No. 573.
Mr. Hurlbut to Mr. Blaine.
Lima, Peru, October, 13, 1881. (Received November 3.)
Sir: Since the last mail a very important series of events has been inaugurated. On the 5th and 6th of October the troops and people of Arequipa, in the southern military department of Peru, have proclaimed their adhesion to the Calderon government, in which they have already been followed by the forces in Puno, and probably in Cuzco. This region has been Piérola’s stronghold, and, as it is entirely outside of Chilian mititary authority, it has been caused by nothing but moral force.
Last night letters were received from Cacères, commanding the military department of the center, promising to do the same thing, and I feel quite sure that Montero, commanding the northern department, and lately elected Vice-President, has by this time announced a similiar policy. It now seems quite certain that a very decided majority, at least, of Peru will support the Calderon government. I have done a good deal in a quiet way to bring about this result, for I felt it a point of honor to establish on a basis of popular support this government, recognized as such by the United States, and not recognized by England and France.
My diplomatic colleagues, especially the British minister, are quite attentive now, and the latter volunteered the statement to me that he was ready to accompany Mr. Calderon to Arequipa if he went there.
Piérola is belived to be at Ica, a port to the south, and is further believed to be trying to negotiate with the Chilians.
The declarations from Arequipa, especially if followed up elsewhere, are likely to embarrass the Chilian programme. The logic of their proposed suppression of Calderon was that he had no following; and when such following is developed, it would seem logical that they should recognize him.
Unfortunately it will not always do, with these people, to reason on logical bases as to their conduct in the future.
I believe that the authorities in Santiago are themselves disposed to be reasonable, but that the heart of the people is set upon acquisition [Page 941] of territory, and that they fear an overthrow from the military and popular element if they yield this point.
There is a certain degree of awkwardness, and likely to be more, in the position of Calderon. He, as President of Peru, a nation technically at war with Chili, is within the lines of military occupation, and subject to military law.
I incline to think that it is competent for the Chilians to order him outside of their lines, and I rather expect it to be done. In that case, if he should remove to the interior, north or south, it becomes a question whether I shall retain the legation here or follow the government to its new station.
There will be nothing that I could do away from Lima that I could not do here, except the impression that personal intercourse with the President and his ministers might make in maintaining the just influence of the United States.
I take occasion to reiterate my opinion that the opportunity for the United States to settle this war is open. The Argentine Republic has ratified the treaty of boundaries. This gives additional force to the rule of arbitration and mutual concession, and the good work commenced by the United States for the benefit of Chili ought to be complemeted by similar results for the benefit of Peru.
I am as yet entirely without advices from you, either on the general subject of Chili-Peru, or as to the course taken, or to be taken, by the government and its representatives in these countries. This is of course attributable in great measure to the long and fatal illness of President Garfield, but it is quite important that this state of uncertainty should not much longer continue.
The papers for the grant of the Chimbote-Huaraz Railway are not yet complete.
Your obedient servant,