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INSTALLATION OF THE JUNTA.

fidence of his own regiment, as well as a clear understanding with the commanders of the other corps, quietly waited on the viceroy on the 24th and advised him to resign, which both he and the two vocales did before night. A representation was drawn up and signed by a host of the principal inhabitants, demanding a revocation of the first election, and giving the names of those who were to substitute the viceroy and his two colleagues. Another public meeting was vehemently demanded, and this was accordingly appointed for the following day.

"The 25th of May," says Moreno, "dawned,the day which opened up for that country the career of liberty and perfection of the moral man, after ages of oppression,-a day which is justly counted as the greatest in its history."

The meeting was a stormy one, and before the Spaniards would give way, significant processions of armed citizens, in front of the gallery, gave warning that further delay or new intrigue could not and would not be brooked. Cowed and disheartened, the poor Spaniards retired from the field; the representation in all its parts was carried by acclamation; and a Junta was installed, con

INSTALLATION OF THE JUNTA.

95

sisting of seven members and two secretaries, all patriots, comprising the names of Saavedra (president), Belgrano, Casteli, and others, as members; the two secretaries being the highly popular advocates, Dr. Mariano Moreno and Dr. Juan José Paso.

This celebrated representation, which formed the ground work of the Junta's existence and power, provided for many reforms, but still that the integrity of the dominions should be preserved for Fernando Septimo. And yet one express and precise condition of the Act was, that within fifteen days after the installation of the Junta, an expedition of five hundred men should be equipped to protect the liberty of the provinces, to start with the least possible delay, and the expense to be defrayed by the pay of the Viceroy, Oidores, and other func

tionaries.

Great rejoicings took place on the installation of the Junta, and the 25th of May has ever since been celebrated yearly as the anniversary of the independence of the River Plate provinces. "Oh day of pure and innocent enthusiasm!" exclaims Moreno,-" of noble hopes and generous illusions!" We may readily concede to the amiable writer that it was a day of much enthusiasm and of high hopes,

96

FIRST ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE JUNTA.

and as readily alas! must we agree that time has proved it to have been a day of many illusions.

There is a little anecdote introduced here by the worthy historian from whom we have borrowed so freely, one which is so characteristic of some of the minor, (will Mr. Moreno pardon us if we add?) some of the major employés of South America; and the story is so well told, that we are sure our readers will thank us for transferring it to our pages.

"Such was the uncertainty," says Mr. Moreno, then, "of the course which things would take, eзpeезреcially in the provinces, that the first acknowledgment of the Junta's authority which came from the surrounding places, was considered an event of importance. The half ruined town of Colonia, in the Banda Oriental, led the way in tendering its obedience to the military comandante there; and Don Ramon del Pino sent in his adhesion to the Junta with every demonstration of zeal for the

cause.

"The promptitude of Pino was nothing else than self interest, for having at that moment a claim pending against the treasury, which he wished to be paid, as soon as that was done he entered into

THE COMMISSIONER CARDOSO.

97

plots with Elio to join in hostilities against the new government.

"The Junta, which soon discovered his perfidy, sent off in secret a vessel with fifty picked men, and a commissioner, to arrest the delinquent, and with strict orders to bring him straightway into their presence. The commissioner was one Cardoso, an officer who had acted an efficient part in the revolution, and who, in virtue of a sanguine temperament, a fiery face, and a large riding cloak of a shaggy baize, like the skin of a bear, which he everlastingly wore, appeared a very terrible fellow, although a very little man. Springing to the ground from the vessel the morning he arrived at Colonia, he went straight to Pino's house, armed to the teeth, but without his troop, in order not to alarm the guilty comandante. Pino, however, warned by a twinge of conscience, by no means liked the visit, and wishing to gain time, in the hope of eluding the grasp of his guest, he provided a sumptuous breakfast for him, and for some other friends, during which not a word was spoken of the commission.

"While the meal was yet in process of consumption, Pino begged to be excused for a moment, and

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left the room.

PINO'S RETREAT.

Quarter of an hour passed without his returning, and then the conviction flashed across Cardoso's brain that, while he was eating his eggs and bacon, Pino was making his escape. He rushed out just in time to see the comandante taking his horse from the stable door to be off. He called to him to give himself up as prisoner. Pino threw himself into the saddle and galloped off, the other pursued him on foot, bawling and hallooing, and proclaiming him a traitor, at the utmost pitch of his voice; but he stumbled in his long cloak, fell to the ground, and there, while vainly intimating arrest to Pino, and after discharging a pistol at him, he saw him wholly disappear. Cardoso rose covered with dust and confusion, got back to his vessel, and returned to Buenos Ayres with the account of his absurd adventure. The Junta got into ill humour, and thought of punishing the commissioner; but as the matter was discussed at the Council Board, Doctor Moreno, with his usual pleasantry, said, 'I think we ought not to worry ourselves, but to say of Pino, as Cicero of the flight of Cataline," ex urbe vel ejicimus, vel emissimus, vel ipsum egredientem, verbis prosecuti sumus.

The Junta, then, having been installed, an order