The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-02-02
CHAPTER I.

-. lorp suppressed, bitter resent
-, aga,nst the dictatoriab mandates OF
- president would sooner or later make
s.sstf felt by general uprising Of the In
elxnant populace was ehe conversion OF
zrvs.ody Grave doubts and fears were
..~.asred by the adherents OF the Bal
-.nesa marty as to the results that might
80 10 the government while the coun-
- vas writning In the throes OF a revolu-
ton.
.sralso dreamed at the time OF q possible
~xalt OF the entire naval forces against
-. presidents government. az proved to
- the case later. but IL was by no means
secret that men standing high In social
ana business circles, among them several
..;lftonasree sided with the opposition
ra-fv which also had the support OF the
irading clergy throughout the republic.
Recommending the oppressive feeling
NJ uncertainty and suspense, there Was the
usual display OF gaysty and mirth at
f~hristmas which Is generally Wen OBJ
served IN all spanish-Amerfcan republics.
de festivities lasting several days. VAL
naraiso. largely peopled with foreign resi-
asnts of many nationaiities, always pre-
ssnts gay and festive aspect at this most
BEAUTIFUL season of the year-eariy sum-
rasr In those lat.tudes-when Strawberries,
cherries and other early fruits are album
dznf I
sion. The gathering gloom and dark fore
holdings OF the near future were for a time
forzotten and their shadows were not per-
mitted 10 spread over the city to mar the
peopie's holidays. Society did not deviate
from the time-honored custom of merry
making and Teasing. forgetting in its gay
xhlri war and rumors of war;" and the
poorer classes of the people exhibited the
usual exuberant spirit In their frolics.
-s<x mia fri.
platforms had been erected for the parti-
ctpants In the national fandango. where TO
the rhythm of "Sambo Quaker" "El Ca
To- and other hilarious melodies, perform
ed on the numerous guitars and banjos.
with tambourine and castanet accompani-
ment, the dancers tripped the light fan
tast!c to-. Gayly festooned and decorated
booths were scattered across the wide ex-
panses of the plazas, in which were served
The miscellaneous favorite viands OF the
country. Between the din OF music and
the noise of the fandango were hearS the
shrin notes of the vendors. offering their
stock in such high-praising phases as,
ssTortiIlas mui bonito v caliente. cazuela
de galina bien sabroso. huevos cozido, pes
cados fritos. humito caliente," etc. while
schlcha." the native cider, vino mosto
and aguardiente flowed like water all
night long.
The Plaza Arturo Pratt. directly IN front
of the mole named in honor OF the martyr
captain OF the Esmeralda, who was de-
eapitated on board the Peruvian ram
Hgasear during the Chile-Peruvian war.
and whose splendlly executed monument
adorns the center OF the large square, was
brilliantly Illuminated on Christmas eve.
and through the large open windows OF
the intendencia across the plaza, stream
ed blaze of light from the spacious apart
ments within. A grand ball and dinner
was In progress at the intendencia, 10
which had been invited the ''elite" OF the
etys society. Wealth and fashion, youth
and beauty were assembled. whirling in
the mazes OF the dance. The intendente,
Don Oscar Vidal, who was of Swedish de-
scent, had been an admiral In the Chilean
navy and stili enjoyed the honorary title
In his present capacity. He was warm
friend and staunch adherent OF President
Balmaeeda, and had invited a number OF
distinguished officers of the army and
navy, among them several Englishmen, TO
attend the ball. hoping by this coup etat
TO enlist their personal friendship and gain
their loyal support of the government in
the impending crisis.
One OF these officers, a young naval
lieutenant. an Englishman. Clifford Wythe
by name. who was attached TO the staff
OF Capt Jorge Montt. afterward president
Of Chile. OF the cruiser Blanco Encalada.
In company with young lady 10 whom he
was betrothed. The girl. whose name
was Hermina. a typical Spanish beauty,
With long, wavy black hair and black eyes,
was the daughter OF n wealthy Chilean
merchant. widower named Andrade, and
her betrothed was very proud OF her
cliford's mind was preoccupied that
night He scarcely listened to the light
banter OF the beautiful girl by his side.
~ n NJ sh a1 n nTf n NO
was Weighing heavily on his mind. but IL
vas necessary TO conduct her TO more
secluded spot. where they could converse
without being overheard or interrupted,
ard he was anxiously waiting for an OPP
portunity 20 offer itself. At last, during
amomentary lull In the dancing. while re-
frsshments were being served he COM
nanicated 10 the girl his desire TO speak
Y her privately for moment. telling her
tast he had something OF the greatest i'm
poriance TO both. to impart to her. After
while Herminia managed 10 elude the
vigilance OF her chaperone. and when
aAncing began again she slipped through
al snte-ehamher into the conservatory.
saere by preconecrted signal her lover
was already awaiting her. After seating
themselves in tho recess OF a balcony that
overlooked the broad plaza at their feet
saa the starlit bay beyond. Clifford with
oat was,eful ana unnecessary prelimin-
aries, commenced 10 unburden his mind.
Vuerlda.' he began. before / connds
g you a most wsighty secret you must
promise me 20 keep II locked In the deep
- teeesSes of your bosom. Aye, but don't
Nok az me. dearest, as though I were a
s!a1n about 10 confess some great crime.
asii me that can trus, you: that YOU will
" discreet and not betray our cause"
! don't in the least comprehend. Clif-
- replied the girl. what you mean
y cur cause. Why all this mystery
he mystery will be cleared" said the
fSahg oticer. ''Rs soon as YOU promise, by
~ Nat Is sacred. 70 keep secret what
80 70 tell you, Promise. Herminia. that
zen YOU break all connections with me-.
e noe, as your father win no doubt in
= - near future, YOU Will not disclose. for
e you"
Promise. clifford. in the name OF the
S tlrEin! s0leunly answered the girl.
Nns the sign of the cross.
:. Ane~ then" proceeded her lover. 'tisat
rev days hence our fleet you see now
ofet IN yonder bay viii be no longer
-. ne disposal OF the dictator. but viii
- opposition % the strongest Kind. IL
1sSaFF' u the forces which he may xtili
$50 $50 TIE power 10 influence in his favor
s. F1' IN the field against US. the oppo-
49,. So p@fty. 10 which !. by my rank ard
So n the service. rightfuiiy belong
-,,.,sst' our cause is n Just one. our
So WI Re che OLD time-honored one Of
'sst Nelson: For liberty and beauty
So, iAiher. your sister and all your
tis.s.. VIII scorn me. term me a revolu-
Ass 49, : rebel and what not. ana viii for
~ s sa4 bar ali Intercourse between us in
xsa -. bat Yea. guerlda, say that you
~ - iorsSke me. but stand Nv me in
rav sas struggle. Who can teilg II
w. cut brief one: the fortunes ~