Mr. Hall to Mr. Seward
Sir: Owing, it is said, to the war between Spain and Chili and Peru, in which Bolivia has made common cause with her sister states, there have been no elections held this month for President and members of Congress, as was declared in January, by proclamation, would be the case. The failure to hold these elections does not at all change my views of the propriety and expediency of the recognition by the United States of the existing government of Bolivia. Melgarejo’s government is as firmly established as has been that of any of his predecessors in office. For thirty years there has been no accession to the presidency in this country by election. All of Melgarejo’s predecessors came into power originally by military violence. All save the three first presidents of Bolivia—Bolivar, Sucre and Velasco. Velasco was overthrown by Santa Cruz before he had been in office a year. It is utterly vain to hope for, at present, a constitutional government in Bolivia. Were a president elected to-morrow by a majority of the popular votes, however great that majority, he could not maintain his position six months without a military force at his command, superior to that which any of the numerous aspirants for the presidency could organize against him. The country has entirely submitted to Melgarejo’s rule, and I am clearly of opinion that that submission is best for the public interests. I do not believe for a moment that, Melgarejo out of the way, there would be any other than a military government established. I believe, I have no doubt whatever, that if he were to die, the country would be immediately plunged into a civil war by some three or four, or five, or six, rival aspirants for the presidency.
Under these circumstances, I would respectfully but strongly recommend the immediate recognition by the government of the United States of the existing government of Bolivia. I am sure that the interests of citizens of the United States who have claims against the Bolivian government would be greatly promoted by Such recognition.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.