No. 251.
Mr. Gibbs
to Mr. Evarts.
Lima, Peru, July 20, 1877. (Received August 13.)
Sir: The political state of the country is quiet. Mr. Piérola left Iquique, it is said by order of the government, and went to Chili, where he arrived a few days ago. The ultramontane organ La Sociedad has published some very strong articles against the government in reference to what it calls the ostracism of Piérola. It is generally considered that his arrival at Lima would have been, perhaps, the cause of a revolution. His companions, adherents, and the officers who were on board of the Huascar during the combat with the Shah and Amethyst, arrived at Callao yesterday in the English steamer; twenty-seven persons. Quite an ovation was given them. On stepping ashore, a commission of ladies crowned them with laurel-leaves. Addresses and speeches were made in their honor. On arrival here at Lima a procession was formed which might be called a triumphal entry into the city, accompanied by bands of music and an immense crowd. They passed through the principal streets and plazas, from the balconies of which flowers were profusely thrown on them as they passed. At the head of the procession persons carried banners with various inscriptions:
“All render homage to the defender of the national honor.”
“The force of patriotism has conquered English haughtiness.”
[Page 448]“He does not remain unpunished who offends the Republic of Peru.”
“The workmen salute their valiant chieftain.”
“Two cannons against eighty.”
“The glory of the sailors of the Huascar is the glory of all Americans.”
“The people of Lima enthusiastically salute Don Nicolás de Piérola.”
And many others of the same kind. Sky-rockets and various kinds of noisy pyrotechnics were freely used along the line of march. The procession arrived at the residence of Mrs. Piérola, when the ovation concluded, after a great deal of speechifying, all quiet and in good order. The government, very wisely, I think, refrained from interfering in any manner, leaving the partisans of Piérola full play, although I know that there was every preparation to curb any outbreak on the peace of the city. It is said that this celebration was gotten up principally by the heads of the ultramontane party. Dr. Tovar, the leading editor of that party’s organ, was one of the principal speakers.
I am, &c.,