No. 9.
Mr. Osborn
to Mr. Evarts.
Buenos Ayres, April 26, 1878. (Received June 12.)
Sir: The ministerial crisis in the national cabinet was reached on the 24th instant, and on the withdrawal of Dr. Rufino de Elizalde, minister of foreign affairs, and Dr. José M. Gutierrez, minister of public worship and instruction, the President reconstructed his cabinet, which is now composed of Dr. Barnardo de Yrigoyen, who resumes the post of minister of foreign affairs, Dr. Saturnino Laspur, minister of the interior, Dr. W. Pacheco, minister of public instruction and worship, with the other minister, who retains the same post held before reconstruction.
The retirement of Drs. Elizalde and Gutierrez was caused by the policy adopted by the administration in reference to the political troubles in the province of Corrientes.
It is reported that the armed forces in opposition to Dirqui, who claims to have been legally elected and in possession, surrendered and delivered up their arms on the condition, granted by the President, that Dirqui should resign and a new election should be ordered, whereas Dirqui, it is claimed, is still kept in possession by the administration in order to prevent a new election, which would result in a defeat of the administration party in that province.
The withdrawal from the cabinet of the two ministers who went into the cabinet as the representatives of the “Mitre wing” of the party which adopted the platform of reconciliation for the good of the country, about one year ago, it is believed will disturb the future peace and harmony hoped for from that party, if it does not entirely destroy the good understanding arrived at, and mark the old party lines more distinctly than ever. This is indicated not only by the declaration of some of the leaders, but more especially by the “old partisan” press, which adopted reconciliation, but now speak out against the policy of the administration with much bitterness.
It may be doubted that since the death of General Alsina, the late war minister and the master spirit of the new order of things, if the party of reconciliation has much strength beyond this province; as reports almost daily reach this city from several of the upper provinces of political disturbances in actual existence or threatened.
But a few nights ago, in the capital of the province of Santa Fé, a revolution was attempted by an attack on the city by an armed force, about nine o’clock at night; the attack was repulsed, as the governor, Iriondo, had sufficient notice to receive it, but with a loss of some thirty lives; and the governor only saved himself by taking refuge on the top of a church.
All these movements doubtless have in view the next Presidential election, and there appears to be but little hope for a better outlook until that is past.
I have, &c.,