File No. 4867/12–15.

Minister O’Brien to the Secretary of State.

No. 244.]

Sir: I have to report that in accordance with article 73 of the constitution of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, its General Assembly, composed of 19 Senators and 73 Representatives, met on the afternoon of March 1 in the hall of the House of Representatives and by a vote of 70 to 9 elected Dr. Claudio Williman, the proclaimed candidate of the Colorado party, President of the Republic, over Señor Guillermo Garcia, the candidate of the National party. The analysis of the vote shows that 13 Senators and 57 Representatives of the Colorado party (its full representation) voted for Doctor Williman, while only 2 Senators and 7 Representatives, out of a total of 6 Senators and 16 Representatives of the National party, were present and voted for Guillermo García. The absentees took this method of showing their disapproval of the action of the directory of their party in nominating a candidate against Doctor Williman.

Immediately after the announcement of Doctor Williman’s election a committee of the General Assembly waited upon him at his private house and escorted him to the General Assembly hall, where, in the presence of that body, he took the oath of office prescribed by the constitution and delivered his inaugural address, a copy of which, with translation, is herewith inclosed. I particularly invite the department’s attention to that part devoted to foreign affairs.

Simultaneously with the taking of the oath of office by Doctor Williman, the retiring President, Jose Batele y Ordonez, issued a decree announcing that the executive power was now in the possession of Dr. Claudio Williman, the newly elected President of the Republic. Copy thereof, with translation, herewith inclosed.

Doctor Williman, immediately after his inaugural address, went on foot to the government palace and there issued a decree to the effect that the officiales mayores were to remain in charge of their respective folios until the new ministry was constituted. Copy thereof, with translation, herewith inclosed.

The change of government was effected in the midst of great-enthusiasm for the members of both the retiring and incoming governments, Doctor Williman being the recipient of marked popular demonstrations.

I herewith enumerate the public offices previously held by Doctor Williman: Professor of university society and atheneum from 1880 to 1885; from 1885, professor of secondary instruction in university, and from 1887, professor in military academy and founder of faculty of mathematics; dean of secondary instruction, 1890–1892; in 1898, member of electoral committee of Montevideo; vice-president of economic-administrative committee of capital; director of treasury of the municipality and president of committee of primary instruction, 1899–1901; rector of university, 1902–1904; president of national committee of Colorado party; president of the penitentiary council; chief of Battalion No. 4 of the Mobile National Guard, in which are [Page 1089] enrolled the university youths, 1903–4; minister of government, 1904–1907.

Doctor Williman has often expressed to me his high appreciation of American institutions and his personal admiration for President Roosevelt and Secretary Root, who will remember having met Doctor Williman while in Montevideo.

I am, etc.,

E. C. O’Brien.
[Inclosure.]

doctor williman’s speech.

* * * * * * *

I must manifest now that I will make every effort to the end that the relations of the Republic with foreign countries may increase; that, by mutual knowledge each time growing greater, by intelligence of reciprocal interests, new bonds may be established that may be a token of friendship and prosperity; and that all contracted obligations may be faithfully met.

And, very especially, the relations with the contiguous republics merit my attention, because, apart from the great existing motives, by the past alliances, the equality of institutions, and the strong ties woven by affections and lofty considerations between the governments and the peoples, I feel a personal inclination of sympathy toward those neighboring nations.