The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1891-09-24

MY
BALMAcEDA. responsible.
1t is impossible for any one not in this
country or not a native to realize the
intensity of the hatred that was enter
tertained toward the ex-PreSdent The
national holidays were prolonged by the
news of the suicide. The feaSts, illumin-
atoms, and other celebrations in honor
of the success of the Congressional
party were followed by the marching of
frenzied crowds through all the streets
shouting songs of triumph over the
death OF their former ruler.
The Valparaiso papers came out with
extras from Santiago about the suicide.
The Argentine Minister at Santiago, in
whose house Balmaceda killed himself,
reSolutely refused to furnish any of the
local papers with copy of the pathetic
letter written by Balmaceda short
time previous to his shooting himself, ia
which he defends his course as Presi-
dent 1t is the general belief that Bal
macedas death will hasten in great
degree the restoration of peace through
out Chill Now that the chief enemy Of
the Junta is no more it is likely that his
followers will lie shown mercy, since
without Balmaceda to direct them they
are little to be feared. Italy, France,
Sweden, Spain, and Norway have fol-
lowed the lead of the United States in
official recognition of the Junta. Ger
many, it will be remembered, was the
second nation to do so. No official rec
ignition has yet come from England.
This creates considerable comment.
In London the news of Balmaceda'S
death made a marked impression The
general feeling in English commercial
circles is one of relief and JOY. While
Balmaceda lived there ever could be no
assurance that he might not stir up an
other revolution to the great detriment
of the English interests in control of the
nitrate traffic.
The matter was the news sensation In
Washington. 1t was as startling as 1t
was unexpected.
$50 Balmaceda has blown his brains
out" said Mr.. Foster, the Chilean con-
fdential agent 81 am sorry to hear OF
his going off in that way, BUTT was prob
ably the best thing he could do. He
found all manner of escape cut off. He
had failed in an attempt to cross the
Andes. He had not the physical strength
to endure the hardships of a journey
through the mountain passes in mid
winter. He was cut off from his
vessels and found it impossible to
get out of Santiago without de-
lection. These facts undoubted-
ly preyed upon his mind and all
hope left him. In his extremity
he resorted to the pistol. Self murder
did not have as much terror for him as
it would have for others who believe in
future state. While Balmaceda studied
for the priesthood he gave up the teach
ings and traditions eff mis- fathers and
became almost an atheist To those who
knew the feeling aroused by Balmaceda's
acts of tyranny there is no surprise az
all that the masses should rejoice at his
death He was bad man, and Chilli Is
glad to get rid of him in any manner.
Everything, however, will soon quiet
down, and with Balmaceda out of the
way peace is assured"
Balmaceda left statement to the
press of the United States. AS almost
the last declarations of a dying man
they are of especial Importance. He
says
81 acted during the past eight months
with the firm conviction that [ was right.
I had no one in the army on whom
could place my trust. My generals were
false to me. They lied all through the
war. Had my orders been obeyed be-
Iieve that the battle of Concon would
have resulted in decisive victory
against the enemy. My heart all through
this trouble has been with Chilli.
sought to rescue my country from for
eign domination. strove to make her
the first republic in America. My enc
mics say thai [ was cruel. Clrcum-
stances compelled me to sanction GER
tain acts, but any bad deeds that have
been attributed to my orders were never
known by me until they had been COM
mitted.
"Until the final battle at Placilla l
had strong hopes of triumphing over my
foes Victory was assured by my gen.
erals, AIcerecca, Barbosa and Viel
They all lied [ now know those who
pretended friendship for me only be-
cause of the money that was to be got
ten out of me. All the money that
have in my possession is 50, 500. Ny
wife gave it to me on the night OF
Aug. %.
"Your minister, Patrick Egan, many
times offered me good advice. He urged
me to make peace with those opposed to
me and to retire from Chilli. l did not
heed his wise advice, for l thought ne
was under the influence of the junta's
orders, who were then refugees in the
American legation. All through the
trouble my closest advisers were always
opposed to any oyertures for peace"