No. 566.
Mr. Hurlbut to Mr. Blaine.
Lima, Peru, August 24, 1881. (Received September 17.)
Sir: Since my last (No. 5) nothing special has occurred in relation to the Questions between Chili and Peru.
[Page 926]On yesterday I had a long conversation with Mr. Quimper, formerly minister of internal affairs of this country. He is a man of strong intelligence, thoroughly acquainted with this country, and on intimate terms with Santa Maria and the leading spirits of Chili. He gave me valuable information on two points:
- First. That if the Calderon government shall succeed in negotiating peace without cession of territory all factions would at once disappear.
- Second. That from his private letters from Santa Maria he finds that the tone of the Chilian demands is lowered, and they talk now of indemnity in other form than territorial.
Much of this, I believe, is owing to the idea, current in Chili as well as here, of a probable action by the United States to secure peace; of which action the people at large have very vague and extravagant notions.
Rumors of all kinds are current; all, however, based upon the same premises, that in some form or other the United States will be able to check the extravagant demands of Chili, and her tendency to dictate rather than discuss terms of settlement.
I am more than ever convinced that a firm and temperate statement of the views of our government will control the action of Chili. Meanwhile time, which is an important element for Peru, has been gained, for negotiations cannot now be opened before the 1st of October.
If Chili will meet Peru in discussion upon the terms of peace as equal meets with equal, and not as an imperious dictator, terms can be arranged.
The voice of the United States can secure that, and for that voice I think both governments now wait.
I have, &c.,