Here, in conclusion to this chapter, I had intended to introduce a few
sober reflections on the character of Rosas--certainly the greatest
and most interesting of all the South America Caudillos, or leaders,
who rose to absolute power during the long stormy period that followed
on the war of independence--reflections which came to me later, in my
teens, when I began to think for myself and form my own judgments.
This I now perceive would be a mistake, if not an impertinence, since
I have not the temper of mind for such exercises and should give too
much importance to certain singular acts on the Dictator's part which
others would perhaps regard as political errors, or due to sudden fits
of passion or petulance rather than as crimes. And some of his acts
are inexplicable, as for instance the public execution in the
interests of religion and morality of a charming young lady of good
family and her lover, the handsome young priest who had captivated the
town with his eloquence. Why he did it will remain a puzzle for ever.
There were many other acts which to foreigners and to those born in
later times might seem the result of insanity, but which were really
the outcome of a peculiar, sardonic, and somewhat primitive sense of
humour on his part which appeals powerfully to the men of the plains,
the gauchos, among whom Rosas lived from boyhood, when he ran away
from his father's house, and by whose aid he eventually rose to
supreme power.
Pages:
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158