File No. 823.00/111.
The American Minister to the Secretary of State.
Lima, August 3, 1913.
Sir: Following my cablegrams of July 25 and July 31, I have the honor to report further upon the subject of the attack by a mob upon the residence of ex-President Leguía on the night of July 24, 1913, as well as to briefly narrate the political situation as viewed by the followers and opponents of President Billinghurst. * * *
A few days prior to the regular convening of Congress on July 28 each House sits to pass upon the credentials of new members, the officers still presiding until the election of their successors by the new Congress. On July 23 the credentials of an anti-Billinghurst Senator were recognized by the President of the Senate, after his election had been contested and decided in his favor by the Supreme Court. The President is reported to have resented this action on the ground that this Senator opposed the terms of the Government’s proposition for settling the Tacna-Arica question with Chile. A crowd of two or three hundred people, as reported, created much disorder before the Senate Chamber. That night an effort was made to dynamite the residence of the President of the Senate. The next day a mob surrounded his residence and prevented his leaving it, and another took possession of the Senate Chamber. It was on that night that the house of Mr. Leguía was attacked, about 6.30 o’clock. * * *
The ex-President continues a prisoner at the penitentiary but will be allowed from yesterday to receive visitors. Rumors of both extremes are: that he will be exiled from the country, or will be given freedom if he will promise to leave the country, which he refused to do; on the other hand, that he will be given his freedom unconditionally in a day or two, for want of any proof against him, or will be given a trial, charge not known. * * *
I have [etc.].