Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-10-09
L. H. WEEKS AND PAUL LATZKE.
[Copyright, 1892. by the Authors.l


condition of the settlement was revealed to-
him he began to feel the weight of dis
couragement more heavily upon him than
ever before in his life. He was impressed
with the gravity of the situation, and there
were moments when he felt already settling
down upon him the shadow that was des-
tined to cover him for the rest of his life IN
care, humiliation and disgrace.
The Spaniards who had rebelled and who
were living in the interior wild lives OF
dissipation under the leadership Of their
chieftain, Roldan, refused to submit to ths'
authority of Columbus. All appeals to-
them were for long time in vain, but
finally the Admiral felt compelled to enter
into negotiations with them for peace upon
their own terms, for the complete deStruc-
tion of the colony was threatened by the
feud. Finally it was settled that some OF
the rebels who desired should be
sent home to Spain, while all should be
pardoned and Rodan placed in his former
official position of power and honor.
Grants of lands and other property were
gained more than those did who had re-
manned loyal to Columbus.
1t had taken long time to settle al this
trouble, and the Admiral had meanwhile
sent letters to his sovereigns relating the
difficulty and asking for encouragement aAld
assistance. He asked also that his SOL
Diego, who had now become young man
should be sent out to him as a companionl
in his declining years.
In September anot her squadron of four
vessels arrived at the island. This was
commanded BY Alfonso de Ojeda, who, In.
stead of joining Columbus, seemed to be
bent upon independent exploration and
slave catching. The expedition had the
sanction of the Bishop of Fonseca, the per-
fidious adviser of Ferdinand and Isabella,
and was intended to work without refer
ence to Columbus and his authority. The
squadron remained near Hispaniola only a
short time, and then sailed away, taking
back to Spain a cargo of Indian slaves. This
incident is chiefly interesting from the fact
that on board one of the vessels was Amer
igo Vespucci, already celebrated Floren-
tine merchant. This was his first visit to-
the western hemisphere that was destined
to immortalize his name at the cost of Co.
lumbus, who was thus robbed of the fame
that vas his due.
There was another revolt, which was only
ended when Columbus caused the execution
of the ringleader and the Imprisonment of
the other mutineers. That put an end to
all further troubles. The island became
quiet and even the Indians were now
peaceful and inclined to submit tanlely to
these cares that, as he records it, voice
came to him in the night time saying:
''Oh, man of little faith! Why art thou
cast down? Fear nothing. 1 will provide
for thee. The seven wears OF gold are not
expired; in that and in all other things I
will take care of thee"
The superstition that had controlled Coll
umbus at all times in his career moved him
to feel comfort at this which he regarded as
an announcement from heaven He little
imagined how delusive were these words
and how surely misfortune was closing
down upon him. Enemies in the Old
World were not conquered so easily as those
in the New World. In Columbus absence
they were active at court. The reports of
the disturbances in Hispaniola aided them
in poisoning the minds of their sovereigns
against the Admiral and when some Of
Roldan's mutineers got home with their
stories Of the poverty of the new country
Ferdinand turned against the enterprises
that were costing SO much money and had
failed thus tar to bring back the wealth
that had been expected. And when the
eargoes of slaves that Columbus had per-
mitted to be brought home to Spain arrived
even the patience and good will of Isabella
were exhausted.
"What power has the Admiral thus ts
give away my vassals?" was her e1clama-
tion, and forthwith she set the slaves free
and consented to the appointment OF COM
mission to be sent out to investigate the
condition of affairs in the New World. Don
Francisco de Bobadilla was chosen for this
duty and great powers were given to him.
He was directed to look thoroughly into
everything, to assume charge of fortresses,
ships, etc, whenever he might consider it
necessary, and to arrest any persons whom
he wished In fact, his instructions were
of such a nature that he could supersede
Columbus and deprive him of all authority
at any moment Thus equipped he set sail
about the middle OF July, 1900, and in q
month arrived at San Domingo. He at
once assumed control of affairs there with
out waiting to investigate, deposed Colum-
bus lieutenants, confiscated all property
and demanded the surrender of the great
Admiral.
Broken by this action of his sovereIgns
and their representative, Columbus yielded
without hesitating. Bobadilla imme diateiy
had him put in irons. Scarce could anyone
he found who would do this work, such
feeling of compassion had arisen in the
hearts of all at the sight of the great COM
mander in misfortune. At last, so 1t is said,
"a graveIess and shameless cook, with un-
washed front, rivetted the letters with as
much readiness and alacrity as though he
Viands.
Columbus two brothers. Diego and
Bartholomew, were also placed In irons,
while no other one of all those who had re-
belled and had been at the bottom OF all the
were touched. The injustice
and the ingratitude of his sovereigns and
the outrageous conduct of Bobadilla struck
TO the heart OF Columbus, but he uttered no
words of complaint.
The prisoners were placed in charge Of
Alonzo de ViIleio, with instructions to take
them to Spain. When he went to the prison
after them they supposed that they were to
be led out to execution.
'Villejo," said Columbus, "whither are
you taking me?"
ITO the ship, your excellency, to en-
bark, answered VilleiO.
An exclamation of relief escaped the lips
of Columbus. ITO embark? Villeio, do
you speak the truth?"
''By the lie of your excellency, it in
true"
Then the Admiral believed him and went
with him joyfully. The abusive shouts of
their enemies followed the prisoners to the
ship, and they set sail for home. Columbus
wore his chains the entire voyage, although
the master OF the caravel through sympathy
offered to remove them.
No." said the Admiral, ''their maiesties
me by letter TO submit to what
ever B0badala should order in their name;
by their authority he has put upon me
these chains; will wear them until they
shall order them to be taken off me, and
will preserve them as relics and memorials
OF the reward OF nv services"
he