February 25 — Jose de San Martin of Argentina the Protector
Jose de San Martin, a strong and silent man, whose character and achievements have been little known or appreciated outside his own country... comes nearer than any one else to being the George Washington of Spanish America.
Lord Bryce
San Martin, the great Liberator, loved men of audacity and courage. Besides, he was just and compassionate... courteous to gentle and simple alike... generous and brave San Martin.
Joseph Conrad
The white-souled San Martin who was without fear and almost without reproach.
William Spence Robertson
The moral grandeur of San Martin consists in this: that nothing is known of the secret ambitions of his life; that he was in everything disinterested; that he confined himself strictly to his mission; and that he died in silence, showing neither weakness, pride, nor bitterness at seeing his work triumphant and his part in it forgotten.
Bartolome Mitre
San Martin was born in Spanish America, February 25, 1778
Became the Liberator of Argentina, 1812
Was the Hannibal of the Andes, 1817
He and O’Higgins liberated Chile, 1817-20
San Martin resigned after the meeting with Bolivar, 1822
In voluntary exile, he died at the age of 72, August 17, 1850
His body was brought in state to Argentina, 1880
He is called Protector of Peru
His name is pronounced—Hosay de San Marteen