The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-08-31
The O'Higginses of Chile
MBROSIO O'HIGGTNS, the Irish
\ peasant boy who rose to be
- Viceroy of Peru, died in 1901

A MBROSIO OHIGGINS, the Irish
~ peasant boy who rose to be
Viceroy Of Peru, died in 1901
at the age Of 80, leaving a natural
son, Bernardo, whose mother Is de-
scribed as one Isabel Riquime of
Gillian" Bernardo was born on Au-
gust 20, 1880. His father left him a
handsome fortune and estate, on
which, after spending some time In
England for purposes Of his education,
&c. he was preparing to settle down
when the South American war of in
dependence broke out.
On September IS. 1910, Chile for
mally declared herself free from Span
ish usurpation, and OHiggins, offer
ing his sword to the patriot cause,
found himself at first only assigned to
a border regiment. Nevertheless he
started we'll, his first fine feat of arms
in the war being the capture of a
strong royalist patrol, though he led
only 1876 men.
But the campaign OF 1918 was des-
verse. In what is known as the battle
of San Martin a force OF 10000 Chill
cans, led by the incompetent Carrera,
allowed themselves to be worsted by
, much smaller Spanish contingent,
in spite of the personal example of
O1Iiggins. Soon after this the Chilean
leader named failed again in a night
attack upon CHILEAN, the birthplace of
O'Higgins's mother, and the patriot
forces fell back to the Itata River.
Here, in an exposed position, they
were attacked by night, and must
have been destroyed but for Ber-
nardos gallantry and initiative. Live
with honor or die with glory! Let the
brave follow mel" he exclaimed. and,
rushing to the onslaught, beat off the
Spanish attempt with a loss to the
assailants of 100 killed and prisoners.
1t was by this time obvious to all
well wishers of Chile that O'Higgins
must supersede Carrera in the COM
mand, and this was effected at the
beginning of 1914. The patriot forces
were much scattered, and another
brave Briton, Col. McKenna, defeated
the royalists with a loss of only 400,
only to be shot in duel by Carrera's
brother.
O'Higgins was now concerned for
the safety of Santiago, the capital.
His audacious genius actually induced
the Spanish General Gainza to agree
to a treaty whereby Chile retained her
| independence while admitting the
suzeranity OF Spain. This so Infatuated
the latter and the Viceroy of Peru that
| GainZa was at once superseded by
Gen. Osorio, who, advancing rapidly
| 5000 strong, entered Santiago in
triumph. 1t was a daring stroke OF
strategy.
This was a heavy blow, but worse
was to follow. Owing to the pusillani-
| nous and treacherous Carrera utterly
| failing to cooperate. O'Higgins was
overwhelmed by Osorio at Rancagua
he and 400 followers being the GEM
| nant left of LOO troops. For the time
being the cause of Chilean freedom
| seemed paralyzed. Osorio ruled in
Santiago with rod Of iron, and even
the Inquisition was established.
O'Higgins escaped TO Buenos Ayres,
there to join hands with the cele-
Irated San Martin. Within a month
of its starting across the Andes their
we'll equipped little army met and
| routed the Spaniards In the battle of
| Chacabuco and triumphtly reentered
the Chilean capital. First honors
rested at usual with O'Higgins, who
at the head of a division OF 1000
bore the brunt of the battle.
But this victory was none toe
closely followed up, and the Spaniards
determined on a bold coup for the re-
tention Of the province. They des-
patched 5000 men from Callao organ
lied by the Viceroy of Peru and COM
manded by Osorio This officer
though he had beaten O'Higgins by n
huke, was a poor creature, albeit San
Martin had foil to him in the cow
ardly old Marshal Brayer. But Osorio's
troops were of the best calibre, and
moreover. their advance found the
patriot army somewhat scattered ar
ter its recent successes. When re-
united, however, San Martins strength
amounted 10 $500 infantry and cav
airy, with thirty-thrce guns, and Osorio
promptly fell back to his base of OPP
! eratiOns.
Osorio was now superseded by Gen
Urdonez, who quickly advanced and
| caught the Chilean army in the act OF
changing front" In the melee that
ensued OHiggins's men fired at one