Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-10-02

1t is lmpOSSlOle lOTs any oue hoo.! ~ oA.i'
country or not native 10 rcaiize inc
intensity of the hatred that was enter
tcrtained toward the ex-President Tho
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 Mt 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, in
which he defends his course as Prcsi-
dent. 1t is the general belief that Pal
maceda's death will hasten in a 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 tie shown mercy, since
without Balmaccda 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, twill be remembered, was the
second nation to do so. No official rec
ognition has yet come from England.
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 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.
tidential agent. II am sorry to hcar of
his going off in that way, butt WIS prob
ably the best thing he could do. lie
found al 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 10
get out of Santiago without de-
ly preyed upon his mind and all
hope lett 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 at
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 dying man
they are of especial Importance. He
says:
II acted during the past eight months
with the firm conviction that was right.
! 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 ooeyed be
| lieve that the battle of Concon would
| have resulted in decisive victory
against the enemy. My heart al through
this trouble has been with Chilli. ]
sought to rescue my country from for
eign domination. ] strove to make he,
the first republic in America. My enc
mic; say that was cruel. Cir m.
stances compelled me to sanction GER
tain acts, but 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 rlacilla l
had strong hopes Of triunphing over my
foes Victory was assured by nv gen.
erals. Alcerecca, Bartosa and Wei
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 $4,000. NV
wife gave it to me on the night OF
Aug. 70.
| ~YOur minister patricl Eoan ,n.,r