The Wyandotte herald. (Wyandotte, Mich.) 1879-1943, 1942-12-25
SUCRE, SOUTH AMERICAN HERO
By Duncan Altman


(This is the fifth Of series OF ar
ticles on Latin America released
through the public library)
A great hero In the fight for South
American freedom was Antonio Jose
de Sucre. Though assassinated at the
age of 80. he packed distinguished
military and political career In his
short but eventful life.
Sucre, at Is, began fighting under
Bolivar, and already at 10 he was pro-
noted to lieutenant colonel. Few
years later he was named general
chief of staff. His first test as a COM
mander came in the battle at Yagua-
chi in Ecuador Against tremendCW
odds, he kept his men fighting set
ting a personal example by his own
bravery. His victory rallied many
leading citizens to Bolivar's cause.
Wealthy men gave him supplies;
y6ung men rushed to join his army.
Ecuador's independence was won Ia
thes battle at Pichincha in May. 162.
It was fought $4,000 feet above SEA
level, close to the rim OF volcano.
While it was waged. the 10000 inhab-
itarSts of Quito watched below, not
knowing until its end whether or not
the outcome would mean freedom for
them.
Sucre was all outstanding admins
traitor as we'll as a military genius.
First as governor Of Ecuador's pre-
sent territory, and later as president
Of Bolivia, he ruled literally and witt
a sincere interest in the public's wei
fare
Bolivar sent Sucre to Lima, Peru,
in 1923. Just when it seemed that the
Peruvian campaign was proving toe
costly to Bolivar. Sucre met the Span
ish armies at Ayacucho. The battle
was fought because the Spaniards
underestimated the young general.
Separated from the enemy by a steep
ravine. the liberating armies appear
ed to be trapped. But at night, and
silently, Sucre took his men over the
precipice and across the c>sm. Tue
two armies met on the field at Aye
cucho. the Indian name for "cornC
OF the dead men," and the Spaniards
were soundly beaten.
After Ayacuche, with all Of the
South American republics finally IN
dependent. Sucre suggested that the
upper sections Of Peru be made into
separate country The territory was
given the name Of Bolivia 70 honor
Bolivar. and Sucre was asked 70 gov
ern il. The official capital OF the re-
public Is named for him.
There was conspiracy and plotting
among the men around Sucre In Boil
iyia An attempt was made on his ID
and he was seriously wounded. he
gave lid the presidency and went to
live quietly with his wife and daugh-
ter in Quito. Ecuador.
An appeal from Bolivar brought
Sucre from his retirement He went 70
Bogota in an attempt to help Bolivar
in his plan to keep Colombia and
Venezuela united. When he started
| hack home, with his characteristic
personal bravery he would take no
guards. although he knew that men
were plotting his death. The assass-
| ms followed him. and were successful.
/ Bolivar later wrote Of him: Gust
as Waterloo decided the destiny Of
Europe, 80 Ayacucho settled the fate
OF American nations, General Sucre
| Is the father Of Ayacucho."
More about Sucre and the fight Do
iiberate the South American repubiics
NAV be found in the following book
which il available at the public n.
| brary:
1.-THE Latin American Republics
by ID. G. Munro.