New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-10-27


ard its subjugation by Fernando Ccrtes
e the subject OF new volume in the
Heroes Of the Nations series Mr..
aracNutt. who translated and edited the
I'VE letters Of relation sent by the IA
nous conqueror to the Emperor Charles
Y. and whose work WAS favorably noted
In these columns q little more than q
.-ear ago. has been encouraged TO utilize
tho material gathered Tor that under
taking in the preparation OF a popular
life Or his hero. According to his biog-
saphsr. Cortes was easily the greatest
figure in the foremost OF European
states during the first half Of tho six
teenth century, and the story of his life
Is a chronicle of deeds OF heroism and
daring TO which history offers few par
sllels As q soldier he was bold, teTla-
cious and resourcefuI, and he was much
more than soldier-legislator negotia-
tor, diplomat, organizer, ruler and en-
pire builder The discovery OF q new
country when the explorers were seeking
short cut 10 India was diSappoint-
ment ffein which Spain only began to
recover when Cortes poured the untold
gold Of the AZtecs into her lap. It is
harsh story, full of blood spilling and
cruelty and needless passion for which
the spirit of the age is conjured up as
an excuse, but the novelty. the spiendor,
the multifarious color and glory of an
unsupported civilization give an interest
70 the tale that IS unique in human his
tory
Fernando Cortes was born III 14SJ. and
was therefore a child when the discov-
cries of Columbus and Cabot began to
sstound the world It was not, however,
as an explorer that he looked for fame
and distinction;-h ambition was to
enter the troops of GonsaIvo de Cordova,
the great captain among The military
leaders Of the time. Military service
attracted his temper from boyhood and
its opportunities in that day appealed
10 his masterful and essentially lawless
nature. Scoring the pursuit OF the law
for which his parents wished 10 pre-
pare him, he gave himself up TO q career
Of adventure and drank the cup OF life
TO the lees In an early campaign in
Cuba his conduct advanced his inter-
ests IN every way, for his genial man
> faYerite. while his bravery and address
gained him a reputation as a soldier
and the approval Of his commander.
Having received command Of an armada
sent ostensibly in search Of certain
Spanish captiyes, Cortes displayed his
native astuteness in the choice Of his
colleagues and in evading the order Of
recall issued by his chief. He soon found
himself embarked on z mission Of con
quest with possibilities OF emolument
surprising the widest dreams of his
fancy.
The greatest difference exists as TO
the actual merit Of AIontezuma's monu-
nents. but the wonder remains that
the explorers found q form CT civiliza-
ton at all Prescott and others de-
pict the magnificent palaces of Mexico.
While q modern iconoclast finds only a
squalid town OF novels inhabited by
hioodthirsty cannibals But between
such extremes the author finds room
Tor a very beautiful city, shrewdly sur
missing that the very ignorance and
naIvete OF the conquerors are good war
rants for the truth of much that they
devoid OF sufficient knowledge to invent
ana describe the Mexican laws, customs.
religion and institutions, the facts that
1hey state and in which they agree are
. lndubitable The author does not hest
+ tate 70 depart from the guidance of
Prescott upon questions of chronology or
other matters, and gives a svnpatretic
view OF the arts and RATS of the Mexi-
cans The superstitions the weak
nesses. the inter-tibal jealousies that
brought about their downfall are Only
recorded, and the author notes with
establishment that the hospitals for the
sick and aged were in charge of the
same clergy who murdered ana devoured
Their fellow men. AIontezuna's animal
versions on the inquisition are not on
record.
cortes At the time Of the conquest was
fhirty-four years Of age, and his intel
leet and ambition expanded witt, his
horizon. He had a picked band with him
and as his schemes took shape he do,,bt-
less gave them an insight of his MANS
The glimpse he had obtained OF Mexico
and his Increasing knowledge OF the
weakness OF Montezuma's state encour-
asea a daring project of conquest which
lie hoped to carry TO success. BY INIT
ing ali rebellious and disconnected ele-
Inents in the empire and boldly raising
the standard Of revolt native allies
would ficck 10 him. The destruction Of
his ships 50 that he Gould only go for
ward is one OF the most striking. dra-
matte and picturesque episodes in his
tory, in reporting which TO the Emperor
Cortcs assumed the exclusive credit for
the heroic decision and its execution
The idea doubtless originated with Cor
les, who adroitly suggested it in such
2 way that it came back to him as a
spontaneous proposal from the others
supported BY the opinions Of the pilots
and ship captains that the vessels were
unsound. He dazzled. cajoied or bullied
his men, and bribed them at times, but
took counsel with Few, If any, Of them.
Says the author.
In the presence CT one OF the greatest
dangers that ever faced him. Cores lost
nothing OF the presence Of mind that never
tailed him. his address TO the assembled
men was masterpiece Of persuasive logic.
re adopted has conciiiatory rather than
tbs authoritative manner, explaining 10
them nrst Of all that the ships were his
OWL property, and therefore their destruc-
sion was his loss He next reminded then,
d