Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-09-07

tam IN the middle or peu OF nO"erlnR
shrubs and plants. perpetually spraying IA
moss-grown cupid; the brick walls: the in
corridor supported arches of masonry
and forming the boundary of the four-sided
court--all this one finds, with slight varia-
tion. in the home of the average Bogotano,
as well as in the official palace" The unique
feature Of San Carlos, growing out of the
very heart of this ancient dwelling, is
huge walnut tree, rising some forty or fifty
feet above the patio, overtoppng the ada
cent roofs, and marking this, better than
could any national emblem, as the Presiden-
tial residence.
Within the gateway of the palace and at
the foot of the stone steps leading to the
corridor above, there Is always a guard of
soldiers. On the morning Of the visit of
the emboadores this guard was greatly in
creased in numbers and was commanded
by youth whose resplendent uniform was
in striking contrast with the dingy, ill-fltting
apparel Of his men. AS the tramp of the
poems echoed along the street the soldiers
marched hastily across the patio and drew
up outside the entrance to the palace. Here,
waiting groups Of idlers shouted with de-
light as the bootblacks. King Pedro in the
lead. rounded the corner of San Carlos.
"They will polish the Yankees" declared
one admirer.
mo. they have come for the Presidents $
boots"
"Emboladores Emboladores Beware tho
bull"
Here, King Pedro. give us a shine :"
Hes keeping it for his Yankee customers"
He will take Panama with it,
The unterrifed Pedro. meeting this raiIlerv
with serene Indifference. halted his men be-
fore the entrance to the palace and addressed
the captain Of the guard.
I'VE have come to see Don JOSE
But, muchacho." replied the captain, af-
fably,s that Is impossible. His Excellency
is busy Who are your"
Pedro. E Rey de los Emboladores." piped
up several volunteers
"Ah" said the captain, saluting profound.
ly And what do you want with His Excel
lency Aajestad?"
ITO tell him we will fight the Yankees who
nave stolen Panama"
II will tell His Excellency this was the
grave reply. "Of course. he will be plea sed =
While these two youths We're talking for.
after all. the magnificent toy captain was
quite as young as the King of Brush and
Bottle--the curtains of the large windou,
above were drawn aside and a tall spare fig
ure. in long frock coat, stepped SLOWLY
forth on the balcony. He was an old man.
with a close-clipped beard and mustache
sharp. thin features, and an owlish way of
peering through his large, gold-bowed spec
tacles that made one look involuntarily for
the ferule of the schoolmaster held behind his
back.
This elderly parsonage had been, indeed.
one OF the notable pedagogues of Bogota in
achievements In his country's literature
seemed to his neghbors a sufficient reason
for voting him In as the proprietor of San
Carlos. To this decision the less powerful
and more numerous citizens of the repubiic
could make no effective protest.
On this particular morning It was the
schoolmaster, wearing his most indulgent
smile, who faced the bootblacks in the street
below him. AS soon as they caught sight
of the familiar figure they gave him an en-
thusiastic greeting, the democratic flavor of
which he seemed to relish. Popular applause
had been lacking in Don Jose's career. and
since the troubles over Panama had broken
in upon his quiet cultivation of the muses..
1t looked vary much as II his countrymens s
indifference might turn to open hostility.
Thus, the friendly greeting of a rabble of
bootblacks and poems was not to be despised
Don Jose! Don Jose !" they shouted
cheerfuly. with that peculiar upward inflec-
ton by which the Spanish-American gives a
warmth to his salutation not suggested by
the words themselves. Gel Presidente de
Yankees !"
To all of which Don Jose one long thin
hand thrust stiffiy between the breast but
tons of his coat. listened in dignined silence,
inwardly gratifed by these boisterous visit
ors.
"Bueno, bueno" he said in a high ouer,-
Ious voice; IT am very glad to see you. my
friends This is great honor. But, what
can do for you?"
"Send us to Panama ~ bawled Pedro, act
ing as spokesman for his men,
"Dear me !" exclaimed the old man. enioy
ing the situation and ignoring its political
consequences Panama is far off-and why
should / send such good citizens away from
Bogotag
''Por la Patria! Por la Patria To fight
the Yankees !"
'aThe Yankees7 But why" -
"They have stolen Panama. They are
pigs!"
"What a peopler' he exclaimed nonplus-
ed. 'I am sorry for that. Well, IL 1 send
you. what will you do?"
"Esta bueno! Don Jose will send us to
kill the Yankees!" they shouted enthusiasts
cally.
"No No! &dn't say that" he expostu-
lated, then continued as II by, rote: THE
government will look after Panama. II
dghting is needed TO preserve the republic,
the army will do its duty'--an assurance
which increased the martial swagger of the
rold braided toy captain. although unappre-
ciated by his men.
1--WE will hght with the army. Don Jose. "
declared Pedro I'VE will drive out ths
Ianksss sNne neye Heneps
) *~u,vp CO. 1saksss =