The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-09-30

tertained toward the eX-PreSluenL Inc
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 or
frenzed 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,
resoutely refused to furnish any Of the
local papers with copy of the pathetic
letter written by Balmaceda short
time previous to his shooting himself, in
which he defends his course as Presi-
dent. 1t is the general belief that Pal
maceda's death will hasten in great
degree the restoration of peace through
out Chilli Now that the chief enemy OF
the Junta is no more it is likely that his
followers will 10 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, 1t will be remembered, was the
second nation TO do so. No official rec
/ i
This creates considerable comment
In London the news Of Balmaceda's
death made 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 coatrol OF the
nitrate traffic.
THE matter was the news sensation In
Washington. 1t was as startling as it
was unexpected.
$50 Balmaceda has blown his brains
out" said Mr.. Foster, the Chilean con-
fidental agent. II am sorry to hear OF
his going off in that way, BUTT was prob
ably the best thing he could do. He
found al manner Of escape cut off, He
had failed in an attempt TO cross the
Andes. lie had not the physical strength
to endure the hardshps Of a journey
through the mountain passes in mid
winter. He was cut off from his
vessels and found il 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. Selfmurder
did not hal @ as much terror for him as
II 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 at
all that the masses should eioice 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 dying man
they are of especial Importance. He
says:
II acted during the past eight months
with the firm conviction that / was right.
l had no one in the army on whom I
could place my trust. My generals were
false to me, They lied al through the
war. Had my orders been obeyed | be-
lieve that the battle of Concon would
have resulted in q decisive victory
against the enemy. My heart all through
this trouble has been with Chilli. I
sought to rescue my country from for
eign domination. Istrove to make her
the first republic in America. My enc
mics say that / was cruel. Circum-
stances compelled me to sanction GER
tain acts, but n any bal deeds that have
been attributed to my orders were never
known by me until they had been COM
mitted
"Until the final tattle at Placilla I
had strong hopes OF triumphing over my
foes. Victory was assured by my gen.
erals, Alcerecca, Barbosa and We'll.
They all lied. / now know those who
pretended friendship for me only be-
cause OF the money that was to be got-1
ten out of me. All the money that I
have in my possession is so, 500. My
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 / did not
heed his wise advice. for / thought he
was under the influence of the junta's
orders, who were then refugees I'm the
American legation. All through the
trouble my closest advisers were alwayA
opposed to any overtures for peace.