The news from the seat of war is somewhat contradictory. Although, as
reported in my despatch No. 32, above alluded to, the abandonment by the
allies of their present position and the junction of their main body
with the third division, under Osorio, in the upper Parana, to make a
flank attack upon the Paraguayans, appeared probable. Later news seems
to indicate that the Marquis de Caxias is now preparing for a general
attack, and that he has resolved upon waiting for Osorio, who, with the
force under his command, had arrived within 23 leagues of Tuyuti, on the
2d instant. An order of the day, of the same date, had announced to the
army that all the forces were to be ready to march at a moment’s
warning. It was also said that the Brazilian fleet had received orders
to ascend the river and pass Humaitá in spite of all obstacles, and even
if half its ships were to be lost in the attempt.
The state of the interior provinces continues to be far from
satisfactory. The province of Rioja is still in the hands of the rebels,
although it is expected that General Taboada, who, at the head of the
national forces, was advancing, will by this time have regained
possession of it. A kind of revolution broke out in Cordoba on the 9th
instant, all the prisoners in the public jail having risen against the
guard and effected their escape. In the town of Parana also a
manifestation somewhat revolutionary has taken place on the occasion of
the return there of Deputy Ocampo after his expulsion from Congress.
The conferences reported in the newspapers to have taken place in London
between our minister and Lord Stanley, on South American affairs, have
given rise to the rumor of an intended joint mediation in the Paraguayan
war of the United States, England, and France, which has called for the
following note from her Britannic Majesty’s minister:
RUMORED ENGLISH MEDIATION.
Mr. Buckley Mathew presents his compliments to the editors of the
Standard; and observing in yesterday’s paper reference to a mediation by
England and France in the war in Paraguay, he cannot delay to inform
them that the supposition is wholly unfounded as regards her Majesty’s
government, and equally so, he is assured, respecting the government of
France.
He feels it right to notice the matter, and to request the insertion of
this rectification of the statement, as he believes that erroneous
reports of a similar nature have tended, and may further tend, to
prolong the miseries of war.
In Montevideo a mine which penetrated beneath the government house has
been discovered, by which it was contemplated to blow up the house,
together with the Dictator Flores and all his ministers. Only a few
hours more were wanting to complete the diabolical work when it was
found out. A good deal of mystery hangs about this affair, and although
numerous arrests have been made, it is premature to express at present
any opinion respecting it.
The 9th of this month, being the anniversary of the swearing of the
constitution in 1816, and the proclamation of independence of the Rio
Plata regions, was kept as a public holiday. A Te Deum was sung in the
cathedral, and attended by the president and vice-president of the
republic, the ministers, the members of the provincial government, the
corps diplomatique, and many other functionaries. I received an official
invitation from the minister for foreign affairs to assist at this
celebration, but was prevented by my continued illness from doing
so.
In the evening there was a grand display of fireworks in the principul
square, and all the public buildings were illuminated.
For further details relative to the march of political events here I beg
respectfully to refer to enclosure A, above alluded to, which contains
my daily memoranda of political events in the river Plata from the 26th
June to the 10th instant.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
Daily memoranda of political events in the River Plata from the
26th June to the 10th July, 1867.
June 26.—The Arica Liverpool steamer, which
arrived at Montevideo on the 23d instant, brings news of serious
riots in Rio de Janeiro, with loss of life. Although they originated
in an affray not of a political character, between the police and
the populace, yet they show the extreme irritation of the people,
and, in conjunction with the riots in Pernambuco, Minas, Bahia, and
San Paulo, constitute “signs of the times” far from
satisfactory.
The Galgo transport, with 500 recruits for the army in Paraguay,
arrived at Montevideo on the 23d from Rio de Janeiro.
June 27.—The Tribuna announces semi-officially
that Señor Torrent has resigned his post of Argentine minister in
Brazil, and is expected back in the course of a few days.
Three deputies, Messrs. Quintana, Ugarte, and Carrol, brought in
yesterday before the national chamber of deputies a bill by which it
is provided that in the event of the death, absence, or resignation
of the president and vice-president of the republic, the president
of the senate, or in his default, that of the chamber of deputies,
shall fill the vacancy.
[Page 207]
June 28.—Pursuant to arrangement the chambers
of senators and deputies met yesterday in general assembly to
consider the resignation sent in by Dr. Marcos Paz of the
vice-presidency of the republic. No speeches were made. The
proceedings consisted simply in putting to the vote whether the
resignation should be accepted or not, and the result was 49 against
and only 7 in favor of so doing.
The Tribuna states that from the 1st of May, 1866, to 30th of April,
of this year, Brazil has sent 19,769 recruits to the seat of war in
Paraguay.
June 29.—The vice-president has bowed to the
almost unanimous voice of congress and withdrawn his resignation.
The following translation of the note addressed by him to congress
on the occasion is taken from the Standard:
THE VICE-PRESIDENT RESUMES OFFICE.
Buenos Ayres,
June 27, 1867.
To the honorable Legislative Congress of the
nation:
I have had the honor to receive a note from the president of the
senate, dated to-day, advising me that your honorable assembly has
not thought fit to accept my resignation of the post of
vice-president of the republic, which I handed in on the 12th
instant.
Congress, it seems, has not considered well-founded the motives I
alleged for such a step, and although I had firmly resolved to
descend from the high position to which I had been raised by the
votes of the Argentine people, I must nevertheless bow to the high
decision of your honorable chambers; and I now consent to continue
in office, while cordially thanking you for the honor done me by
your decision, although this is contrary to my very ardent and
sincere wishes to retire into private life.
May God preserve your honorable assembly.
MARCOS PAZ.
July 1.—In consequence of Dr. Paz having
reaccepted office it is again currently reported that President
Mitre will leave shortly for the seat of war to resume the command
in chief of the allied army, and a day is even fixed for his
departure, viz., the 10th of this month; still not only is there
nothing officially known about his leaving, but from the fact that
public opinion is unfavorable to his departure, and that a great
majority of people consider that the presence of the president is
more required here than in Paraguay, the probabilities are against
his going yet.
From the seat of war great activity is said to be prevailing in
consequence of the intended change of tactics; and it would also
appear that the Marquis de Caxias is contemplating, before
abandoning his present position, to make an attack which may become
a general action.
Telegraphic news from Montevideo announce the discovery there
yesterday evening of a diabolical attempt to blow up the government
house and a great number of the surrounding buildings. A
subterranean mine was discovered beginning in the cellars of a house
contiguous to that of the government. A German, found where the mine
was discovered, has been arrested as evidently implicated, but as
yet the real authors are not known.
July 2.—In congress yesterday Deputy Quintana
introduced the following bill, by which Rosario is declared the
future capital of the republic:
REMOVAL OF THE CAPITAL.
Deputy Quintana has introduced into congress the following
project:
Article 1. The city of Rosario is declared
capital of the republic, comprising the territory between the
Arroyos Saladello and Luduena, on the river Parana, with a league in
depth inland.
Art. 2. All public properties and
establishments within the federalized territory become national
property.
Art. 3. The executive shall have two years
to prepare the necessary buildings for the national authorities,
which shall reside in the interim in the city of Buenos Ayres.
Art. 4. This law shall be forthwith
submitted for acceptance of the provincial legislature of Santa
Fé.
The bill was supported by several members and sent to committee.
From the interior we have the following news: Defeat and flight of
Varela to Rioja, with the loss of almost all his men. The Montoneros
in Catamarca have also been defeated, and General Taboada was
marching upon Rioja to effect a junction with the forces under
Colonel Igarzabal and Major Charras. General Paunero has passed
notes to all the upper provinces calling for contingents for the
Paraguayan war.
SeñorOcampo, the deputy for Entre Rios, lately expelled from
congress, has been received in Parana with a popular ovation. On the
night of his arrival a number of his fellow-citizens went to
serenade him at his own house. Some violent speeches followed,
accompanied by several “vivas” for Ocampo and some “mueras”
addressed to the party at present in power.
From Montevideo further particulars with reference to the attempted
blowing up of the
[Page 208]
government house seem to implicate as the leader in this abominable
plot one Eduardo Beltran, a native and the head of a section of the
Colorado party called Conservadores; he has, however, absconded. The
German arrested on the discovery of the mine is Pablo Newmayer, a
person of intelligence, and by profession a land surveyor. An
electric battery and a large quantity of gunpowder were seized at
the place where the mine commenced.
July 3.—The advices from the allied camp, at
the very latest moment, announce an intended move on the 29th
instant. On the 27 th ultimo the much-talked-of balloon made a
successful ascent at Tuyuti, to the height of 80 metres; two men
ascended in it. The balloon was secured to the ground by means of
ropes. The Paraguayans were seen hard at work strengthening their
positions at different points.
The mail just arrived from the interior brings news of another Indian
invasion at Villa Uneva, province of Cordoba, with many whites
killed, wounded, or missing. From the province of Rioja the accounts
are every day more alarming. This unfortunate province is completely
in the hands of the rebels, who are committing all kinds of excesses
and carrying murder and devastation in all directions.
From Montevideo later news do not clear up the mystery of the late
attempted plot. Bertran appears to have escaped. A General Suarez
has been arrested, along with several others, accused of
complicity.
July 4.—The national chamber of deputies here
sanctioned yesterday the bill sent down from the senate for devoting
400,000 hard dollars for the purchase of heavy artillery to fortify
Martin Garcia, the key of the affluents of the La Plata, and as such
a stronghold would threaten the free navigation of the Parana and
Uruguay rivers, it will no doubt prove a “Luxembourg question” with
Brazil.
All the government buildings and foreign, diplomatic, and consular
residences have their respective flags hoisted in honor of the day.
A salute was fired from Captain Smyley’s armed vessel, the Kate
Sargent, and answered by the government land battery, 11 de
Setiembre.
From Montevideo we have further details of the intended plot. General
Suarez has been acquitted of complicity and released from
confinement. The Republica, a paper hostile to General Flores,
accuses him of having himself laid the mine in order to justify a
prolongation of his dictatorship.
July 5.—Yesterday, besides the United States
citizens resident in this city a large number of natives and
foreigners of all nationalities, prominent among whom were the
President of the republic, Ministers Elizalde and Costa, several
generals of the army, with the foreign diplomatic and consular
bodies, honored the United States legation with a visit in
commemoration of our great republican peace day.
July 6.—The Nacion Argentina, having stated
positively that Dr. Rawson and Señor Gonzales had sent in their
resignations as ministers respectively of the interior and of
finance, the Tribuna of to-day states that the only foundation for
the report is in the ill-will borne against Dr. Rawson and Señor
Gonzales, who have been for some time past the objects of attack on
the part of the Nacion Argentina, the organ of the foreign minister.
According to the Tribuna, SeñorElizalde is anxious that Dr. Rawson’s
post should be occupied by Dr. Torrent, who has resigned his mission
to Brazil. With Dr. Torrent in the department of the interior, Dr.
Elizalde, according to the Tribuna, would have charge of the finance
portfolio, and take advantage of the absence of General Mitre to
carry on his canvass for the presidency of the republic. Dr. Rawson
had some time ago manifested a wish to retire into private life, but
now he considers himself in honor bound to retain his post, owing to
the late fire which destroyed all the documents of his office, and
renders his personal interference absolutely indispensable.
With regard to the future presidency of the republic, it is
confidently asserted in some; circles that the question has been
settled, and that all parties agree as to Señor Sarmiento for
president and Governor Alsina for vice president.
The following, having reference to the gunpowder plot in Montevideo,
is taken from the Standard of to-day:
“Important from
Montevideo—Demonstration to General Flores—Account of the
infernal machine, &c.
“On Tuesday night the club Libertad and citizens of Montevideo
proceeded to congratulate General Flores on his wonderful escape
from the Nieumayer gunpowder plot. It was the greatest demonstration
since the battle of Yatay, (August, 1885,) the citizens marching in
procession from the club-house, preceded by a committee of natives
and foreigners, to the residence of the general. It was not the
ebullition of party, but the spontaneous rejoicing of men of all
shades of opinion at the salvation of the city from so terrible a
catastrophe. There were over 3,000 persons present, carrying the
flags of the triple alliance, (Argentine, Oriental, and Brazilian,)
and accompanied by two bands of music. The greatest enthusiasm
prevailed, all eager to get into the general’s house and shake hands
with him. Numerous speeches were delivered, to which Flores replied
by thanking the citizens and declaring that, he would never abuse
the popularity now gained or turn tyrant. Don JoséUmaran said that
such pledges raised the general higher than all his brilliant
victories of Canada Gomez, Yatay, &c. The old general seemed in
great spirits, as the ovation was really most satis
[Page 209]
factory. The assemblage then proceeded
to the police department to congratulate SeñorBustamente, who has
gained such popularity since his appointment, but unluckily he was
absent at the time.”
The chief of police has sent in the following procesin the matter:
“Montevideo,
July 3.
“I have the honor to submit to government my summary report touching
the discovery of the abominable plot to blow up the government house
and the governor and ministers. The result shows the necessity for
such report and reveals the nature of the crime. I am happy to say
that, thanks to the noble sentiments of a German named William
Haustoffer and of Mr. Honore, manager of the Foreign (German) Club,
I was supplied with such exact information as to discover the plot
and apprehend the criminals: it is only to be regretted that Eduardo
Beltran, the chief ringleader, has escaped, notwithstanding the
immediate steps I took for his arrest in all the rural departments.
In conclusion I have to recommend to government the active
assistance given me by all my subordinates, especially by Major
Carraseo, chief commissary, Captain Quinteros, of the Sereno force,
and the various police officers who labored so energetically for the
apprehension of the conspirators. I also received every co-operation
from Colonel Fortunato Flores and his officers. Mr. Thomas Havers,
chief engineer, was employed in the scientific researches, examined
the mine and premises, and will shortly submit his report.
“JOSÉ C. BUSTAMENTE.”
The above was read at the government house in presence of a number of
gentlemen specially invited, after which it was sent with all the
documents to the jues de crimen.
The prisoner, Paul Nieumayer, only made a full confession of the
whole plot on Tuesday night when he heard of the capture of his
cousin, who was caught in the cellar where he had been hid for 15
hours, the police not observing him in their first visit. The
declarations of the former, says the official paper, reveal the fact
that many friends and partisans of General Flores are more or less
gravely implicated in the business. Several arrests have been made,
but one of the chief accomplices (Beltran) escaped as soon as he
heard of Nieumayer’s arrest. Beltran found all the money for the
business, but the others no doubt contributed.
On Sunday night the governor and Bustamente were in the theatre when
an urgent message came, and the gefe hurriedly left the box, but he
knew of the plot from 6 o’clock the same evening. The gefe then took
with him Major Carraseo, Captain Quinteros, and another commissary,
all disguised, and ordered some policemen to be within call.
Bustamente proceeded alone to the house indicated and saw Nieumayer
at the door waiting for some of the accomplices. The gefe gave the
concerted whistle and Nieumayer was instantly seized.
Mr. Havers reports the mine to be eight feet in length by 26 inches
in width. It had already reached within six feet of the wall of
General Flores’s office, and in four hours more it would have been
in readiness to have the train fired.
As an instance of the sangfroid of the
conspirators it is related that one of the leaders was at a
cock-fight on Sunday, the day before the intended explosion, and, on
being appointed judge, said, “Very well, to-day I shall be judge in
a cockpit; to-morrow I may be president of the republic.”
The following description of the infernal machine or battery will be
read with interest:
The apparatus contained 150 pounds of powder, and is one of Rumford’s
inventions for blasting, commonly called an electric multiplier. It
is a powerful mechanism, fired by an electric spark, and much used
in the art of war for exploding mines. The moving power consists of
four of Bunsen’s wires; and a number of bottles was found containing
sulphuric acid and nitrate of acid. The conductors or copper wires
are encased in gutta-percha, so as to convey the electric spark even
through water if any should come into the sewer. The battery is
small and not unlike those sold in M. Morin’s shop for experiments
in electric light; it is, however, sufficiently powerful to be
easily fired at a distance of 400 yards. Very able reports have been
handed in by the British minister and SeñorIsola, both eminent
chemists; and Mr. Oldham, manager of the telegraph company, is also
making a report on the apparatus.
Escape of Beltran to Chili—Release of General
Suarez and others.
The Noticias says that Beltran took passage on Thursday, under a
feigned name, in the steamer Luxan, for Rosario. He will probably
proceed at once to Chili. Letters from Montevideo mention the
release of General Goyo Suarez, Colonels Manzina, Bergara, Torres,
and others.
The same paper publishes in to-day’s number the following letter from
General Flores’s private secretary:
“The Montevidean gunpowder plot.
“Government House,
Montevideo, July 4, 1867.
“We have narrowly escaped falling victims to one of the most
diabolical conspiracies ever framed. On Sunday, 30th ultimo, the
plot was discovered, the ringleaders being enemies of
[Page 210]
General Flores. It was
arranged to blow up the government house next day (Monday) at 1 p.
m., when all the ministers were in their offices; the mine was laid
right under the building. A revolution was then to take place, a
gang of armed men rushing through the streets and proclaiming the
leaders of the plot as the new government. All this, and much more
that I shall tell you in due time, appears from the proces now drawn up. The immediate director
of this infernal plot was Eduardo Beltran, who has fled to your
ity.
“Governor Flores is determined to vindicate the cause of outraged
morality, and to be inexorable with the criminals who planned the
destruction of so many thousands of unoffending persons and the
destruction of half the city.
“As your paper represents in the river Plata the press of one of the
freest and greatest countries in the world, we trust that you will
lend the weight of your influence in favor of a government that
tries to administer justice fairly. Any clemency in the present case
would be a fatal precedent, an outrage to common morality, and an
encouragement to scoundrels who hatch such diabolical intents.
“The government has to-day commissioned Colonel Regules to demand
from the authorities of Buenos Ayres the extradition of the
criminal, Eduardo Beltran.
“The government of General Flores respects the frank and upright
opinion of its adversaries, but this cannot fetter its action in
protecting the lives of our citizens from the machinations of such
wholesale assassins.
“I think I have now faithfully interpreted the wishes of General
Flores, and beg to congratulate you and your respected countrymen on
the miraculous escape of so many foreign residents here, owing to
such a timely discovery.
“I remain, &c.,
“AMADEO ERRECART, “Secretary to
General Flores.
“The Editors of the Standard.”
July 8.—The Standard of yesterday published
the following editorial remarks in relation to the gunpowder plot in
Montevideo:
“When the news of the plot first reached this city it was freely
stated that the Blancos were the parties at the bottom of the whole
affair, but to the credit and honor of that fallen party it must be
said that not a single Blanco has been implicated. In fact, to give
the Blanco party their due, we must say that they are too
respectable a class for such hellish designs. As far as our
knowledge of Oriental parties goes the Blancos represent the
wealthiest and most respectable class in Montevideo. Had even a
Paraguayan been the prime mover in the conspiracy there might be at
least a desperate motive for such an act, but that men of Governor
Flores’s own party, some of whom are under immense obligation to
him, should lend themselves to so infernal a plot shows how rotten
at the core things must be in Montevideo. This appalling conspiracy
proves the deep political animosity which has sprung up and the
storm which is impending.
“The expulsion of SeñorOcampo from Congress has caused little short
of an emeute in Santa Fé, and the newspapers of Entre Rios announce
the general determination to re-elect him again.”
July 9.—This being the anniversary of the
swearing of the constitution of the Argentine Republic, it was
celebrated by a Te Deum in the cathedral, attended by all the
national and provincial authorities and the foreign corps
diplomatique.
The accounts from the seat of war indicate that some movement of
importance is imminent. All the army baggage was loaded and ready to
start. The fleet is said to be under sailing orders and directed to
force its way up the river and pass Humaita at all hazards.
July 10.—The last mail from the interior
provinces brings news that the rebel leaders Varela and Medina,
after being defeated by Major Charras, in their flight came upon a
body of national troops under Barros and Linares. A fight ensued in
which the rebels were victorious. The state of affairs in Rioja
seems to be worse than ever; the rebels hold the city of that name,
and General Paunero is obliged to recommence the campaign.
