The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1893-07-06


xation and founder Of new order of things.
He was without question the man for the
hour, though he gave no promise when
gay and roistering university scapegrace
with penchant for Irritation and bombast,
chat he should one day play game worth
remem bering 400 years after upon board
where Columbus, Charles v and Luther
held hands.
In 1878 fernando Cortes was mayor Of
Santiago in Cuba. He was then 80 years
old and man whom the governor Of Cuba
madeuseful as henchman. AS a cadet he
had found study at the University of Salar
manca too prosy for his lively mind, had tax
en- French leave, run through the little
means he possessed, and with desperation
equal for any adventure started for the new
world in 1904. He landed in Santo Domin-
go, helped quell an Indian uprising, won
official status by his conduct in the matter
and was person of consequence in the col
ony when Diego Columbus sent an expedi-
ton to explore and conquer Cuba. Cortes
was the executive officer Of the commander,
Velasquez who subsequently became gov
ernor of Cuba and the biggest Spanish man
in America. Velasquez eventually threw
off his allegiance to Columbus, an act he
doubtless did not intend should be an ex-
ample to his own lleutenantS.
The West Indies proved to be but pent
up Utica to the ambitious souls that lorded
| it over the few slaves found there and sent
tribute therefor to old Spain. For one thing
there were not slaves enough to go around.
In one of the marauding expeditions sent
out by Velasquez to gather in slaves from
neighboring islands the ships ran upon the
coast of Yucatan. A landing, a battle with
Indians, big death list and glowing ac-
counts of fabulous riches in the great be-
| You'd were the outcome. A second expedi-
ton from Cuba gathered in more spoils,
plore the wonderful mainland. Although
provided with instructions, the new lieu
tenant interpreted them to suit his own
purposes. Ostensibly fitting out to explore,
he put all his substance into ships and out
fits. Three hundred men of the usual motley
character joined him. When ready to start,
some one at court suggested to Velasquez
that Cortes would declare his independence.
Not waiting for developments, Cortes gave
secret sailing orders and sailed Nov. II with
seven ships. The fleet put in at Trinidad,
and messengers arrived from Velasquez de-
posing Cortes. He simply retained one in
his service and sent the other back with
protests Of respect to the governor. At San
Cristobal he landed and displayed great
pomp. Again letters from Velasquez fol
lowed, but none dared arrest Cortes He
left with IL vessels, 600 men and 10 guns.
In March, 1919, the vessels reached Yucca
tan. At Tabasco occurred the first fight
with natives. The explorers demanded
food; the natives resisted. The stockade
) was forced, and Cortes followed up the vic
tory by dispensing the surrounding hordes
The strongest power in Mexico was the Az
tee. The seat of the king, Montezuma II was
amid great splendor in q city near the site
Of the present City of Mexico. When new:
reached the Aztec monarch that strange
white people had landed on his shores, b.
! caused new temples to be built and new
sacrifices of war captives to propitiate thu
gods. AS with Caesar before the fall
strange omens startled the realm. Comet!
and other signs lit up the heavens, mys
terious fires occurred in sacred temples, an6
internal dissension shook the empire. Til,
willy Cortes added to the terror by sending
messengers to tell of his prancing horses
and belching cannon. Montezuma unwit