No. 44.
Mr. Logan
to Mr. Frelinghuysen.
Santiago, February 12, 1883. (Received March 16.)
Sir: It would appear from the latest advices that Señor Calderon’s obstinacy in refusing to come to terms with Chili is bringing about a reaction among his countrymen against both him and his Government. The movement of Iglesias, which in December last was considered to have fallen still-born, has been suddenly resuscitated, and this leader has actually gotten together at Cajamarca an assembly which has elected him supreme chief of the Republic of North Peru, with the title of “Regenerator.” The body organized regularly, and after the election of a chief, proceeded to legislate upon various matters, all tending to bring about a peace with Chili. So much real vigor does the movement appear to possess, that Señor Novara, the Chilian representative in Lima, charged with the peace negotiations, is said to be extending to the Iglesias government his active support.
For a few months past there has existed in Lima an organization known as the “Peace Club,” whose prime object is expressed by its name. It is said to be composed of a large and respectable following. Upon learning of the action of Calderon and Montero in failing to bring about an accessible and speedy peace, the directory of the club issued a remarkable manifest or address to the people upon the subject of peace. I have not time to translate this document in full, but inclose a copy of it under cover of this dispatch. The concluding section of the [Page 92] address headed “V” may have an additional interest for you, as relating largely to your representative in Chili. I may therefore be excused for giving you a hasty translation of the article referred to, in the body of this dispatch, as follows:
V.
As truth can no more be bettered by falsehood than was Salmoneus able to imitate the rays of heaven, the hour of truth has at last arrived. For this reason we have decided to reproduce the letter of the American minister, Logan, to Rear-Admiral Montero.
This reproduction is for the people, because the journal in which it appeared has been exhausted, with the notable circumstance that to-day not a single copy is to be found.
In order that the Peruvian public may read, meditate, and resolve quickly, we insert it.
[Then follows the note of Mr. Logan to Montero.]
Whoever studies this document cannot do less than clearly see where lies truth, where lies error; where is safety, and where ruin.
Those who entertained placid illusions of all which was to come of the American legation, to-day that the same legation presents the naked truth, find it necessary to attack it with vigor and pertinacity.
Upon this account the advocates of the conclusion of the war do not need more persuasion than the authorized word of the American minister.
And all those who preserve love of country, of home, of dignity, and of liberty, will enthusiastically hasten to augment the ranks of the advocates of peace.
Because in this alone is to be found the tranquillity, the pacification, and the resurrection of Peru.
Without peace there exist only ruin and prolongation of slavery for a people who by so many titles are called to a higher destiny.
The Directory of the Peace Club.
Lima, January 19, 1883.
Following this address, Colonel Duarte, chairman of the directory of the club, had several interviews with Colonel Ventos, second in command of Cáceres’ army, which resulted in the pledge by Ventos to go over with all of his division to Iglesias when the opportune moment arrived.
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I have, &c.,