No. 565.
Mr. Hurlbut to Mr. Blaine.
Lima, Peru, August 17, 1881. (Received September 17.)
Sir: On Sunday last Señor Godoy, Chilian commissioner, had an extended conference with Provisional President Calderon, in which he insisted that the peace conferences should be conducted between himself and Calderon in his private capacity, and if the results were satisfactory then the formal treaty should be executed by plenipotentiaries already named by Calderon.
This proposition was firmly refused by Calderon, who insisted on his part that he must be recognized either tacitly by recognition of his plenipotentiaries or openly in an official communication.
The conference was then adjourned until to-day (Wednesday).
On yesterday, to the surprise of every one, Godoy left on the steamer for Santiago without any further communication. Various reasons are assigned for this sudden departure. He was undoubtedly called home by telegraph, probably for the purpose of more full discussion.
It is understood that the Santa Maria Government proposes to withdraw the whole Chilian force to Tarapacá; and as a sudden withdrawal would be likely, in the present state of things, to be followed by mob rule and great violence in Lima, and as Godoy’s family are largely interested in property in this city, it is thought that he has gone home to press this consideration upon Santa Maria.
In the event of such withdrawal of Chilian troops, without first permitting the Peruvian authorities to supply themselves with arms, the only means of avoiding or controlling the “commune” here will be the Urban Guard, consisting of foreigners, and they are wretchedly supplied with arms.
Piérola is still issuing proclamations, and is said to have about 5,000 men. He failed to assemble a congress of any pretense to regularity, and calls his gathering a national assembly. The members were dictated by himself and ought to be unanimous.
The situation continues to present little hope, unless the United States can and will exercise a salutary pressure upon the belligerents, for which, in due course of time, both parties will be properly grateful. I have, &c.,