No. 583.
Mr. Hurlbut to Mr. Blaine.
Legation of
the United States,
Lima,
Peru, November 30, 1881. (Received
December 21.)
No. 30.]Sir: Since my last no event of any importance has
occurred in Lima. On the 28th November I received a telegram from you,
announcing the speedy departure from the United States of a special envoy,
and also directing me to continue to recognize the Calderon government.
On the same day I received letters from Mr. Rafael Villanueva,
Secretary-General of the Vice-President, giving notice of his acceptance of
the office to fill the vacancy occasioned by the seizure of President
Calderon, copies of which papers, in translation, I forward as
inclosures.
I have answered these by a formal communication acknowledging Admiral Montero
as the lawful head of the Constitutional Government of Peru, which will go
forward to him to-morrow.
I shall take no further steps until the arrival of the special envoy.
I am, sir, &c.,
[Inclosure 1 in No.
30—Translation.]
Copy of law, October 4, 1881.
Francisco Garcia Calderon,
Provisional President of the Republic.
Inasmuch as Congress has passed the following law:
The Congress of the Republic of Peru, considering that, for the
preservation and security of the constitutional order, it is
indispensable to name the person who shall replace the President of the
republic when from any cause he shall be precluded from excercising
supreme authority, has passed the following law:
- Article 1. In case that by reason of
any impediment the actual Provisional President shall be unable
to exercise the supreme authority, Rear-Admiral Lizardo Montero
shall take his place, and shall in such case take charge as
chief of the executive power, with the character of first
vice-president of the republic during the existence of the state
of war with Chili, and until treaties of peace shall be
ratified, the republic return to peace, and the people in
accordance with the constitution shall designate the officers
who shall exercise the executive functions.
- Art. 2. Rear-Admiral Lizardo
Montero, upon entering upon the duties of said office, shall
take an oath before any court of judicial authority in the
republic.
Let this be communicated to the executive for such action as may be
required to enforce it.
Given in the hall of session at
Lima, this 29th of September,
1881.
- T. T. ELGUERA,
President of
Congress. - L. GARCIA,
Secretary of
Congress. - ISAAC ABRAMORA,
Secretary of
Congress.
[Page 955]
Therefore it is my order that the same be printed, published, and
circulated, and the terms of the same fulfilled.
Lima, 4 October,
1881.
- F. GARCIA CALDERON.
- M. VELARTO.
[Inclosure 2 in No.
30.—Translation.]
Diplomatic circular.
Office
of Secretary-General of
State,
Cajamarca, November 15, 1881.
Sir: On account of the act committed by the
enemy of Peru, by imprisoning and carrying beyond the Peruvian territory
his excellency Francisco Garcia Calderon, Provisional President of the
Republic, and the minister of foreign affairs, Manuel Maria Galvez, his
excellency the first vice-president, Rear-Admiral Lizardo Montero, has
to-day assumed supreme power, having first taken the prescribed oath of
office before the superior tribunal of justice in this district, in
fulfillment of the law of the 4th October last, a copy of which is
herewith transmitted.
The government is therefore established for the present at this city
while the necessities of the nation demand it; and it becomes my duty to
inform you that by supreme decree of this date, I have been charged,
until a cabinet is formed, with the service of the different branches of
public administration, which appointment offers me the satisfactory
occasion of offering to your excellency the facilities necessary for any
matters of state which require diplomatic intervention.
His excellency deplores profoundly the events which I have mentioned in
the beginning of this dispatch, not only on account of their import in
themselves, but because they sharpen the points of difference between
the belligerents, and for the effect upon the country of the seizure of
its chief magistrate.
Availing myself of this opportunity, I have the honor to assure your
excellency of the sincere purpose which animates my government to draw
closer the relations of sincere friendship which fortunately unite Peru
with the United States of America, to the end that they may reciprocally
furnish the means which may be necessary for that future greatness to
which both countries have the right to aspire. With sentiments of the
most profound esteem, I have the honor to subscribe myself,
Your excellency’s faithful and obedient servant,
[Inclosure 3 in No.
30.—Translation.]
Señor Villanueva to
Mr. Hurlbut.
Cajamarca, November 18,
1881.
Sir: I am charged by his excellency the first
vice-president of the republic with the duty of answering your letter of
the 8th November instant.
His excellency properly appreciates the declarations made by you, and, as
you will see by the circular which, on the 15th of this month, I
forwarded to the diplomatic body residing in Lima, all the prescriptions
of law have been complied with, and after taking the proper oath of
office the first vice-president, Rear-Admiral Lizardo Montero, has
assumed the duties of the supreme executive. His excellency, who duly
esteems and recognizes the noble efforts which in your character of
representative of the government at Washington, near the Constitutional
Government of Peru, you have made toward the adjustment of honorable
peace with Chili, has the hope that your excellency will continue to
give to his government the same important aid which has been given to
that of his predecessor, his excellency F. Garcia Calderon.
I avail myself, &c.,
