I send inclosed a printed translation of a letter which he left for Señor
Uriburu, the Argentine minister, in which he fully explained his reasons for
the terrible deed which he was about to commit.
[Inclosure in No.
204.—Translation.]
Ex-President Balmaceda’s last letter.
Santiago, September 19,
1891.
Sr. Don José de Uriburu.
My Beloved Friend: In reference to the matter
which we recently discussed, I have decided to put an end to the
tragical situation in which I find myself placed.
I do not feel qualified in further prolonging my stay in the generous
asylum you have afforded me, which act on your part I recommend to my
friends as the greatest service I have received during the whole of my
life.
The bitter enmity of my adversaries, should they discover my place of
retreat, is capable of being carried to such extremes that, to avoid it,
I have determined to impose upon myself the greatest sacrifice of which
a man of honor is capable.
[Page 166]
I must beg you to understand that I have thrown aside all idea of
attempting a vulgar escape, for the dual reason that, in my estimation,
such conduct would be undignified in a man who has ruled the destinies
of Chile and that it would imply some justification of the victorious
revolution.
For these reasons, I should have spontaneously decided to place myself at
the disposition of the Governmental Junta, intrusting myself to the
protection of the constitution and the law.
But the chiefs and officers of the army, the senators and deputies, the
municipal and judicial authorities, and all the public officials are
accused and prosecuted, imprisoned, or fugitives, and unhappy I alone am
left to submit our cause to a court composed of special judges, who are
partisans of the revolution, to answer with our persons and belongings
for all the actions of the Government. I have lost all hope that a
Government that is arbitrary in form will work with justice.
Considering the spirit and tendency of the revolutionary government, I
feel unable to prolong my stay in the refuge for which I am indebted to
you, the which debt I can never repay. God grant that my sacrifice may
relieve my friends from the persecutions which have caused me such deep
pain and sorrow.
The mantle of pity has been thrown over the man whose fate it has been to
fall into misfortunes. May blessings attend you and your saintly wife,
and I hope that my children will ever add their blessings to mine.
Entreat Arrieta and those of my family circle to see the works of mercy
are carried out without ceremony or useless display.
I pray that you, your wife, and my sons may ever enjoy every
happiness.
Yours,
P. S.—I count in any case on your discharging the trust committed to
your care last night, which concerns the persons of whom you are
aware. Farewell.
The authenticity of this letter is attested by the following
gentlemen: José E. Uriburu, J. Arrieta, Baron Gutschmidt, Enrique de
Barros Cavalcanti de la Cerda, José M. Barcelo, Carlos Lira,
Melchior Concha i Toro, J. Joachin Aguirre, C. Walker Martinez.
