No. 578.
Mr. Hurlbut to Mr. Blaine.
Lima, Peru, November 9, 1881. (Received December 3.)
Sir: The event of the week has been the arrest of President Calderon and Mr. Galvez, his minister for foreign affairs, by the Chilian military authorities.
You have been advised that on the 28th September Admiral Lynch, by order of that date, suppressed the Calderon government, and forbade the exercise of any authority by them.
Mr. Calderon has been quite careful to make no ostentatious display, but has never ceased to perform acts of authority. On the 4th of this month he caused a circular to be sent by his secretary, Mr. Galvez, to the diplomatic body of this city, giving them information of Montero’s adhesion to his government. This act is said to be the provocation to this singular violence by Chili.
I am informed, on good authority, that the arrest was advised against by Altamirano and Novoa, but peremptorily ordered from Santiago. It was effected about 2 o’clock on Sunday morning, the 6th, with a good deal of unnecessary military display. A battalion was placed in the street in the rear of his house, and the entire block closely guarded. A company was thrown out across the front of this legation, which is only three doors from Mr. Calderon’s house, probably to prevent his seeking asylum here. Mr. Calderon, however, had no idea of attempting [Page 948] escape, and was found in his house. He and Mr. Galvez were at once taken to Callao and put on board the iron-clad Cochrane, which sailed on Monday evening. Their destination is said to be Santiago.
The real purpose of this arrest undoubtedly was to check the strong movement in Peru toward the support of the constitutional government, and to continue the state of anarchy and confusion as a ground for Chilian occupation. It is also quite possible that it was intended to be understood by the people at large as the reply of Chili to the known support of that government by the United States. This purpose will of course be disavowed, but there is no doubt in my mind that it exists, nor that it is so understood by every one here.
The policy of Chili is transparent, and is in fact avowed in a semiofficial way by their organ in this city, La Situacion. It isto hold this country under armed occupation until they can find or create some one with whom they can make peace on their own terms. The Calderon government, supported by nearly the whole of Peru, was rapidly acquiring a dignity and position which must have been recognized by all nations, but it was known that it would not submit to mere dictation of terms of peace. Therefore, by the use of pure force, the head of that government has been removed, and secret negotiations opened with Piérola.
I notified you of the fact of the arrest by telegraph of 7th.
As soon as Montero informs me that he has accepted and entered on the duties of President ad interim, as provided by law, I shall formally and publicly recognize his authority during Calderon’s disability.
I am exceedingly anxious for some specific action by the United States, which shall establish the limits beyond which Chili will not be suffered to go, and I very deeply regret that the reported condition of General Kilpatrick is such that he cannot be expected to be at all active in any way. He still continues his absolute silence so far as I am concerned, and although I write to him every week, I send him nothing which I am not perfectly willing should be read by the Chilian ministers, as I have reason to believe it is. I place no confidence in the people who are around him, and I know that in his state of health he can give no personal attention to anything.
I am, &c.,