Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1910-06-14


haps the most popular. The Span
iard's manana Is 80 elastic that it COW
ers any period Of time between the
next twenty-four hours and the in
definite future. When, therefore, Dom
Sylvia spoke of controlling Pernam-
buco before the month Of September
was barely half sped he was either too
sanguine or too literal in his transla-
ton of easy going Portuguese into
vigorous English.
His quinta, or country house, was
situated on the upper watershed Of the
river Moxoto. There he raised his
standard, thither f1ocked rebels ga
lore, and in that direction, with due
caution, President Barraca pushed COL
umns of troops by road and rail from
Bahia, from Pernambuco and from
Maceio itself, for Barraca held the
sea, and the wealthy and enterprising
south was strongly opposed to war,
while Dom Corria trusted to the noun
tains and drew his partisans from the
less eueTSetlc uOitu.
In a word, De Sylvia commanded
public sympathy, but small resources;
Barraca was unpopular, but controlled
the navy and part Of the army. Given
such conditions, with the added absur-
(lity that the troops on both sides were
most unwilling to face long range rifle
fire, but would cheerfully hack each
other to mincemeat with knives, and
tedious, indeterminate campaign Is
the certain outcome.
A few indecisive but sanguinary en-
gagements were fought in the neigh
borhood Of Pesqueira, town in the
hills about a hundred miles from the
seaboard. These proved that General
Russo was valiant fighter, but poor
tactician, and that was all. He was
opposed by a commander Of little cour-
age, but singular skill In strategy. To
restore the balance Dom Corria took
the field in person, and Dom Miguel
Barraca hastened from Rio de Janeiro
to witness the crushing Of his arch en-
emy. .
The position was complicated by the
arrival at Pernambuco Of q. German
squadron bearing telegraphic cartel
from the emperor. A German ship had
been seized on the high seas. Why?
And by whom? And how could any
body dare? Then Brazil quivered, fs
every South American knows in his
heart that the great navy Of Germany
Is being created not so much to de-
stroy England as to dispute the proud
doctrine of the United States that no
European power shall ever again be
allowed to seize territory on the Amer
lean continent.
So there were strenuous days and
anxious nights at Las Flores, where
President de Sylvia sought to equip
and discipline his levies, and at Caru-
CRU, where President Barraca called
on all the gods to witness that De
sylvia was a double dyed traitor.
Under such circumstances 1t Is not
surprising that grand display OF
money and audacity, backed by sundry
distant roars Of the British lion, should
enable two elderly Britons and Il
young Brazilian lady to pass through
the lines Of the Exercito Nacional, as
Barraca had christened his following
In opposition to De Sylya's army or
Liberation. Lest too many people
should become interested the adven-
ture was essayed on the night of Oct.
2. Early next day the travellers and
their guides reached the rebel out
posts. The young lady, who seemed
to be at home In this wild country, af
once urged her horse into pace who'll
ly beyond the equestrian powers of her
staid companions. They protested
yainly. She waved farewell hand,
cantered over several miles Of rough
road and dashed up to the Liberation
ist headquarters about 8 o'clock.
There was no hesitancy about her
movements. She drew rein III approx
ed gaucho style, bringing her mount
to dead stop from gallop.
"Where is the presidents" she asked
breathlessly.
"There, senhora," said an orderly.
pointing to marquee open on every
side, wherein De Sylvia sat In confer
ence with his staff. She entered the
tent and uttered little scream OF de
light when the president, who was
writing at n big table, happened to
glance at her. De Sylvia rose hastily,
with an amazed look on his usually
International face. Forthwith the girl
flung herself into his arms.
"Father"
"Carmelaw
San Benavides, whose back was
turned, heard the joyous cries Of the
reunited father and daughter. They
were locked in each others embrace,
and the eyes Of every man present
were drawn to q