or in other words, to become what he was not, and could never be, that is, a Federal, in the strict sense of the term. He represented the third social element, which from Artigas to Facundo had been eager to show itself without disguise, and to measure its strength with that of European civilization. If Dorrego had not died, it does not follow that the craving thirst of Facundo would have been quieted, or that Rosas would have failed to represent the provinces in the struggle which had begun long before 1820. No, Lavalle only lighted the match which was to fire the mine long ago prepared by both Unitarios and Federals.
From this moment there was nothing for the timid but to stop their ears and shut their eyes. All others everywhere rushed to arms; the tread of horsemen was heard over the pampas, and the cannon's black mouth was seen at the gates of the cities.
We must now leave Buenos Ayres to see what is passing in the other provinces. It must be mentioned, by the way, that Lopez, having been beaten in several encounters, sued in vain for reasonable terms of peace; and that Rosas had serious thoughts of going over to the side of Brazil. Lavalle refused to share in any of the transactions, and was soon put down; here was the true Unitario disdain of the gaucho, and faith in the final triumph of the "city." If Lavalle had adopted another line of conduct and kept the seaport in the hands of the citizens, might not the cruel Pampas Government have been prevented?
Facundo was in his element. A campaign was about to begin; expresses rushed to and fro; the feudal system of independence was to become a confederation of war.
