A True Indian Type, by William C. Owen (1913)
Article from ‘Regeneración’, English Section, July 19, 1913, Los Angeles, edited by William C. Owen (uncredited)
Caupolican [Emile Barrangon], chief of the Aurocanos [Mapuche], the oldest tribe of Indians in South America, is featured as one of the Orpheum’s principal attractions. He deserves to be, for he is the fortunate possessor of a magnificent tenor voice, trained to great perfection in Paris. He sings in English, French and his native tongue; selections from the world’s great masterpieces. Several of them we had heard rendered by artists of acknowledged rank, and Caupolican need not fear comparison, either as to tone or interpretation.
Moreover, he tells the audience how his tribe holds the Andes, from Concepcion to the Straits of Magellan, together with the islands adjoining the Chilian [Chilean] coast; and how it repelled successfully the Spaniards and all would-be invaders, forcing the Chilian nation, after a struggle that lasted a century, to sue for peace. He has clear-cut ideas as to the value of struggle and liberty, and he gave the “Los Angeles Record” an interview, in the course of which he said, speaking of a vanquished race:
“The Inca empire fell in a day, before the assault of the avaricious and bloodthirsty Spaniards. Why? Because the Incas were trained to rely absolutely on their chiefs; the chiefs thought and ordered; the people obeyed. As a consequence, when the Spaniards captured the leaders, the people were like sheep; no one could lead, and the nation died, a victim of its mistaken ideals. Now, with us, no chief has any authority except in time of war. We as a tribe have no regard for authority as such, so every man is a free man and may become a leader when needed. I hold no nation can last unless every man is freeman. That we have so remained is, to my mind, proof that we are good material for the use of evolutionary forces.”
Having read that, the editor of this section thought he would like to visit Chief Caupolican, and a most pleasant talk ensued. The chief was well informed as to Mexican affairs, naturally was sympathetic, and finally asked: “What about the social revolution that is coming in this country? Are you interested also in that?” When the writer explained that he was an Anarchist, Caupolican answered with a long-drawn “Ah!” In effect, the situation explained itself.