Mr. Hassaurek to Mr. Seward.
Sir: The rupture between President Carrion and his predecessor, Garcia Moreno, is complete. President Carrion very properly refuses to be a mere instrument in the hands of the latter. Mr. Garcia Moreno insisted that he should be allowed to control the policy of the administration, and that no appointments of any kind should be made without his consent. To this Mr. Carrion indignantly objected, and after a few fruitless attempts made by the friends of both parties to effect a reconciliation, the final separation took place.
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Garcia Moreno did not, however, relinquish his position without an effort. He had ordered his former adherents to pour petitions into Congress from every part of the country asking that he be appointed general-in-chief of the army. These petitions were gotten up under the influence of fear, when Garcia Moreno and Mr. Carrion were still supposed to be on good terms. Had these friendly appearances lasted but a few weeks longer, Congress would probably have made the appointment. But the firm stand taken by the new President encouraged the timid members of the legislature, and they refused to confer the supreme military power on Garcia Moreno, in whose hands it would have been equivalent to a dictatorship. The day the bill was rejected was a day of rejoicing at Quito. Men embraced each other while exchanging congratulations, and many wept with joy. Others, who had already made preparations to leave the country in order to fly from the arbitrary and reckless sway of the despot, at once concluded to remain. A feeling of general relief prevailed; the bloody sword of Damocles having been removed from over the heads of the community. What Garcia Moreno’s further movements will be is yet unknown. It is supposed, however, that he will soon leave the country over which he can rule no longer.
With assurances of profound respect and distinguished consideration, I have the honor to remain your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.