house in which he
was secTetsd aud on the eve Of his suicide. He
gives n vivid description Of the perils By
which he is onvironed and Of the prosecutions
TO which his former followers were subjected.
and states in simple but moving language that
be has resolved 10 sacrifice his life in order 70
escape intolerable humiliation for himself aud
TO mitigate the sufferings of his friends. The
letter found its way to Buenos Ayres, and was
published there in leading paper, FL Sud
Aaleriea, on Nov. Z, last. The letter runs as
follows:
10 my BROTHERS. Jose Maria. Elias. Raiaei and
Daniel
MY DEAR BROTHERS: Now that have surren-
dered the constitutional authority conferred upon
me by the people Of Chile, find t necessary to
contemplate the situation that confronts me. /
can no longer avail myself OF the asylum which
has been furnished by my generous protectors; ut
least. i cannot without compromising them. Al
ready 10 is more than suspected where I am, and
at any moment my enemies may bring upon this
house tragedy which will 10 irreparable harm
to those who shelter me. 1 could escape. But
cannot bring myself TO do anything ridiculous
or undignified. Once thought OF delivering my
self to the Junta. hut have abandoned that idea
also. They would respect nothing. I should be
SIMPLY piunging myself into unspeakRble and
yet unmeTited humiliation. Nevertheless, / real
izo that the implacabls persecution directed
against all who have served aud followed me is
inspired by hatred Of myself; and since 4 cannot
protect them la this general catastrophe. / must
do The only thing possible in their behalf-give up
my life. Thst sacrifice will RmelOTate their suffer
lHgs and u will "a the same time save my family
from the misery Of seeing me dragged along that
via crucfs which my furious enemies preparing z
for me. have kept secret the resolution that 1
lnpaTt to you. but have written some letters.
Remember, in judging me. that l. who have made
our name iilustriOns could not permit IL 10 be de-
hied by the rnbble that perseeutes us. There are
emergencies in which selfimmOlstion Is the only
alternative open to a gentleman
have written to YicunR and to BanadOs, and
sent the letters through Uriburo to Lilo In order
that the latter might publish IL Immediately. Il
viii constitute an historical document aud must
circulate IN America and In Europe. 10 ex-
fail TO have 1t published. and thus invoke the YER
dict Of the civilized world. I have asked Julio
Banados To- write the history Of my administration.
IL will be necessary for you to cooperate in this
tell Emilia Tins wifeI 10 supply any funds that
may be required.
As for the fate have chosen for myself I 20 TO
meet u with tranquil heart. lam sure that by
this sacrltice shall secure mitigation Of the
cruelties and the outTages that visited my
family, and some relaxation OF the sufsriugs that
my friends have been called upon 10 endure. Take
cnre Of my children and live in affection together
The distances that separates this world from the
next is less than we imagine. We shall see each
other again, freed from tile pains and woes that
agouize now. Always care for our mother, and
always keep In grateful memory those who were
our friends.
Yours. forever, J. VI. BALMACKDA.