<*1 d CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 6 JAfoiS', "£ A 924 Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924021073212 MESSAGE PROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, TRANSMITTING FA^ P E R S RELATING TO THE WAR IN SOUTH AMERICA. ATTEMPTS TO BRING ABOUT A PEACE, SUBMITTED TO THE SENATE, JANUARY 26 AND 27, 1882, AND TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JANUARY 26 AND FEBRUARY 17, 1882. IN REPLY TO RESOLUTIONS OF THOSE BODIES, CALLING TOR CORRESPONDENCE TOUCHING THE EFFORTS OF THIS GOVERNMENT TO BRING ABOUT PEACE BETWEEN CHILI, AND PERU AND BOLIVIA, AND TOUCHING CLAIMS AGAINST OR CONTRACTS RESPECTING EITHER OF THE BELLIGERENT GOVERNMENTS. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1882. 3 UNIVERSITY) LiBRARVy/ MESSAGE PROM THE PRESIDENT OE THE UNITED STATES, TRANSMITTING, In response to Senate resolution of December 13, 1881, a report oj the Sec- retary of State, and accompanying papers, towelling affairs in or between Peru and Chili. January 26, 1882. — Bead and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. To the Senate of ihe United States : I transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of State, and accom- panying papers, furnished in response to the resolution of the Senate of the 13th ultimo, calling for correspondence touching affairs in or between Peru and Chili. CHESTER A. ARTHUR. Executive Mansion, Washington, January 26, 1882. Department of State, Washington, January 24, 1882. To the President : The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the resolution of the Senate of the 13th ultimo, requesting the President, " if, in his opinion, it be not incompatible with the public interest, to communicate to the Senate all the correspondence between the Government of the United States and its diplomatic agents in Peru and Chili, respectively, oc- curring since the 1st day of April, 1879, touching public affairs in or be- tween those State's, and also such other correspondence and information on the subject as may be in the possession of the Executive Depart- ment," has the honor to lay before the President the full correspondence in response to that resolution. The resolution calls for all the correspondence, and the Secretary of State is not aware of any correspondence, whether diplomatic or of a miscellaneous character, touching the subject, on the flies of the De- partment during the period indicated in the resolution, which is not S. Ex. 79 1 II AFFAIRS BETWEEN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. submitted herewith. Where asterisks indicate a hiatus in the copy, they represent, so far as he is aware, only parts of papers which are omitted because referring to subjects in no way pertinent to the resolu- tion. In many cases asterisks stand in the place of names. In some instances this has been done because, in the judgment of the President,, it would have been incompatible with the public interests to disclose the names of representatives or members of foreign governments. In other cases this has been done because the names of persons have been given in papers written by persons holding no official position and with- out, so far as appears from the files of the Department of State, any sufficient authority on the part of the writers to use such names ; such unofficial papers themselves are, nevertheless, sent, because they seem to come within the call of the Senate, having been received by persons holding official positions under this Department. With these exceptions and explanations, the papers herewith sub- mitted are a full compliance with the terms of the resolution of the Senate. Respectfully submitted. FEED'K T. ERELINGHUYSEN. LIST OF PAPERS. AFFAIRS BETWEEN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. V List of gapers relating to the war in South America and the attempts to bring about a peace. 1. BOLIVIA. From whom and to whom. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Pettis (No. 12). 1879. June 23 Same to same (No. 13) . Mr. Pettis to Mr. Evarts (No. 15). Same to same (No. 16) Mr. Evans to Mr. Pettis (No. 17). Mr. Seward to Mr. Pettis (No. 19). Same to same (No. 21) ... Mr. Pettis to Mr. Evarts. Same to same (No. 22) . Same to same (No. 23) . Same to same (No. 24) . Mr. Evarts to Mr. Pettis (No. 25). Mr. Pettis to Mr. Seward (No. 31). Mr. Pettis to Mr. Evarts (No. 35). Mr. Pettis to Mr. Seward (No. 3G). June 25 June 28 July 2 Aug. 8 Aug. 11 Aug. 18 Aug. 23 Aug. 23 I Aug. 25 Aug. 25 Sept. 19 Sept. 25 Sept. 29 Sept. 30 Privateering against Chilian property in neutral vessels: authorization of, by Bolivia, and pro- Eosed fitting out of privateers in the United tates by Bolivian agents ; instructed to inform Bolivia that treaty of 1858 exempts from cap- ture enemy's property on board neutral vessels, and that law of the United States prohibits fit- ting out within its territory "of expeditions against a country with which United States is at peace. Privateering projects of Bolivia: refers to De- partment's No. 12 and incloses Treasury regula- tions for the prevention of violation oi United States neutrality laws by privateers in the in- terest of Bolivia, Peace: efforts of Mr.Pettis in behalf of; terms upon which Bolivia will submit to arbitration ; offer of mediation by Brazil and some European power has been declined. Peace : Peruvian minister calls on Mr. Pettis and expresses desire of Peru for. Mediation of Colombia for cessation of hostilities between Bolivia and Chili : instructed to inform Colombian envoy who will visit La Paz to proffer such mediation, of the friendly solicitude of the United States as to the result of his mission. Neutrality of the United States during war be- tween Bolivia and Chili : course of Mr. Pettis in assuring minister for foreign affairs of, ap- proved; reply to No. 13. Peace: action reported in his No. 15 in behalf of, approved; position of United States on the sub ject of mediation. Peace between the South American belligerents: efforts of Mr. Peltis for, would have succeeded had it not been for prejudicial action of Mi'. Fisher, bearer of dispatches ; newspaper articles indicating that Mr. Fisher has offered to Peru the mediation of the United States and is about to offer same to Chili inclosed. Peace : reports his efforts to bring about same ; Chili ready to enter into arbitration with Bolivia on basis proposed by Mr. Pettis, but reserves decision with respect to arbitration of her dis- pute with Peru ; Mr. Pettis in his efforts for peace visited Lima and Santiago and conferred with the authorities there ; reasons for his course. Privateering: Bolivia's alleged authorization of ; note of inquiry and admonition to foreign office inclosed. Privateering: Bolivia's alleged authorization of; note to foreign office transmitting Treasury regulations for prevention of violation of neu- trality laws of the United States by Bolivian piivateers inclosed ; reply to No. 13. Conduct of minister in conferring with Presidents of Peru and Bolivia and giving rise to a suppo- sition that he was on a special mission to Peru, Chili, and Bolivia : explanation requested. Documents vindicative of Bolivia's cause: reports having expressed thanks of United States to Government of Bolivia for same ; reply to No. 18. Peace between the South American belligerents: Colombia's offer of, mediation rejected; media- tion of no other power but the United States de- sired by the belligerents, who would accept such mediation at »nce if tendered. Peace question : the belligerents expect mediation of the United States, and desire bo other, and wonder at delay on part of the United States, but are too proud to ask United States to me- diate; they will be satisfied with any action the United States may take to bring about peace, and Mr, Pettis urges that steps he taken for pacification of the belligerents; position which Mr. Pettis has assumed with respect to peace; it is understood perfectly in Bolivia. VI AFFAIRS BETWEEN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 1. BOLIVIA— Continued. From whom and to whom. Subject. Mr. Hunter to Mr. Pettis (No. 26). Mr. Pettis to Mr. Seward . Mr. Pettis to Mr. Evarts (No. 41). Same to same {No. 42) Same to same (No. 43) Same to same (No. 44) Mr. Evarts to Mr. Adams (No. 3). Mr. Adams to Mr. Evarts (No. 3). Same to same (No. 4) Same to same (No. 13) . Mr. Evarts to Mr. Adams (No. 10). Mr. Adams to Mr.' Evarts (No. 2-2). Same to same (No. 26) . Same to same (No. 27) Same to same (No. 28)- Same to same (No. 29) . Same to same (No. 32) . 1879. Oct. 1 Oct. 4 Oct. 7 Oct. 8 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 1880 Apr. 19 June 14 June 22 July 14 Aug. 2 Aug. 5 Sept. 2 Sept. 2 Sept. 4 Sept. 14 Oct. 4 Visit of Mr. Pettis to Santiago and Lima : Depart- ment not prepared to either approve or disap- prove his unauthorized and rash experiment; if peace should result from it the United States would of course rejoice; this government does not intend to urge peace in disparagement of belligerent rights, and does not tender its good offices for peace, but will use them for that pur- pose if called upon by the belligerents ; state- ments in Chilian press alleging misrepresenta- tion of our policy by Mr. Pettis regarded as un- founded. Efforts of Mr. Pettis for peace : believes they will bear fruit; kindest feelings entertained for him by the belligerents on account of said efforts ; newspaper articles respecting his mediatory efforts in Chili and Peru. Mediation of the United States would be accept- able to Chili : reports conference at foreign office and transmits correspondence ; Bolivia and Peru desire mediation of United States ; would ac- cept it if offered, but they cannot formally ask it ; basis of such mediation would have to be clisoccupancy of Bolivian territory by Chili ; bel- ligerents apprehend early armed foreign inter- vention. Boundary : position which the belligerents have occupied towards each other in regard to bound- ary ; suggestion as to territorial basis for medi- ation ; maps inclosed. Privateering: Bolivian decree authorizing the same, exempts vessels carrying United States flag from seizure ; note from foreign office in- closed ; reply to No. 12 ; vindication of the decree. Privateering: Bolivia's authorization of; note from foreign office acknowledging receipt of the United States Treasury circular respecting en- forcement of neutrality laws of United States inclosed. Prisoners of war: exchange of, between Chili and Bolivia; authorized to do what he can to bring about such exchange. Arrival at Lima: facilities afforded him by the United States steamer Alaska; political situa- tion ; Mr. Christiancy influential. Political: Campero elected President of Bolivia notwithstanding his defeat by the Chilians at Tacna; war spirit strong in Bolivia; proposed unification of Peru and Bolivia. Proposed federation of Peru and Bolivia unpopu- lar; hopes and rumors as to intervention by United States; unsatisfactoriness of General Campero as President ; appointment of Mr. Ca- brera as minister to the United States. Pobcy of the United States regarding peace ; in- closes correspondence with minister to Peru setting forth same. Political: prospects as to invasion of Bolivia and as to peace; rumored arrival of war vessels from the United States for use of Peru revives hopes of Bolivia. Mediations Bolivia willing to accept mediation of United States in form proposed by United States minister at Santiago, but defers acceptance until she can hear from Peru; correspondence in- closed ; negotiations reported. Confederation movement as between Peru and Bolivia: condition of; peace question Mediation of the United States : formal and unre- served acceptance of, by Bolivia Mediation of United States: acceptance of. bv Bo- livia; rejection of offer of mediation b| Euro- pean powers ; preparing to attend conference at Arica ; correspondence inclosed Mediation: disposition of the allies to defer or abandon negotiations in consequence of the seizure by the Chilians of a sugar estate in the north of Peru ; effort of Mr. Adams to change this disposition ; correspondence inclosed. AFFAIRS BETWEEN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 1. BOLIVIA— Continued. VII Mr. Adams to Mr. Evarts (No. 34). Same to same (No. 35) - - Same to same (No. 36) . . Same to same (No. 36 a) Same to same (No. 39) . Same to same (No. 43) . . Same to same (No. 46) . Same to same (No. 49). 1880 Oct. t 7 Oct. 8 Oot, 23 Nov. 6 Nov. 6 Mr. Evarts to Mr. Adams (No. 24). Mr. Adams to Mr. Evarts (No. 52). Same to same (No. 56) . Same to same (No. 57; . Mr. Nunez delPrado to Mr. Evarts. Mr. Adams to Mr. Evarts (No. 59). Same to same (No. 60). Mr. Cabrera to Mr. Evarts. . Mr. Adams to Mr. Evarts No. 61). Nov. 12 Nov. 17 Dec. 3 Dec. 14 Dec. 16 1881. Jan. 9 Jan. 17 Feb. 1 Feb. 3 Feb. 15 Feb. 18 Feb. 24 Mediation: refers to his No. 32; Bolivia objects to language in legation's note therein inclosed; Mr. Adams modifies it accordingly ; favorable press comments on mediation of the United States. Peace conference : departs for Arica to attend the same. Peace negotiations: nearly defeated by objection of Peruvian negotiators to go to Arica ; active and finally successful efforts of Mr. Adams and Bolivian negotiators to overcome this objection. Peace negotiations: inclosures belonging to his No, 36 transmitted. Peace conference : failure of, reported with com- ments; reprehensible conduct of Chili, and in- explicable action of Minister Osborn. Political situation: scheme for confederation of Peru and Bolivia laid aside for the present ; nearly a rupture between Peru and Bolivia ; compromise effected; price of necessaries of life very high, while exchange is at par ; minis- try compelled to resign owing to failure of our mediation ; intervention of United States hoped for; vandalism on part of Chilians apprehended with dread; legislation. Peace conference: report of Bolivian plenipoten- tiaries and protocols of proceedings of the con- ference inclosed. Peace conference : report of Bolivian foreign office on, inclosed ; satisfaction at odium which Chili has brought upon herself by declaring the right of conquest; intervention by the United States' and declaration of war by Argentine Re- public hoped for ; triumph of the allies in the conference. Peace negotiations : failure of, regretted ; United States still ready to do whatever it can for peace; his personal movements reported in his No. 36 approved. Intervention: circular of Bolivian Government inciting other South American Republics to in- tervene for suppression of Chilian aggrandize- ment, inclosed. Political : circular of Bolivian Government in an- swer to one of the Chilian Government respect- ing responsibility for the war and its continu- ance, inclosed. Political : change of ministry ; war party in power ; hopes of Bolivia revived by action and disposi- tion of Argentine Republic; prompt suppres- sion of a mutiny ; President Campero firmly established in his seat, although revolutionary rumors are frequently circulated. Peace question : determi nation of Bolivia to resist to the last extremity Chili's efforts at absorption and conquest. Political: demoralization consequent on capture of Lima ; foreigners in terror in anticipation of Chilian invasion ; appointment of Nunez as min- ister for foreign affairs. Political situation : Bolivian circular defining the same, inclosed ; Bolivia is stronger than Peru now and has suffered less; turn of Bolivia's commerce towards the Atlantic via the La Plata and Amazon Rivers; note from foreign office inclosed for transmission to Bolivian minister in the United States. Peace question : mode of settlement of, which Mr. Cabrera strongly advocates; nitrate and guano deposits of Peru, bone of contention, should be removed from the control of belligerents, and placed in charge of a company which would pay Bolivia's and Peru's war and other debts ; plan of such company submitted ; war, instead of being ended by fall of Lima, is to be continued with greater activity. "War contributions levied by Bolivia : Spaniards apply to Mr. Adams to intervene for their ex- emption from; Mr. Adams declines on grounds that application is not official and that contribu- tion is just. VIII AFFAIRS BETWEEN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 1. BOLIVIA Continued: No. From whom and to -whom. Date. Subject. jPage. 50 Mr. Cabrera to Mr. Blaine . . 1881. May 9 Peace question : plan for solution of, set forth, in his note of February 18 last; urges adoption of it. Political situation: preparations being made for resisting the invasion of Chilians; Bolivia ad- 70 ' 51 Mr. Adams to Mr. Blaine June 8 71 (No. 75). heres to Pierola; intervention of the United States for peace hoped for. 5'3 Mr. Blaine to Mr. Nunez del Prado. June 14 Peace question: acknowledges his note of Feb- ruary 1. 72 53 Mr. Adams to Mr. Blaine - . . Nov. 8 Policy of the United States in regard to the set- tlement of the peace question : information rel- ative to, requested. 2. CHILI. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts (No. 83). Same to same (No. 86). Same to same (No. 88). Same to same (No. 89). Same to same (No. 92). Same to same (No. 98) . Mr. Seward to Mr. Osborn (No. 63). Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts (No. 100). Same to same (No. 101). Same t« same (No. 107) . Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn (No. 70). Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts (No. 110). 1879 Feb. 20 Apr. 3 Apr. i Apr. 11) Apr. 19 May 10 May 29 Jane 5 June 11 July 24 Aug. 8 Aug. a Hostilities between Bolivia and Chili resulting from a boundary dispute ; Chilian forces in pos- session of Bolivian territory; fears entertained that Peru will join with Bolivia; explanatory documents transmitted. Hostilities between Bolivia and Chili: Peru will probably take sides with Bolivia ; action of Mr. Osborn to prevent a collision between Peru and Chili; the Bolivian territory occupied by Chili, and its resources; the desert of Atacama ; news- paper articles thereon inclosed ; F. L. Asta-Bur- uaga, appointed minister to the United States, will leave for Washington soon. Hostilities between Peru and Chili: Chili's griev- ances are the secret treaty between Peru and Bolivia, and Peru's preparation for war. "War between Chili and Peru: war formally de- clared by Chili on 5th April ; Iquique blockaded on same day; province m which Iquique is sit- uated is very wealthy in nitrate and guano de- posits ; memorandum setting forth antecedents of the war inclosed. War between Chili and Peru: incloses manifesto of Chilian Government vindicating its course in declaring war against Peru. War: progress of; map of theater of war inclosed; purposes of Chili and plan of her campaign ; copy of secret treaty between Peru and Bolivia inclosed ; Argentine Republic was urged to be- come a party to this treaty, which was gotten up in hostility to Chili. War between Chili and Peru: No. 92, transmit- ting Chili's manifesto justifying her declaration of war against Peru, received; the war is re- gretted by the United States. Mediation tendered by Great Britain refused by Peru and accepted by Chili; naval combat at Iquique, and blockade of that port ; England directs protection of British subjects by her naval vessels. Privateers: inclosing translation of Bolivian de- cree relative to, which is in conflict with treaty of United States ; English representatives much agitated. War between Peru and Chili : mediation of Ecua- dor for peace ; Peru demands as a condition of arbitration a status quo ante helium; Chili de- mands a status quo as at present; Chili about to make a forward movement; paralyzation of business ; financial measures of Chili ; opposi- tion to European intervention. Mediation of Colombia for cessation of hostilities: instructed to express to Colombian envoy who will visit Santiago to proffer mediation the friendly solicitude of the United States as to the result of his mission. Visit of Mr. Pettis : his efforts in behalf of peace ; difficulty in establishing basis for peace negoti- ations ; Mr. Pettis's efforts have materially im- proved the prospects for peace; Mr. Osborn does not expect a peaceable solution at present. AFFAIRS BETWEEN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 2. CHILI— Continued. IX Mr. Osborn to. Mr. Evarts (No. 112). Same to same (No. 118) - Same to same (No. 120) Same to same (No. 123) . Mr. Asta-Buruaga to Mr. Evarts. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts (No. 125). Mr. Evarts to Mr. Asta-Bu- ruaga. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn (No. 83). Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts (No. 131). Same to same (No. 132) . 1879. Aug. 16 Oct. 17 Oct. 28 Dec. Dec. 15 1880. Jan. 13 Same to same (No. 133) - Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn (No. 85). Same to same (No. 87) . 79 Same to same.(No. t Feb. 25 Feb. 27 Mar. 5 Mar. 9 Apr. 13 Apr. 14 Arbitration : Chili ready to arbitrate with. Bolivia on basis proposed by Mr. Pettis, but not with Peru ; war spirit in the ascendency in Chili ; fears of revolution ; rumor that United States intends to intervene ; Mr. Fisher, bearer of dis- patches, and Mr. Pettis occasion the rumor; memorandum of arbitration proposed by Mr. Pettis and correspondence inclosed. Peace question: reply of Mr. Osborn to letter of the united States minister at Lima inclosed : inutility of any effort at Santiago for peace at present. Peace question: failure of Colombia's peace mis- sion ; Mr. Osborn has advised our minister at La Paz to do nothing iu the way of urging medi- ation of the United States upon" the belligerents ; Chili confident of success, and does not wish good offices of the United States at present; necessity for bloody battles before peace cau be treated for; proposition involving retrocession of captured territory would not be accepted now. War, progress of: Chilians have captured Peru- vian ports of Iquique and Pisagua, and have opened them to commerce, and are now block- ading Arica. Neutrality laws of the United States: a torpedo- boat is about to be sent from Bristol, B. I., to Peru in violation of; requests that measures be taken to prevent the departure of said boat; contends that a torpedo-boat comes under the head of armed vessels. Blockade of Peruvian ports Ilo and Mollendo by the Chilian squadron reported. Neutrality of the United States: suspected inten- tion of Violation of, by parties in the interest of Peru ; there are no sufficient grounds at present for criminal action against builders of the sus- pected craft at Bristol, K. /I. ; steps taken to prevent violation of neutrality. Neutral rights: instructed to bring attention of Chilian Government to the destruction of Amer- ican property at Talara and Lohos by Chilian naval forces, and to inform that government that the United States expects the rights of its citizens as neutrals to be respected, in pursuance of treaty and international law. Neutral rights : incloses note to foreign office pro- testing against violation of, which would ensue if recent vigorous regulations prescribed by Chili for prosecution of the war should be strict- ly carried: out ; the regulations provide for bom- bardment of all towns and destruction of all moles and launches in Peru ; copy of regulations inclosed. Prisoners of war : exchange of, between Chili and Bolivia; aid of legation to effect same has been requested by Chili and promised by Mr. Osborn ; has addressed legation at La Paz on subject. Nitrate beds occupied by Chilian forces: Chili will never give them back to Peru ; export duty placed on the products of these beds is too high, and very little nitrate is being shipped ; Chili is allowing foreign holders of Peruvian bonds' to take the products of the beds in satisfaction of their mortgages. Foreign intervention : instructed, in the event of attempt being made by European powers to intervene for cessation of hostilities, to endeavor to induce Chili to turn to the United States as an arbitrator, rather than to a European govern- ment. Prisoners of war : exchange of, between Chili and Bolivia; recently appointed United States min- ister to Bolivia, who will soon depart for his post, will be instructed to take steps for such exchange. "Warfare: recent rigorous rules of, established by Chili; minister's protest to Chili approved; in- structed to do all he can to prevent the wanton destruction of life and property. AFFAIRS BETWEEN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 2. CHILI— Continued. From whom and to whom. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn (No. 89). Mr. Asta-Buruaga to Mr. Evarts. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts No. 143). Same to same (No. 148) May 21 Mr. Hay to Mr. Osborn (No. 98). July 15 Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn (telegram). July 29 Same to same. (No. 101) Jnly 30 Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts (No. 155). Aug. 4 Same to same (telegram) Ang. 11 Aug. 12 Date. Subject. Apr. 23 Apr. 24 j April 30 May 20 Mr. Hay to Mr. Osborn (telegram). Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarta (No. 160). Same to same (No. 161) Same to same (No. 163) Same to same (No. 164) Same to same (No. 165) Aug. 17 Aug. 26 Aug. 27 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 13 Prisoners of war : exchange of, between Chili and Bolivia ; copy of No. 3 to the United States min- ister at La Paz, on the subject, inclosed. Neutral rights: alleged violation of, by Chili; vin- dicates Chili's mode of warfare; neutral resi- dents have no ground of complaint; Chili will pay all just claims against her, and hopes that lust claims which she may prefer will be simi- larly treated ; has applied to his government for instructions. Neutral property : destruction of, by Chilian naval forces at' Talara and Lobos ; has observed instructions No. 83; grounds upon which Chili vindicates the destruction. Mediation by the United States for restoration of peace between Chili and Perut howit should be conducted when invited ; prospects for peace ; no disposition on part of European powers to intervene: letter to United States minister at Lima inclosed. Iqnique: charges preferred by Chili against Con- sul Merriam of assisting Peru in the war ; his prompt removal recommended. Neutral rights : asks if Chili has replied to his protest against her proposed mode of conduct- ing the war ; refers to his No. 131. Mediation : ' Press upon Chilian Government our desire to aid in restoring peace on honorable terms." Mediation : suggestion by him to Mr. Christiancy of mode of rendering good offices of United States available for cessation of hostilities ap- proved ; confirms Department's telegram of 29th ultimo. Intervention : movement of European legations for peace ; no forcible intervention contem- plated ; no prospect of an early peace ; the army disentitled at not being ordered to march on Lima ; present administration of Chili a very timid one ; letter to Mr. Christiancy inclosed. Mediation : Chili would accept mediation in form suggested in my dispatch of May 20. Mediation : Chili expresses willingness to accept mediation of the United States on basis pro- posed in Mr. Oshorn's [148 ; formal tender ng of mediation postponed until receipt of instruc- tions ; Chili thus is the first one of the belliger- ents for peace. Peace question : instructions sent to Mr. Chris- tiancy asking views of Peru ; Mr. Osbom's action approved. Neutral rights : alleged violations of, by Chilians at Talara and Lobos, and ill treatment of Mr. Campbell ; note from foreign office vindicating Chilians' course at Lobos and Talara inclosed; purpose of legation's note, viz, greater respect for neutral rights accomplished; report of in- vestigation in Mr. Campbell's case not yet re- ceived. Mediation: Department's telegram of August 17 is gratifying to President of Chili ; has requested Mr. Christiancy and Mr. Adams to learn the views of Peru and Bolivia ; our movement for peace embarrassed by counter movement on part of other foreign governments ; proposition made to Chili by Peru at request of diplomatic corps at Lima to appoint a peace negotiator. Peace conference : Mr. Christiancy's visit to San- tiago doing no good; peace conference probably will be held at Arica middle of October; Chili has determided upon the appointment of three negotiators. Chili's proposed mode of warfare is a violation of neutral rights ; no reply made to legation's pro- test; explanation of excesses of Chilian sol- diery ; reply to No. 98. Prisoners or war: exchange of, between Chili and Bolivia ; correspondence on the subject inclosed ; reply to No. 100; no further action taken at Santiago in the matter. AFFAIRS BETWEEN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 2. CHILI— Contiuued. XI Mr. Osbora to Mr. EvartB (No. 367). Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn (telegram). Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts (No. 169). Same to same (No. 171) Same to same (No. 172) Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn (No. 109). Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts (telegram). Same to same (No. 173) 1880. Sept. 17 Sept. 28 Sept. 30 Oct, Mr.Valderrama to Mr. Asta- Buruaga Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn (telegram). Mr. Valderrama to Mr. As- ta-Buruaga. Same to same . Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts (No. 181). Same to same (No. 182) . Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn (No. 115). Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts (No. 187). Same to same (No. 190) Oct. 8 Oct. 14 Oct. 28 Oct. 28 Nov. 11 Nov. 19 Nov. 22 Nov. 22 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 27 • 1881. Jan. 3 Jan. 14 Peace question: pernicious effect of Mr. Chris- tiancy's visit to Santiago. Peace question: "Proceed as proposed if bellig- erents accede ; instructions to our vessels when you telegraph, for them." Mediation: Government of Chili is committed to a more vigorous prosecution of the war, but our mediation may bring about peace, though it is unlikely, in consequence of the indisposition of Peru to make adequate concessions ; Chili will probably not assent to an armistice pending peace negotiation ; destruction of Chimbote by the Cbilians ; vindicatory explanations thereof ; neutral property to be respected by Chilians ; does not agree witb Mr. Christiancy that refu- sal of Chili to assent to an armistice would be disrespectful to the United States. Mr. Christiancy's visit to Santiago ; embarrassing position in which Chili was placed by that visit ; refers to his No. 167; Mr. Osborn is astonished that Chili has not withdrawn her acceptance of our mediation. Mediation accepted through note from foreign office, inclosed ; Chili declines to suspend hostili- ities pending peace negotiations. Mediation : proceedings of legation for, by the United States seem to prosper thus far ; full advices awaited ; no. 163, and telegram of the ' 9th instant, received. Conference closed without result. Peace conference : termination of ; failure of peace negotiations ; surprise at Peru's refusal to cede Tarapaca ; Chilian expedition against Lima ; armed intervention of European powers not apprehended at present. Peace conference : Expressing regret at failure thereof, but sincere thanks for mediation and good disposition of the United States, and com- mending conduct of Mr. Osborn. Neutrals: instructed as to taking action for pro- tection of lives and property of, when Lima is attacked by Chilians. Peace conference: Chili not to blame for failure of; she would not have accepted mediation of the United States and gone into the conference had she not been assured by Mr. Christiancy that Peru would cede Tarapaca. Peace conference : embarrassing misrepresenta- tions of Chili's attitude regarding acceptance^ mediation of the United States ; commendation of Mr. Osborn's course. "War policy of Chili ; she proposes to take TaTa- paca from Peru not by right of conquest, but as indemnity for war damages ; vindication of Chili's refusal to submit to arbitration ; for- eign office circular explaining Chili's war policy inclosed. Neutrals : protection of lives and property in the event of the capture of Lima by the Chilians ; confirms his telegram of the 26th instant; incloses foreign office note that Chili has taken due precaution for the safety of neutrals and their property. Arbitration : instructed to correct erroneous ' impression that the United States would not cheerfully act as arbitrator, which a certain re- mark made by him during peace conference may have caused. Guano bonds of Peru : statement of position of Chili respecting payment of. Arbitration between Chili and Colombia : desig- nation of President of the United States as ar- bitrator •* Chili asks whether the President will accept the position ; Mr. Osborn replies in the affirmative ; correspondence inclosed ; reply to No. 108. XII AFFAIRS BETWEEN CHILI, P.ERU, AND BOLIVIA. 2. CHILI— Continued. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn {No. 119). Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts {No. 195). Mr. Osborn to Mr. Blaine (No. 198). Same to same (No. 201) . Mr. Osborn to Mr. Elaine (No. 202). Mr. Martinez to Mr. Hitt. . . Mr. Osborn to Mr. Blaine (No. 205). Mr. Blaine to Mr. Kilpat- riek (No. 2). Mr. Kilpatrick to Mr. Blaine (No. 3). Same to same (No. 8) 1881. Feb. 10 Feb. 24 Mar. 23 Apr. 5 Apr; 6 May 6 May 7 Mr. Martinez to Mr. Blaine Same to same . Same to same . Mr. Blaine to Mr. Kilpatrick (No. 13). Aug. 15 Oct. 14 Oct. 24 Oct. 27 Oct. 28 Nov. 22 Peace question : urge upon Chili the desire of the United States to bring about peace ; now that the Chilians have captured Lima and Cal- las, it is believed that Peru will accept media- tion of the United States upon any reasonable terms ; advises him of instruction of this date to Mr. Christiancy. Peace conference: Vindication of remarks made by him during it, in regard to arbitration ; they did not make any erroneous impression on Chili as to disposition of the United States ; reply to No. 115. Peace question : no prospects of early solution of ; the situation in Peru ; attitude of Chili ; Mr. OBborn will do all in his poweT to effect an early peace. Chilian general's account of capture of Lima and its immediate antecedents, inclosed. Peace question : prospects for solution of, very remote ; Chili's hopes in the Calderon govern- ment of Peru have been greatly weakened ; de- moralization in Peru prevents establishment of a stable government; course which Chili may adopt. Mediation : Great Britain, France, and Italy tender their mediation to Chili; it is rejected by Chili; the Europeans neither dissatisfied nor disap- pointed. Protectorate over Peru : vehemently denies rumor that Chili intends to establish the same. Peace question: determination of Chili to strength- en the Calderon government in Peru and to treat with it for peace ; Mr. Godoy, former min- ister to the United States, goes to Lima in charge of negotiations ; recoiumeiido Chili's course ; advice given her by Mr. Osborn ; she will certainly insist upon cession of Tarapaca and possibly Mosquegua. Intervention : instructed to encourage disposi- tion of Chili to restore self-government in Peru ; to urge Chili to enter into negotiations for peace oefore deciding to take portion of Peru as war indemnity, and to endeavor to have Euro- pean intervention excluded from adjustment of the peace question. Peace question: reports his efforts to induce Chili to adopt views of the United States ; coun- teracting and bad effectproduced in Chili by published statements of United States minister' at Lima, that United States will not allow ac- quisition of territory by Chili from Peru. Policy of the United States : erroneous and dis- quieting statement by Minister Hurlbut at Lima concerning; denial of its truths and counterac- tion of its effects by Mr. Kilpatrick reported ; note to Minister Baimaceda inclosed. Complains of the conduct of Mr. Hurlbut the United States minister at Lima ; extracts from newspapers inclosed, which give the cause of complaint. Unfriendly attitude of Mr. Hurlbut, towards Chili : Mr. Martinez incloses a note from his govern- ment instructing him to ascertain if views of the United States are in accord with those of Mr. Hurlbut. Suppression of the Calderon government of Peru by Chili: propriety with which the Chilian commander psoceded in the matter set forth. Peace question : his note to the foreign office to allay apprehension and correct false impression produced by the United States minister at Lima strongly disapproved ; Chili had no grounds for apprehension and should not have applied to legation ; her course in suppressing Calderon government unintelligible in view of her pre- vious assurances, reported in legation's No. 3 ; arrest of Calderon regretted ; hopes it is not in- tended as a rebuke to the United States on account of differences between him and his col- league at Lima ; a special envoy will be sent to endeavor to arrange a peace; reply to No. 8. AFFAIRS BETWEEN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 2. CHILI— Continued. XIII 127 Mr. Blaine to Mr. Kilpatrick (telegram). I 128 Mr. Martinez to Mr. Blaine 129 130 131 132 Mr. Blaine to Mr. Kilpatrick (N'o. 16). 1881. Nov. i Nov. 26 Nov. Mr. Blaine to Mr. Treacot Nov. (No. 1). Mr. Blaine to Mr. "Walker Blaine. Mr. Blaine to Mr. Trescot (No. 2). Nov. 30 Dec. 1 133 134 Mr. Kilpatrick to Mr, Llaine (No. f J Cochet heirs: Claim vs. Peru, upon which Peru- vian company's scheme is based; No. 25 re- ceived; minister's action approved; indecency and dishonor of Mr. Shipherd,. the agent of the company; eminent New York gentlemen, who aTe alleged to beloog to the company, are proba- bly as ignorant of the use of their names as Mr. Blaine was of the absurd statements attributed to Mm by Mr. Shipherd. Pierola renounces presidency : is intriguing for return to power; British minister is injuring us by alleging conclusion of a secret treaty whereby we are to acquire a portion of Peru; death of General Kilpatrick reported. British minister's injurious conduct in alleging a conclusion of a secret treaty: he is called to accouut by Mr. Hurlbut and says it was onh a joke; suggests that it be brought to the atten- tion of the foreign office; refers to No. 32. Montero's assumption of the presidency officially announced to diplomatic corps: Pierola's renun- ciation; no joint action by the corps; Pierola still in Lima; failure of demonstration in his favor; municipality seized by Chilians; inabil- AFFAIRS BETWEEN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. XXXI 3. PERU— Continued. No. 387 389 300 From whom and to whom. Mr. Hurlbut to Mr. Blaine (No. 34) — Continued. Same to same (No. 35). Same to same (No. 36) . Same to same (No. 37). Same to same (No. 38) . . Same to same (No. 39) - - Mr. Elmore to "Mr. Freling- huysen. Date. 1881. Dec. 14 Dec. 15 Dec. 17 Dec. 22 Dec. 22 Dec. 28 1882. Jan. 23 Subject. ity of Mr. Adams to proceed to post; has advised him to remain at Lima until the arrival of Mr. Trescot; rumor that General Kilpatiick has left a document stating that his note to Valmaseda was wrung from him when he was wholly unfit to transact business. Telegram from Chilian minister at "Washington alleging disapproval by Department of Mr. Hurl- buva conduct; publication of j Mr. Hurlbut not disturbed by it. Claim of Cochet heirs: Peruvian company's scheme; letters from Mr. Shipherd, president of the com- pany, and Mr. Hurlbut' s reply declining further correspondence, inclosed. Political: course pursued by Mr. Hurlbut; justi- fication of ; reply to No. 19 : arrest of Calderon a. willful affront to United States. Political : Mr. Elias and Mr. Candamo have been appointed representatives at Lima of President Montero, who is still in the interior; this facil- itates intercourse. Arrival at and departure from Lima of Special Commissioners Trescot and Blaine; told Mr. Trescot that arrest of Calderon was unjustifi- able, and was intended as an insult to United States, and that his immediate release ought to be demanded; harm being done United States in Chili by the Peruvian Company; letters from the president of the company inclosed ; official notice of our true attitude regarding this com- pany should be given to Chili without delay. Betrayal of Peru by Bolivia, rumor of, denied. 4. PRANCE. 394 397 Mr. Morton to Mr. Blaine (No. 6). Mr. Blaine to Mr. Morton (No. 30). , Mr. Morton to Mr. Blaine (No. 58). Mr. Blaine to Mr. Morton (telegram). Mr. Morton to Mr. Blaine (telegram). 1881. Aug. 11 Sept. 5 Oct. 20 Nov. 14 Nov. 15 Interview with President Gr6vy in regard to Chili- Peruvian war, who suggests that the United States again offer mediation; demands of Chili upon Peru should he modified. Chili-Peruvian war: declension of the United States to enter into negotiations with European powers for joint intervention for peace; reply to No. 6. Chili- Peruvian war: interview with President Gr6vy; substance of the Department's No. 30 communicated to him ; Prance in accord with position tajjen by tbe United States, and is willing to act with the United States in the di- rection of peace, or to leave the United States to proceed alone. Chili- Peruvian war : full account of any interview he has had recently with French Government relative to, and especially any relating to, recog- nition of Peruvian minister, requested. Chili-Peruvian war: has had no interview with President Gr6vy since that reported in No. 58 ; indications less favorable for recognition of Calderon. 5. MISCELLANEOUS. Mr. Pettis to Mr. Erarts. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Fisher. 1880. . Mar. 29 1879. June 6 Political changes and situation in Bolivia, ac- count of; letter from acting consul at La Paz, and a Peruvian newspaper inclosed ; peaceable revolution in Bolivia. Bearer of dispatches, appoints him as; transmits dispatches for United States ministers and con- suls in Peru and Chili on account of existing hostilities there ; also, passport, consular regu- lations, and copies of treaties. XXXII AFFAIRS BETWEEN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 5. MISCELLANEOUS— Continued. No. From whom and to whom. Subject. 400 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 408 409 Mr. Fisher to Mr. Seward . Mr. Ksher to Mr. Evarts. . Same to same. Mr. Fisher to Mr. Seward (No. 3). Same to same (No. 4). Same to same (No. 5) . . 1879. June 7 June 10 July 30 July 31 Aug. 14 Oct. 9 Mr. Hunter to Mr. Fisher . Mr. Fisher to Mr. Hunter . Mr. Hunter to Mr. Fisher . Mr. Fisher to Mr. Hunter . 410 Same to same . 412 413 415 416 417 +18 Same to same . Mr. Shipherd to Mr. Walker Blaine. Same to same. Mr. "Walker Blaine to Mr. Shipherd. Mr. Shipherd to Mr. Blaine. . Mr. Blaine to Mr. Shipherd. . Mr. Shipherd to Mr. Blaine. . Mr. Blaine to Mr. Shipherd- . Oct. 10 Dee. 26 1880. Feb. fi Feb. 27 Oct. 22 Oct. 20 1881, July 27 July & July 28 Oct. 10 r Oct. 12 Oct. 18 Oct. 22 War between Chili arid Peru: forwards two offi- cial pamphlets in regard to "Question Chilens Boliviana " and "Manifesto", &c. Bearer of dispatches : special passport, package of dispatches, and letter of 6th inst. received; will leave on 20th inst. Bearer of dispatches : statement showing delivery of dispatches intrusted to him inclosed. "War between Chili and Peru-Bolivia: reports Ms efforts to bring about peace between the repub- lics; Chili not likely to consent to any truce on conditions required by other belligerents ; proba- bility of an overthrow of the Chilian ministry which may produce a peaceful policy. Arbitration": does not deem it desirable to discuss same at present ; strategic movements com- mented upon. Arbitration, question of: circumspection exer- cised in communicating substance of interview with the Secretary of State; admits having stated to parties of influence the object of his mission; interview of Mr. Pettis with the Pres- idents of Peru and Bolivia led. to exaggerated reports by the press. War between Chili and Peru-Bolivia: letter of August 14th relative to, received. Laws of war, as adopted by Chili for the guidance of its army : copy of, inclosed. Laws of war of Chili received Congress of American republics to convene at Washington: suggests that the President in- vite various countries to participate for the purpose of settling the pending questions and establishing closer relations between all Amer- ican republics. Mediation of United States : states that true time for, will be after Chilian army has arrived in bay of Callao and at the island of San Lorenzo, and gives reasons why interference will fail be- fore that; building for permanent exhibition of American samples ; commercial treaty. Mediation by the United States: incloses news- paper extracts showing good feeling "pf Chili towards the United States, notwithstanding at- tempt of; will soon leave for the United States with particulars of commercial treaty hereto- fore referred to. Peruvian Company: refers to conversation had with Secretary relative to, and^requests a copy of instructions to Mr. Hurlbut, .United States minister to Peru ; also desires the address of Mr. Suarez. Peruvian Company protests against Chili taking possession of the guano islands and the nitrate beds to secure the payment of her war indem- nity, and asks Department to take steps to pre- vent said action by Chili: incloses duplicates of all printed papers relating to said company ; also two affidavits of Peter Hevner, and expects by the end of August evidence of death and in- testacy of Alexander Cochet. Peruvian Company cannot answer letter relating- to, umil after consultation with Secretary of State ; Mr. Suarez was at Panama on the 13th instant ; sailed for Peru on that day. Claim to one-third of all guano deposits-in Peru ■ incloses notices of ownership sent to Chilian and Peruvian ministers relative to. Claim to one-third of all guano deposits in Peru ■ documents^ with his letter of 10th instant, placed on hie. Claim to one-third of all guano deposits in Peru • incloses proofs that notices of ownership were served ou Chilian and Peruvian ministers in Washington October J£, and additional notices to be sent to the United States ministers. Claim to one-third of all guano deposits in Peru • papers, with his letter of 18th instant relative to, placed on file. AFFAIRS BETWEEN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. XXXIII 5. MISCELLANEOUS-Continued. Ho. From whom and to whom. 419 420 421 422 Mr. Hadden to Mr. Hunter . Mr. Blaine to Mr. Sjhipherd. Mr. Shipherd to Mr. H nnter Count de Montferrand and Mr. Suarez to Mr. Evarts. Same to same - 1881. Nov. 28 Deo. 3 Dec. 5 Jan. 17 Jan. 30 428 Same to same. Mr. Suarez to Mr. Evarts - . - Count Montferrand to Mr. Evarts. Confidential note. 431 432 433 434 Mr. Evarte to Mr. Suarez. . . Mr. Suarez to Mr. Guillaume Mr. Suarez to Mr. Evarts - - - Same to same Mr. Suarez to Mr. Blaine . Same to same . Count Montferrand to Mr. Hitt. S. Ex. 79 in Feb. 1 Feb. 9 Feb. 14 Feb. 16 Feb. 17 Feb. 18 Feb. 19 Feb. 28 Mar. 1 Mar. 1 Apr. 22 Protectorate of the United States over Peru : in- closes letter sent United States Minister Hurl- but urging establishment of. Calls attention to his correspondence with the United States minister, and. offering bribe there- to : censures Mb action severely, and states that only his apparent mental irresponsibility saves him from prosecution ; Departmentwillnolonger recognize him as attorney in any case. Claim to guano deposits in Peru : incloses letter received from Peru showing present condition of. Credence: letter of : from the "Societ6 generale de credit industnel et commercial ," and intro- ductory letter from Ed. Noetzlin, esq., a director of the "Banque Franco ifigyptienne. " Proposition to pay Chili and Peru respectively £550,000 per annum, which will justify a loan to cover war indemnity demanded by CJhili and meet all legitimate national obligations, and to arrange with Peruvian bondholders the indebt- edness held by them, on condition that Chili surrender territory taken from Peru, subject to protectorate of the United States, and to grant the society the exclusive privilege of shipping nitTate therefrom ; urges the United States to again interfere on behalf of peace; incloses va- rious papers, including contract between society and Peru. Mediation of the United States: urges advisa- bility thereof; calls attention to^the advantages of their scheme, and the evils to be averted oy its adoption ; awaits action of United States. Mediator in Chili-Peruvian war : urges the United States to offer its services as, and to accept the position of trustee of the financial business pro- posed by the credit industriel, as such action would insure the supremacy of the United States in South American affairs. Negotiations on behalf of Soci6t6 gen6rale de cr6dit industriel et commercial ; states that Francisco de Paulo Suarez is authorized to con- tinue the same. Statement of American and foreign interested par- ties, and their representatives, in England, Bel- gium, France, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and United States in the Society generate de cr6dit .industriel et commercial, and observes that while Chili endeavored to fortify her political and commercial links with Europe, so Peru and Bolivia look towards the United States. "War indemnity : acknowledges letters relative to, and says ministers to ( :hili and Peru have been iuformed of the proposition of the society rela- tive to payment of ; the United States is readv to aid in bringing about peace. Views of Secretary Evarts m regard to the soci6t6 communicated the United States: will confine itself to exercise of good offices towards secur- ing peace, but will recommend the soci6te as a means to that end : would not seek position of trustee, but would accept the same if agreed upon ; has promised the secretary that agency for guano should he placed under patronage of a first-class American house. Mediation: offers of; thanks for letter of 17th instant relative to ; incloses telegrams to and reply from " CrGdit Industriel "; will inform De- partment of his arrival in Peru. Confidential letter of 17th instant : explains delay in replying to ; will continue to strive for a sat- isfactory settlement of war. Obligations of Peru; refers to papers on file in Department and renews proposition therein con- tained as to payment of, by the "soci6te"; asks for more earnest action by United States. Q'ermination of war: urges Secretary of State to take a firm stand in favor of. Financial arrangement : incloses correspondence relative to proposed, by the company, or the Pa- cific Company ; urges the United Slates to favor the project. XXXIV AFFAIRS BETWEEN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 5. MISCELLANEOUS— Continued. No. 436 437 438 439 441 Prom whom and to whom. Mr. Snarez to Mr. Blaine. Same to same. Mr. Hitt to Count Montfer- raud. Mr. Suarez to Mr. Blaine . . Mr. Suarez to Mr. Freling- huysen. Translation. Memorandum Bate. Subject. 1881. May 3 May 28 June 10 Dec. 5 1882. Jan. 13 Arrangements proposed by " Credit Industriel " : incloses telegram stating that English, French, and probably Italian and German Governments will agree to, if asked to do so by the United States; asks what reply shall be made. Letter of credence : incloses duplicate of his, and invites attention to Department's letter of Feb- ruary 17 last. Financial arrangement: acknowledges letter of April 22 last; the subject will be presented to the Secretary of State and ministers to Peru and Chili. - Chili-Peruvian question : requests answer to his papers relative to. Obligations of Peru : payment of, by the society : refers to previous correspondence and renews proposition relative to ; argues why this should be done, and amplifies upon the scheme. Six papers relating to the debt of Peru and the plans of the Cr6dit Industriel and the Cora- pagnie Financiere du Pacifique left with Mr. Frelinghuysen by Mr. Suarez for perusal Jan- uary 20, 1882. Extracts taken from the official registers, showing that the several communications therein indi- cated were received in the ordinary course of business, and belong to the files of the Depart- ment; a careful search fails to show that they are now in the Department. Page. 707 708 709- 710 711 741 CORRESPONDENCE. CORRESPONDENCE. l.-BOLIVIA. No. 1. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Pettis. No. 12.] Department of State, Washington, June 23, 1879. Sir: The British Government has lately received information that the Government of Bolivia has decreed the issue of letters of marque, with authority to privateers to seize Chilian property in neutral vessels, and that agents have departed for the United States. You are directed to call the attention of the Bolivian Government to the treaty of 1858, and more especially to the XVIth article thereof, which stipulates for the freedom from capture or confiscation of effects or goods belonging to subjects or citizens of a power or state at war when found on board of neutral vessels, with the exception of articles contraband of war. The neutrality act of 1818 (section 5281 et seq. of the Revised Stat- utes) specially prohibits the fitting out, arming, or equipping in this country of any vessel for the purpose of committing hostilities against the people of a country with whom the United States are at peace. Should it prove true that the Bolivian Government has dispatched agents to this country for the purpose, as is understood, of engaging in this enterprise, you will remind them of the existence of this act and of the necessity which will compel this government to adopt measures for preventing a violation of it. I am, &c, WM. M. EVAETS. No. 2. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Pettis. No. 13.] Department of State, Washington, June 25, 1879. Sir: Referring to my instruction No. 12, of the 23d instant, in regard to the intimation received that the Government of Bolivia has decreed the issue of letters of marque, with authority to privateers to seize Chilian property in neutral vessels, and that Bolivian agents are under- stood to have already departed for the United States, I now transmit for S. Ex. 79 1 I AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. your information two copies of a circular issued by the Secretary of the Treasury, under date of the 21st instant, instructing collectors of cus- toms and others whom it may concern with respect to the observance of the neutrality laws of the United States in case of any possible attempt being made to infringe the same in behalf of either of the belligerents. I am, &c, WM. M. BVAETS. Mr. EvarU to Mr. Sherman. Department of State, Washington, June, 18, 1879. Sir : I have the honor to inform you that the British Government has received in- formation that the Government of Bolivia has decreed the issue of letters of marque, with authority to privateers to seize Chilian property in neutral vessels, and that agents of Bolivia have departed for the United States. With a view to causing due observance of the neutrality laws of this country, I will thank you to direct the attention of such of the collectors of customs of the. United States to the matter as you in your judgment shall deem proper. I have the honor to he, sir, your obedient servant, WM. M. EVARTS. Mr. Sherman to Mr. Evarts. Treasury Department, June 24, 1879. Sir : Referring to your letter of the 18th instant relative to the proposed issue of letters of marque by the Government of Bolivia, with authority to privateers to seize Chilian property in neutral vessels, I have the honor to inclose herewith six copies of' the circular on the subject issued by this department on the 21st instant and sent to-, the collectors of customs at ports from which illegal expeditions might be arranged, warning them to be vigilant to guard against any breach of the neutrality laws or the United States. Very respectfully, JOHN SHERMAN, Secretary. OBSERVANCE OF THE NEUTRALITY LAWS. [1879. Department No. 101. Secretary's office.] Treasury Department, Office of the Secretary, Washington, D. C, June 21, 1879. To collectors of customs and whom it may concern : This department has received information that the Government of Bolivia has de- creed the issue of letters of marque, with authority to privateers to seize Chilian prop- erty in neutral vessels, and that agents of Bolivia have departed for the United States. Collectors of customs, in whose ports attempts may be made to fit out warlike ex- peditions in aid of either of the belligerent powers, will take care to see that section 5290 of the Revised Statutes be vigilantly enforced against all vessels that appear to be destined to violate the neutrality laws of the United States. The section is here reproduced : " Sec. 5290. The several collectors of the customs shall detain any vessel manifestly built for warlike purposes, and about to depart the United States, the cargo of which principally consists of arms and munitions of war, when the number of men shipped on board, or other circumstances, render it probable that such vessel is intended to be employed by the owners to cruise or commit hostilities upon the subjects, citizens, or property of any foreign prince or state, or of any colony, dis,trict, or people with whom the United States are at peace, until the decision of the President is had thereon or until the, owner gives such bond and security as is required of the owners of armed vessels by the preceding section." JOHN SHERMAN, Secretary, AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU; AND BOLIVIA. 3 Eo. 3. Mr. Pettis to Mr. Evarts. No. 15.] Legation op the United States, La Paz, Bolivia, June 28, 1879. (Beceived Aug. 16, 1879.) Sir : I have the honor to inform you that in pursuance of the appoint- ment made yesterday, and of which you were advised by my dispatch of that date, No. 14, Sr. Manuel Vicente Ballivino, a gentleman con- nected with the executive branch of the government here, called at this legation and accompanied me to the department of foreign relations of this Eepublic, where I was most cordially received by his excellency Pedro J. de Guerra, minister of foreign relations and acting President of Bolivia, and his excellency Eulogio D. Medina, minister of finance and of war. After an observance of the courtesies of the occasion, his excellency the minister of foreign relations remarked that, enjoying the proud satis- faction that the Government of the United States of America cherished for the Eepublic of Bolivia and her sister republics in South America a sincere friendship ; he had sought the interview for the purpose of con- ferring with the representative of the government I had the honor to represent touching the complication of affairs between Chili, Bolivia, and Peru, and to learn if possible the views of the Government of the United States in that connection, entertaining, as he did, a profound respect for its opinion and wishes. After expressing to his excellency the gratification which such a mark ©f respect to my government implied, I stated to him that while I was without any instruction from the government at Washington upon the subject, I felt confident that so desirous was the President of the United States of a peaceful solution of these pending difficulties, that he and his cabinet would expect all the offices of 1 this legation, official and personal, exerted in the direction of peace, and which it would be my highest ambition and greatest pleasure to exert in the absence of special instruc- tions in the premises, and would therefore give an attentive ear to all that his excellency might have to say. His excellency replied that Bolivia desired peace, but could not see how it was to be obtained amicably at present, with the armies of the different powers in the field, and their forces upon the sea. 1 expressed the opinion that it might be obtained by some amicable arrangement, and I thought the acceptance of arbitration the humane and dignified way out, believing as I did that each of the contending powers owed some respect to human society, adding that while, as his excellency sug- gested, arbitration is usually resorted to prior to the actual commence- ment of hostilities, precedents were to be found in the conciliatory path of negotiation in the past, by which this objection or difficulty might be overcome, and the terms of equality restored between the powers inter- ested, so as to make arbitration proper, acceptable, honorable, and prof- itable. Such was substantially the character of the interview, which lasted nearly or quite two hours, and at its termination his excellency the minister of foreign relations stated that it would afford him pleasure to renew and resume the consideration of the subject at this legation at 5 o'clock, which was agreed to. At such second meeting his excellency placed in my hands a paper, together with its translation, which (the. translation) I have copied and herewith inclose, marked Inclosure 1. 4 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. I should state in this connection that I was informed by his excellency that the mediation of Brazil had been declined by Peru and Bolivia, also one of the Eastern powers, and that one of a number of reasons assigned for preferring the United States as umpire was that it was purely an American controversy. I have the honor to be, &c, S. NEWTON PETTIS. Ilnclosnre in No. 15.1 All under the special condition not to take any decision or compromise without the knowledge and approval of the Peruvian Government. The authorities of Chili, civil and military, to withdraw from and disoccupy all ter- ritory that they have taken possession of upon and since the 14th day of February, 1879, leaving all things in the condition and state they were its previous to the 14t& day of said month. Then, if arbitration is agreed upon, the arbitrators to hear, determine, and decide all matters in dispute between Bolivia and Chili and Peru, and establish the divisionary line between Bolivia and Chili, Bolivia claiming the boundary line affixed by the Chilian constitution, taking with consideration the damages caused by the act of 14th February, and the subsequent aggressions claimed by Bolivia, as well as the expenses of the war. That reference may be made to the President of the United States of America as sole arbitrator, or to the judges of the Supreme Court of the United States of America, or to the ministers of the United States of America in Peru, Bolivia, and Chili, a decision by a majority of the arbitrators sitting, to be valid and binding upon the parties, to be approved in its execution and perpetuity by the President of the United States. No. 4. Mr. Pettis to Mr. JEvarts. No. 16.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, Bolivia, July 2, 1879. (Received August 16, 1879.) Sik : I have the honor to inform you that I to-day received a call from his excellency the Peruvian minister resident at La Paz. He said that he called to tender to me as the representative of the United States the acknowledgement of his government, as well as his own, for the very humane and conciliatory views he had been informed by his excellency the minister of foreign relations of Bolivia, 1 had lately ex- pressed touching the pending difficulties between Chili, Peru, and Bolivia, and assuring me that he should take especial pleasure in co-operating in every way in his power, to obtain a peaceful and bloodless adjustment of the same, and knew that he reflected the sense of the Peruvian Govern- ment in that respect. I have, &c, S. NEWTON PETTIS. No. 5. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Pettis. No. 17.] Department of State, Washington, August 8, 1879. Sie: I transmit herewith for your information copy of a dispatch from Mr. Ernest Dichman, United States minister resident at Bogota, re- AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 5 siting the causes which have moved Colombia to proffer mediation for the settlement of the war between Bolivia and Peru and Chili, and announ- cing thye appointment of Dr. Arosemena, the former secretary of foreign relations of Colombia, to visit La Paz, Lima, and Santiago, on a special mission for the purpose of tendering such mediation. Although abstaining from any direct indorsement of, or co-operation in, this apparently laudable eifort of Colombia in the interest of , peace and reconciliation, this government, which feels lively solicitude for the prosperity and tranquillity of the South American states, cannot but watch Dr. Arosemena's mission with especial attention. In personal intercourse with the doctor, when he visits La Paz, you will probably find a fitting occasion to express to him the warm interest taken by the United States in this tentative step, and the friendly solicitude of this government as to the result. I am, &c, WM. M. EVARTS. Mr. Dichman to Mr. Evarts. [Extract.! ■No. 100.] Legation of the United States, Bogota, June 20, 1879. (Received July 29.) Sir: The war between the three South American Republics of Chili, Peru, and Bolivia is being observed with much interest at this capital, not onl y on account of the affinity of race and language, and the interest which would naturally arise from a similarity in name at least of political institutions, but also because it is feared that the war, if not checked, may involve other South American nations and interests to which this government could not remain indifferent. * * *• * * # a A resolution was adopted by Congress requesting the President to send a special minister to the three Republics of Peru, Chili, and Bolivia for the purpose of offering the mediation of the Colombian Government in the present difficulty. The Hon. Dr. Pablo Arosemena, formerly secretary of the interior and foreign relations, has been selected for the position, and it is expected that he will leave for Peru immediately, as soon as his instructions can reach him at his home at Panama. I am, &c, ERNEST DICHMAN. No. 6. Mr. Seward to Mr. Pettis. No. 19.] Department of State, Washington, August 11, 1879. Sir : Your dispatch No. 13 of the 25th of June last, reporting your interview with the minister of foreign relations on that day, has been received. In reply I have to inform you that your course on that occasion in assuring the minister that the settled policy of strict neutrality of the United States would not be departed from in the conflict between Chili, on the one part, and Bolivia and Peru on the other, is approved. I am, &c, F. W. SEWARD, Acting Secretary. b AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. No. 7. Mr. Seward to Mr. Pettis. No. 21.] Department of State, Washington, August 18, 1879. Sir: Your dispatch No. 15, of the 28th June last, reporting your conference with his excellency, the minister of foreign relations and Acting President of Bolivia, and the overtures then made to you looking to the eventual mediation of the United States with a view to arbitrat-. ing the unhappy differences between that state and Chili which have given rise to the present deplorable war, to which Peru is also a party, has been read with careful attention. Your proceedings, as stated in your dispatch, seem to have been discreet and judicious, and are approved. The Department awaits with hopeful expectancy the further develop- ments of the interesting question presented. It is deemed proper to inform you that in June last simultaneous but independent overtures were made to this government by the cabinets of London and Berlin, looking to a future formal proposal from Ger- many and Great Britain, to act with them in a mediation between the belligerents in the present war in South America in the interest of the protection of commerce. The reply of this government was to the effect that, while as keenly alive as Germany and Great Britain can be to the dangers arising to commerce from the existence of so deplorable a war between kindred peoples, as well as to the prospective danger that other states might yet be involved in the fratricidal quarrel, aud while it has been from the commencement of the struggle, and is now, ready to assist in the restoration of peace whenever its good offices may be use- fully proffered, yet this government does not look with favor upon any premature effort, nor any effort in combination with other neutral powers which would carry the impression of dictation or coercion in disparagement of belligerent rights. The views then expressed are unchanged now, except that it is thought that the time is drawing near when an honorable settlement of the ques- tions of the war may, without disparagement to any of the parties thereto, be frankly asked and obtained through the mediation of a friendly power. I am, &c, F. W. SEWARD, Acting Secretary. No. 8. Mr. Pettis to Mr. Evarts. Unofficial.] La Paz, Bolivia, S. A., August 23, 1879. (Received Oct. 16.) Dear Me. Secretary: I have deemed it proper to accompany my dispatch of this date (No. 22) by this private note, as necessary for your full understanding, of the present condition of these three troubled republics; and allow me to say that I have no doubt but what the Chilian ministry, with the approbation of President Pinto, had resolved upon taking the suggestions made by me in the presence and with the concurrence of Mr. Osborn (without the rider included in brackets in AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 7 inclosure 2), and submitting the whole controversy to the United States authorities, preferring the ministers, for the reason that they were upon the ground and a decision would be promptly obtained, should you permit them to act. In fact Mr. Huneens said so; and looking to such result, he informed us that the president had summoned Mr. Santa- maria, the war minister, established at Antofagasta, to the capital, desiring a united front in the movement, and assured me that he had promptly responded to the telegram ; was on his way, and would reach the capital the next day by special train. His arrival seemed to cause a hitch in the consummation of that which I am confident had been Tesolved upon, and I was satisfied that Mr. Santamaria (who is a can- didate for the presidency) was the cause of it. When he was firgt approached by Mr. Huneens, he remarked that he had met me at Antofagasta, on my. way to Valparaiso; but he was mistaken in that, for he had never seen me; he had seen Mr. Fisher, who was a fellow- passenger upon my voyage to V.. Justice to the Chilian ministry, as well as to myself, makes it proper to state some things in this connection for your own eye, that I Would gladly omit. As I was leaving Lima, Judge Christiancy said to me, " You will meet a Colonel Fisher on the steamer, bearer of dispatches from our govern- ment, who arrived this morniug from Panama, and who brought a dis- patch to me, but it has nothing to do with the question we are consid- ering"; when Mr. Fisher came up and was introduced to me. When on board the steamer he desired an introduction to the captain, and asked to be presented as "bearer of dispatches from the United States." He talked much about these peoples' troubles, was outspoken against Bo- livia and Peru, and was quite partially in favor of Chili. I was reticent, as I did not wish to talk to any one, save the ministry, as I had here in La Paz and Lima, and might possibly with Mr. Osborn in Chili. When the steamer arrived at Antofagasta a number of passengers went on shore, and as I was about stepping into the small boat to return to the ship, Mr. Greene, an American, the superintendent of the nitrate works there, invited and insisted upon my going to breakfast with him, saying that Mr. Santamaria, the war manager, was stopping in his house, would be at breakfast, and that he was a power in Chili. I thanked him, but declined and would not be moved by importunity, but Mr. Fisher accepted and went up, and I feared from that moment that mis- chief would result from his freedom and manner of talk. The steamer was then ready to sail, and the captain was very angry at the two hours' delay caused by Mr. Fisher's conference with those on shore, as the pow- ers had the dispatches withheld from the captain of the steamer and he could not leave until the captain of the port saw lit to take them out to him. As we were nearing Valparaiso I asked Colonel Fisher to be a little guarded in expression in Chili, and. not talk there as he had in my pres- ence, declaiming against Bolivia and Peru, and championing Chili's cause, saying that instead of hissing her on, it was time for cooling, for casting oil upon the troubled waters, rather than further inflaming the passions ; but I then feared he had done my cause damage at Antofa- gasta, and the only hope I had of not being made to feel the effects of it was found in the fact that possibly it would not reach Santiago in time to injure or embarrass me ; but although it did not travel as fast as the storms upon the sea, it came as surely as do earth's dances along the coast of these countries, in phrases familiarly known as earthquakes. I told Mr. Osborn of my fears when Santamaria was sent for, and gave 8 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. him my opinion after he arrived, both of which were confirmed by dem- onstration upon my return to Antofagasta, in a frank conversation with the same Mr. Greene, whose hospitalities I did then accept for a day and a half, and explained why in my personal quiet movement to Val- paraiso I did not wish any recognition, much less any importance or prominence given to me or my trip, which I all along stated was simply for my health, making a convenience of the occasion to visit my old and early friend Osborn. Mr. Greene informed me that in the conversation at the breakfast ta- ble he "interpreted between Mr. Santamaria and Mr. Fisher, and that the latter was outspoken against Peru and Bolivia, stating that he was direct from the United States, and that the feeling there was, that Chili was further advanced in civilization, her government more republi- can in form, and that he would not advise Chili to relinquish any of the territory occupied by her to give place for arbritration, and that he thought that was the sentiment in the United States, and that he be- lieved that the United States would offer mediation if Chili asked it;" and he did say to a Senator in my presence that Mr. Seward authorized him to say that the United States would make such offer if either one of the republics requested it. That conversation, in my opinion, established a pre-judgment in the mind of Mr. Santamaria against the object Judge Christiancy, Mr. Os- born, Mr. Huneens, and myself had in view, and prevented the con- summation of our informal negotiations with Mr. Huneens. I inclose a slip from the South Pacific Times (published at Callao, Pe- ru) of the 2M ultimo, and another from its columns of the 24th ultimo, which will speak for themselves. * If it be of any importance, I might say that my health has been ma- terially improved by my voyage, chiefly no doubt from the change of air and climate, and I cannot help feeling that had my son of twenty years accompanied me, he would not to-day need the attention from me, nor the services of his physician that his sick-bed demands and receives from both. Did I, in my previous informal note, give to you Mr. Huneen's part- ing words ^ If not, here they are: Good-bye, Mr. Minister; I hope and trust that we shall soon meet again, ■when and ■where I trust you -will be judge and I attorney, and be kind enough to say for me to President Prado, who was long a client of mine, that I am at heart for peace, and am personally and officially laboring and longing for it. Faithfully yours, S. NEWTON PETTIS. [Inclosure No. 1.— From the South Pacific Times of July 22, 1879.] Colonel Fisher was among the passengers who arrived here by the Lima on Satur- day. This gentleman is a special messenger from Washington to this country and to Chile, and hearer of dispatches to both these governments, offerinf the media- tion of the United States government in the present unnatural quarrel in which they are engaged. "We sincerely hope the mission of Colonel Fisher will not be unattended with success, for there can be no denying the sincerity of purpose which prompts the great republic to action ; not that the same might not be said, of European govern- ments, whose intervention would not be less earnest nor less sincere, but the interference of the United States will perhaps be more acceptable, and the presumption may be more generally and perhaps more justly entertained that it is better interested na- tions, or those nations whose subjects have millions invested in these countries should not be arbitrators. For instance, let us for a moment look at the proposition just made in France. It is to the effect that the bondholders unite to defray the expense «f the war for Chile on the condition that they are protected by Chile in getting paid AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 9 on their Peruvian bonds from the proceeds of the guano and nitrate, and that they l)e reimbursed from the same source the war expenses so to be advanced. This prop- osition would be acted upon had the English bondholders agreed to it. We allude to this point simply in illustration of the fact that there is less likely to be confidence where there is interest, or where disinterestedness cannot reasonably be expected to prevail. Under the circumstances, therefore, we think the United States is unques- tionably the best nation to intervene, and has already acted for Peru, if not for Chile likewise, in reference to the political relations existing with Spain. Colonel Fisher presented his dispatches here on Saturday, and the same evening left for Chile with the same object. We have heard the opinion of one worthy of the respect that an armistice is very likely to follow the presentation of the dispatches, so as to allow time for agreement as to the conditions of peace. We hope this may be so, for blood enough has been shed, and the wounds to national honor had better be healed now than later ; the sooner the better. [Inclosure No. 2.— From the Soutli Pacifie Times of July 24, 1879.] Beyond what we record, there is little to communicate and nothing that encourages the immediate prospects of the re-establishment of peace, if we except, perhaps, the visit to this country of Colonel Fisher, from the United States Government, as the special bearer of despatches to the belligerents, offering the good services of the North American Republic to intervene in the present contest, with the view to put a stop to it. He arrived here from Panama on the morning 19th instant, and having performed his mission as far as this country is concerned, proceeded the same evening to Chile. We allude to this gentleman's arrival in another part of our paper, and can but re- peat that we should be delighted to find the efforts of the United States crowned with success. The war is an expensive one, which neither party can afford, and it must ter- minate or wear itself out. There is no reason why it should not he terminated now, through the medium of friendly interference, without the sacrifice of honor on either side. We comprehend fully the difficulties that are to be overcome, but greater diffiV culties in international disputes have arisen and have been surmounted, and there is no cause to despair in the case of Chile and Peru. No. 9. Mr. Pettis to Mr. Evarts. No. 22.] La Paz, Bolivia, August 23, 1879. (Eeceived October 16, 1879.) Sib: At the date of my last dispatch, the impaired state of my health caused by the high altitude of this cold, cheerless, because flreless, re- gion. I was compelled to resolve upon at least a temporary change for a milder clime, if I would seek to regain the uniform good health of my whole life, and decided upon going to the coast, which is more than 12,000 feet lower than this point. This being known to the Bolivian ministry as well as the Peruvian representative here, and both professing an anxiety for peace, in the interests of their governments, and being very desirous of knowing the inner feelings of the Government of the United States, and to be gov- erned much by its desires and wishes when ascertained, inasmuch as they have voluntarily put at my disposal the steamer upon the lake, the railroad and telegraph from La Paz to the coast passing through por- tions of both republics, in view of what Bolivia had submitted to me upon paper, with the acknowledgment and approval of the Peruvian minister here, I telegraphed Mr. Christiancy from Puno, asking him to meet me at Mollendo in the interest of peace. Upon reaching Arequipa I received an answer saying that he could 10 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. not then leave, but that he would write me at Mollendo, and requested me to write him fully from there, and arriving at Mollendo I received his letter, and after reading it and resting a day or two, and feeling a little improved in health, and reflecting upon the situation, I concluded to take the steamer for Lima, and confer with Mr. Christiancy, which -I did, showing him the proposition submitted to me by the Bolivian minister of foreign relations two weeks before, a copy of which 1 for- warded to you in my dispatch of June 28, !Nb. 15. After reading the same, Judge Christiancy thought that it looked like business, and furnished what he had not before seen or heard of, a start- ing point looking to a civilized solution of the troubles of the three re- publics — Chili, Bolivia, and Peru, adding that he would call upon the acting President and minister for foreign affairs there (at Lima) with Mr. Koman, a Peruvian, who had traveled with me from La Paz, as the bearer of dispatches addressed to the executive department at Lima, one being from the Peruvian minister resident here, and the other from the acting President of Bolivia, and bearing upon the subject of peace. Shortly afterwards Judge Christiancy called upon me at my hotel and informed me that Mr. Irogoyen, the Peruvian minister of foreign rela- tions, desired to see us at his department at 2 o'clock. We called at the time designated, and had a somewhat protracted interview. The min- ister seemed anxious to do anything that would prove acceptable and satisfactory to Bolivia. He had been informed of Bolivia's willingness and desire to submit all matters involved by the war to the United States for arbitration, and expressed a hearty concurrence in such suggestion by Bolivia, and added that the Peruvian minister at La Paz was in full accord with the Bolivian authorities at La Paz upon the subject, but stated that the trouble in the premises came from the fact that as Boliv- ian soil had been invaded by Chili, she (Bolivia) could not make the first advance by proposing arbitration, and as Chili had declared the war it was not for Peru to take the iniative. I remarked that as in the declaration of war by Chili and in the invasion of Bolivia's territory the latter did not hold Pern responsible for either, it seemed to me that she (Peru) could, without compromising her honor in the least, propose an arbitration that she and Bolivia both professed to desire. Mr. Irogoyen replied that Peru had tendered her kind offices at the outset in the interests of peace, but they were rejected by Chili. I rejoined by asking if there was not some justification for Chili's rejection to be found in the fact of the existence of the treaty between Peru and Bolivia of 1873, and known as the " secret treaty" between those two governments ; when the conversation took a differ- ent direction. The interview was very pleasant, lasting about two hours, resulting in a request that we return at 9 o'clock p. m., which we did, when we were informed that the matter had been considered by the cabinet. The second interview developed the fact that should Chili say that such terms of reference were acceptable to her, there was, there could be, no impediment in the way of a bloodless adjustment of the difficulties of these people, which are being attended with quite as much, if not more, damage to neutrals and foreigners than to themselves. In fact, Mr. Irogoyen stated: First. That if Chili proposed arbitration upon the terms indicated by the authorities of Bolivia (see inclosure to this dispatch, 1), Peru would accept. Second. That if Chili proposed reference to the parties or authorities indicated by Bolivia and upon the basis implied in Bolivia's suggestion, AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 11 excepting only that the time of evacuation should be referred to the United States ministers for Peru, Bolivia, and Chili, Peru would acdept. ,: Thus ended the second interview, which seemed to promise results in the interests of civilization. I became satisfied that Peru, like Bolivia, desired our government to settle this matter in the way indicated, and preferred arbitration by the United States high over any and every other power, as both had assured me that the kind offices of other powers had been offered and rejected, giving me as a reason therefor -that they were endeavoring to pattern after our form of government. I may have been mistaken in my impressions formed, but confiding in their correctness, feeling that the three powers were separated by so great distance, the intercommunication being so limited, in fact in one sense entirely suspended, and not being able to satisfy myself that the controversy was such a one as demanded or even justified the continu- ance of a bloody warfare, and especially if means were within reach by which the bitterness of the conflict could be toned down without the sacrifice of principle or the compromise of honor, it occurred to me that if something could be done to afford a breathing spell, a cooling of the passions, a little healthy reflection would naturally follow, that would result in a restoration of reason, when, if a proper and timely sugges- tion could be made, by which the fancied honor of these people could be preserved inviolate, a peace could be obtained, and to that end I thought if the conditions and the inclinations of the two northern powers (Peru and Bolivia) could be presented to the Chilian authorities by Mr. Minister Osborn, matters might possibly be made to culminate in peace ; and Judge Christiancy agreeing with me in that respect, I concluded to write Mr. Osborn (unofficially) the result of all my consultations, and leave the matter with him to present to Chili or not, as he chose. Before leaving Lima I was importuned by Mr. J. G. Meiggs, a North American Peruvian, (and a brother of the late Henry Meiggs, famous in South American railroad history), who sustains close and confidential relations with (at least) one of the Peruvian cabinet, to by all means go and see Mr. Osborn, knowing as he did that it would not be prudent for me to return to La Paz for some time if the value of my health was of any consideration with me. Without settling the question in my own mind as to whatl would do, I set out upon my return, and while on my way to Mollendo, upon ma- ture reflection, I concluded that if you were cognizant of the situation, you would desire me to do what I resolved upon, which was to continue down the coast to Valparaiso, and confer with Mr, Osborn fully, firmly .believing, after looking the ground all over, that the authorities of these three peoples have hastily perched themselves upon a pinnacle of honor and know of no way to get down, and that at heart they would thank anybody to tell them how, or even point them to the way. Upon arriv- ing at Coquimbo I telegraphed Mr. Osborn at Santiago, with whom 1 have been upon the most intimate terms since young manhood, that I expected to be in Valparaiso the next noon, and would be glad to see him before returning north. Upon reaching Valparaiso I was met by Mr. Osborn, when a full and confidential (unofficial) consultation took place, after which he informed me that he had shown my dispatch to Mr. Huneens, the Chilian minis- ter for foreign relations at Santiago, who had sent an invitation to me to visit Santiago, and him as well. Finding Mr. Osborn in full accord with my views already set forth in this dispatch, and following his advice, I accompanied him to Santiago the next day, when an interview was arranged between the minister 12 AFFAIKS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. and Mr. Osborn for a meeting of all three on Saturday afternoon, at his department, which lasted several hours and was more than cordial, Mr. Huneens being informed at the outset that upon my part the visit was a purely personal one and entirely unofficial. Mr. Huneens expressed a desire to consult with the President that evening touching the subject-matter of our conference, lasting two hours, and at the same time volunteered a call upon me the next day at my hotel at 12 m , which appointment he kept punctually, remaining over two hours, devoting the whole of the time to the subject of this dispatch. Mr. Huneens speaks the English language as well as he does his own, the Spanish, and writes both readily. Suffice it to say that at Ms instance several interviews followed, both at his department and at the hotel where Mr. Osborn and I were living, all of which manifesting upon his part a desire for the settlement of the existing troubles, and that, too, by arbitration at the hands of the United States above all or any other power, the status quo question seemingly being the only one of embarrassment, Peru and Bolivia insisting upon the statu quo ante helium, Chili declining; whereupon 1 suggested that possibly some middle ground might be found if the parties should seek for it in a spirit of forbearance and conciliation ; and as a compromise upon that branch of the controversy I numbered the twenty-third par- allel of south latitude, to which, and below that, Chili should withdraw her troops by land and sea, disoccupying all north of such parallel in order that submission might be made and arbitration proceeded with. Mr. Huneens seemed to be pleased with the idea, and asked me if I would be kind enough to make a proposition in writing to this effect, when I promptly informed him that I had no authority to make any proposition, although I had found great pleasure in discovering to him, and his gov- ernment through him, the position occupied by Peru and Bolivia upon the question under consideration, and the one that they would probably incline to and assume, if met in a humane spirit. Mr. Huneens then asked me if I had any objections to giving my views upon paper, without signature, that he might submit them to the Presi- dent; when I replied that within an hour I would do so in pencil to Mr. Osborn, and if upon consultation with Mr. O. he felt disposed to hand him such unofficial expression, I bad no objection to his being gratified in that respect. Upon retiring and consultation with Mr. Osborn, I penciledmy views, which, being concurred in by Mr. Osborn, were by him inclosed, to Mr. Huneens, with the request that it be returned to me, which was done, and a copy of which is herewith inclosed and marked Inclosure 2, indi- cating that I thought, if Chili was satisfied with that, Peru and Bolivia would concur. Upon reading the paper thus submitted, Mr. Huneens requested me to add that which 1 have included between brackets, which he thought would make sure the acceptance upon the part of Chili, and which I consented to, although I thought it might possibly prove too much for Peru and Bolivia to carry, and, having done that, terminated the inter- view by stating to Mr. Huneens that: More than a month hefore, I had had a long interview with the acting president and minister for foreign relations of Bolivia, at La Paz, npon the subject of the difficult- ies of that republic and Peru with Chili, and that the same was at the Bolivian min- ister's request, who informed me that he had sought the interview to learn the opinion of the Government of the United States of America, and inquired if I had any instruc- tion upon the subject, and that I told him I had not, but that I knew that my govern- ment regretted deeply the conflict the three governments were engaged in. He then asked me for an expression ot my own views upon the situation, which I gave him AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEKU, AND BOLIVIA. 13 freely, making no reference to the relative merits of the controversy, but confining myself to a solution of the troubles, in stating emphatically that under all the cir- cumstances I thought that the safe, honorable, and profitable deliverance was only to be found in arbitration by some friendly power, and that I knew that my govern- ment would feel that I was poorly discharging my official duty if I failed to use all of my kind and personal offices in the direction of peace, adding that I thought that precedent was to be found in the conciliatory path of the past for the resort to arbi- tration even after hostilities had begun, and that I thought that persistence by the three countries in a desolating and devastating war, if an honorable peace could be attained, implied a blindness to interest entirely inexcusable ; and at the close of such interview the minister of Bolivia requested a renewal of the same at my lega- tion the evening of the same day, at which time the minister of Bolivia informed me, that, Peru-consenting, Bolivia would be willing to submit all matters of difference, of every description, for final and complete adjustment and settlement with Chili, to the President of the United States, the judges of the Supreme Court of the United States, or to the United States ministers of the three republics, resident therein, if the statu quo ante helium was restored, and that being mindful of a similar proposition made by the Chilian Government, less than fifteen years ago, to Spain, which was Tejected by that power, who went further and fared worse, and having about that time, by the advice of a physician, resolved upon a trip to the coast for my health that had became seriously impaired in the high altitude of La Paz, I concluded to invite the United States minister at Lima to meet me at Mollendo in the interest of peace, but upon reaching that place received a letter from him stating that he could not then leave, and requested me to write him upon the subject, but preferring a per- sonal interview, I took the steamer for Lima, and an early meeting with Judge Christiancy resulted in one, two, and a third interview. It transpired that Peru wae willing to submit to arbitration at the hands of the powers named by Bolivia's minister of foreign relations, who was Acting President. While I learned, as I had at La Paz, that the main difficulty in reaching arbitration was found in the hesitancy of all to advance in that direction, which induced me to remark to Mr. Irogoyen that true, it might seem difficult tor Bolivia, who claims that her soil had been invaded, to propose to Chili arbitration, but as Peru had not been despoiled that she might, while in the last interview the minister said that, in the event of a reference to the United States ministers, his government (Peru) would be willing to allow them to fix the time of the disoccupancy of the disputed territory of Chili ; and that being both gratified and encouraged at the manner, frankness, and spirit of Mr. Irogoyen, after consultation with Judge Christiancy, I concluded that I would undertake the tedious .journey to Valparaiso that I might visit and consult my early friend, Mr. Min- ister Osborn, touching the troubles of the three countries, believing that from the known and acknowledged intelligence and fairness of the Chilian character, all that was necessary to put matters in the way of a pacific adjustment was for Mr. Osborn to submit, as a peaceful offering, the result of these frank, friendly, and uuoffi - «ial conferences with the authorities of the other two contending powers, coupled with the sentiments already expressed by Mr. Osborn and myself for Chili's consideration, which neither compromise, embarrass, nor humiliate any or either, but presented a basis upon which all desirous of peace could consistently and honorably stand, and that I had only to add that I was satisfied, if Chili acceded to such suggestions, the peaceful and amicable arrangement would be speedily concluded with Presidents Prado and Daza upon my return to Arica, as I had conversed with each of them upon my way to Valparaiso, at the same time expressing a eonsciousness of having dis- charged all my duty to the Government of the United States (and more), as well as that, I owed to mankind, including that, not owed to these struggling republics, except as implied by considerations imposed by a common humanity, I only awaited the action of his (the Chilian) Government, before reporting to my government the easy steps I had taken in the premises since the date of my last dispatch to Mr. Secretary Evarts, informing him of all interviews with the Bolivian authorities before leav- ing La Paz, including a copy of the minister's expressed willingness to submit all matters to the United States for arbitration, hoping that I might have the high privi- lege of conveying to my government the intelligence, gratifying to me as I knew it would be to them, that Chili had acted magnanimously and wisely, leaving with Bolivia and Peru the responsibility of a continuance of a war, if it was to be pro- longed, which I was satisfied they would shrink from, but would at once take such action as would promptly terminate the war, end strife, and restore peace. Upon the following morning, Mr. Huneens called at my room at the hotel, with Mr. Osborn, and informed us that, so fjar as Bolivia was con- cerned, there was no difficulty in submitting all matters to arbitration as we had talked, but that as to Peru the Cabinet was not prepared to say, and desired a little time to feel their way in Congress, which was 14 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. in session, and that he desired the matter left open for consultation with Mr. Osborn, to whom he would give a written expression of views dur- ing the day, and which, when received, Mr. Osborn will furnish you a copy of. Returning, upon reaching Arica, Bolivia's business port, I was called upon by the aids of Presidents Daza and Prado, and requested to name an hour for an interview, which took place in the afternoon.. I informed them of the result of my labors and assured them that no earthly consideration save a desire for peace and the welfare of their peo- ple could have induced me to have taken upon myself the labor I had performed in their behalf, and especially without any knowledge of my government, and which I had undertaken without any direction from it, since I believed that it would justify me in so doing, inasmuch as both Bolivia and Peru had expressed a desire that they not only would be sat- isfied by the arbitration of the United States, but that they preferred a settlement at the hands of that power in preference to any other power of the world, and that I had been informed that such was the desire of Chili, and that such being my information, and knowing that it would take over two months to consult and receive instructions from my gov- ernment, I deemed it my personal and representative duty to do as I had, and trust to the judgment of my government for a justification of my conduct. While they repeatedly expressed their gratification for the interest I had taken in the welfare of all three of the republics, and showered upon me their sincere thanks for my labors for the peace and prosperity of Bolivia and Peru, it was too evident and perhaps needless to add that they were disappointed at the failure of the movement in favor of arbitration, as already referred to, and greatly regretted it. President Prado stated to me explicitly that they, Peru, were in the war out of con- sideration for Bolivia, and if Bolivia said peace, let it come; if war, so be it; and if she desired arbitration, Peru accepted that. I said, in answer to an inquiry upon the subject, that I thought the United States Government would offer mediation if Peru and Bolivia desired and requested it, but further than that I could not speak, as I had never assumed or ventured an opinion as to the position of my government, aside from an earnest desire that I had no doubt it cher- ished for peace. I have been thus minute in disclosing to you every movement made and every word uttered upon this subject, in order that you may readily discover not only what I have done, but the reason for so doing, and shall be more than compensated for my unofficial labor if I have not incurred your displeasure in endeavoring to merit and deserve your approbation. Indications along the coast for some time have occasioned ground for fears, and with many the expressed opinion, that at no distant day there would be foreign intervention, and my action was influenced in a great measure from a desire that an early adjustment might take place that would relieve our government from the enunciation of any opinion in the premises upon the principle contained in the Monroe doctrine, and that might involve embarrassing compbcations ; and hoping that I have not mistaken the desires of my government or overestimated their de- sire for an early and amicable adjustment of these unfortunate South American troubles, I have the honor to submit all my action in this behalf to you for your superior consideration, at the same time sub scribing myself, &c, S. NEWTON PETTIS. AFFAIRS INi CHILI, PERU t AND BOLIVIA* 15 [Incloenre 1 in No. £2.1 BOLIVIA'S, POSITION. All under the especial condition not to take any decision or compromise without the knowledge and approval of the Peruvian Government. The authorities of Chili, civil aud military, to withdraw from and disoccupy all territory that they have taken possession of upon and since the 14th day of February, 1879, leaving all things in the state and condition they were in, previous to the 14th day of said month. Then, if arbitration is agreed upon, the arbitrators to hear, determine, and decide all matters in dispute between Bolivia and Chili and Peru, and establish the divisory line between the two countries ; Bolivia claiming the boundary line affixed by the Chilian constitution, taking into consideration the damages caused by the act of the- 14th of February, and the subsequent aggression claimed by Chili, the expenses of the war. The reference may be made to the President of the United States of America as sol© arbitrator, or to the judges of the Supreme Court of the United States of America, or to the ministers of the United States of America in Peru, Bolivia, and Chili ; a decision by a majority of the arbitrators sitting, to be valid and binding upon the parties, to be approved in its execution and perpetuity by the President, of the United States. [InclOBare 2 in No. 22.] SUGGESTIONS. Whereas it has been suggested through a friendly medium that even now the path way to an early, honorable, and profitable peace leads in the direction of arbitration at the hands of some known and acknowledged power, alike friendly to Peru, Bolivia, and Chili ; And desiring, in the spirit of conciliation and compromise, and in the interests ot peace and humanity, to transfer and elevate the contest of principle from the theater of force to that of reason and conscience : It is agreed that all differences and all matters in dispute between Peru and Bolivia upon one side, and Chili upon the other side, of whatever character, class, kind, de- scription, or extent, be submitted to * * * who shall be requested to meet upon the * * * of September, 1879, for the purpose i of receiving and considering the statements of the proper representatives of each of the three republics in support of their respective views and claims, and, after such presentation, hearing, and considera- tion, to determine and decide upon, all matters concerning which Peru, Bolivia, and Chili are now at variance; and the same being reduced to writing and signed by a majority of the, arbitrators, to be final, binding, .and conclusive upon the said repub- Uca and the governments thereof. And in the event that the arbitrators should be of opinion that Bolivia is justly and equitably entitled to any territory south of the twenty-third parallel south latitude, it is understood that the arbitrators, or a majority of them shall ascertain and fix the amount that Chili shall pay to Bolivia, and the manner of payment for said territory, provided the respective legally constituted representatives before the arbitrators can- not agree upon such amount as compensation therefor, and the divisory line between Chili and Bolivia shall thereupon by such arbitration established upon the said parallel twenty-third south latitude; therefore, it is stipulated : That from this day of August, 1879, hostilities of every character shall cease, and neither party augment its force on land or sea ; that Chili at once disoccupy all terri- tory north of the 23d degree of south latitude, withdrawing all her forces, both by land and sea, south of said 23d degree, leaving clear to Bolivia as well the coast south of said degree ten minutes below said twenty-third parallel, but in all other respects the status quo to remain as at present.- This instrument to have no force or validity until signed by the proper authorities of the three republics. No. 10. Mr. Pettis to Mr. Evarts. No. 23.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, Bolivia, August 25, 1879. (Received October 16.) Sir : I have Ithe honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of the 23d June last (No. 12), and have, in compliance with directions therein 16 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEKU, AND BOLIVIA. contained, called the attention of the minister for foreign relations of Bolivia to the subject of your dispateh, as will appear from a copy of my saidjetter herewith forwarded, marked inclosure 1. I am, &c, S. NEWTON PETTIS. [Inclosure in Mr. Pettis'8 No. 23.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, August 25, 1879. Sir : I am informed by an official dispatch from Washington that the United States Government has received information that the British Government has lately been in- formed that the Government of Bolivia has decreed the issue of letters of marque, with authority to privateers to seize Chilian property iu neutral vessels, and that agents have departed for the United States, and assuming that my government has been cor- rectly informed, I am directed by it to call the attention of the Bolivian Government to the treaty of 1858, and especially to the sixteenth article thereof, which stipulates for the freedom from capture or confiscation of effects or goods belonging to subjects or citizens of a power or state at war when found on board of neutral vessels, with the exception of articles contraband of war. May I ask your excellency to be kind enough to advise me whether the information received by my government touching the decree of the Bolivian Government herein- before referred to is correct or not ? Allow me to renew to your excellency the assurances of the high consideration with which I have the honor to remain, &c, S. NEWTON PETTIS. No. 11. Mr. Pettis to Mr. Evarts. No. 24.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, Bolivia, August 25, 1879. (Received October 16.) Sir: I am in receipt of your dispatch of June 25 (No. 13), and inclo- sures, and in answer thereto I have the honor to inform you that I have transmitted one copy of the Treasury circular to the minister of foreign relations of Bolivia, as will be seen by my letter addressed to him upon the subject, a copy of which is herewith inclosed and marked inclosure 1. I am, &c, S. NEWTON PETTIS. [Inclosure in Mr. Pettia'B No. 24.] Legation op the United States, La Paz, Bolivia, August 25, 1879. Sir: In connection with my note this day addressed to your excellency upon the subject of information received by the British Government and communicated to the Government of the United States touching upon the supposed action of the Bolivian Government with reference to the issuing of letters of marque, I inclose herewith a copy of a circular issued by the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States of America under date of the 21st June last, bearing upon the subject of the observance of the neutrality laws of the United States, all of which is most respectfully submitted to your excellency's consideration. With distinguished consideration, I have the honor to be, sir, &c, S. NEWTON PETTIS. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 17 No. 12. ilfr. Eparts to Mr. Tetiis. No. 25.] Department of State, Washington, September 19, 1879. i Sir : I transmit herewith a translation of an article from El Comercio, of the 7th of August last (a newspaper published in Lima), in which it is represented that information had been received from a private source that you had come on a special mission to the Eepublics of Bolivia, Peru, and Chili, and that an interview had taken place between yourself and General Prado ; and from another source it is represented that an inter- view was subsequently, held between yourself and General Daza. In reply I have t6 express regret that any opportunity for such obser- vations as are contained therein should have been furnished by your intercourse in these countries on your way to Bolivia. In view of these representations you are desired to make an explicit statement on the subject, though the Department is, in advance, disposed to consider it impossible that you should have assumed any functions, express or im- plied, outside of your own mission to Bolivia. I am, &c, WM. M. EVAETS. No. 13. Mr. Pettis to Mr. Seivard. No. 31.] Legation oe the United States, La Paz, Bolivia, September 25, 1879. (Beceived Nov. 4.) Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of the 11th ultimo (No. 18), and to inform you that I have observed the direction therein given, as will appear from inclosure 1 of this dispatch. I have the honor to be, sir, &c, S. NEWTON PETTIS. [Inclosure 1 in No. 31.] Mr. Pettis to Sis Excellency the Minister of Foreign Relations of Bolivia. Sir : I have the honor to inform, you that I am in receipt of a dispatch from my gov- ernment at Washington, acknowledging the receipt of two pamphlets expressive of the views.of Bolivia npon the questions at issue between Bolivia and Chili, forwarded by me to the State Department at Washington upon the 6th day of last June, at the instance of the then Acting President of Bolivia, and I am directed by the same to convey to the high source whence they emanated the thanks of the Government of the United States, and I have taken great pleasure in so doing. Allow me to renew, &c. , S. NEWTON PETTIS. No. 14. Mr. Pettis to Mr. JEvarts. No. 35.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, Bolivia, September 29, 1879. (Beceived Nov. 15.) Sir : I have the honor to be in receipt of your dispatch of the 8th ultimo, No. 17, with inclosure, consisting of a copy of a dispatch from S. Ex. 79 2 18 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. Mr. Minister Dichman, United States minister resident at Bogota, under date of June 20 (last), No. 100, and have considered both carefully, and shall bear in mind your suggestions if the occasion which your dispatch contemplates presents itself. I have been informed by Mr. * * * that the Bolivian authorities here have been informed of the action of the Colombian Congress to which Mr. Minister Dichman refers, and have information that Doctor Arosemena visited Presidents Daza and Prado at Arica, in pursuance of his appointment and in furtherance of the object of his special mis- sion, but that his mediatory offer upon the part of Colombia was rejected by both. Whether he visited Chili or not I have no information. The failure of the special mission of Doctor Arosemena strengthens me in the opinion I have for some time entertained, which is that neither of the three belligerent powers desire the mediation or interference of any power but the United States, and I believe would accept gladly the mediation of our government at once, if tendered. I am, &c, S. NEWTON PETTIS. No. 15. Mr. Pettis to Mr. Setcard. No. 36.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, Bolivia, September 30, 1879. (Received Nov. 15.) Sir : With reference to your dispatch of the 18th ultimo, No. 21, this day received, acknowledging the receipt of mine dated June 28 (last), No. 15, 1 may be permitted to say that I am gratified to learn that the action to which my dispatch referred met with Department approbation. If not already, you will soon be in possession of the "further develop- ments" of the question presented in such dispatch, and which I am glad to be informed is interesting the Department, as you will find all set forth in my dispatch No. 22, the length of which I regretted, but could not prevent. Prom the contents of your dispatch I find further ground for the opin- ion some time entertained by me that these three contending powers all desire the settlement of their troubles by the United States, and I doubt whether all can agree upon any other power either by way of mediation or arbitration. I think I intimated in d former dispatch that the late minister for for- eign relations and Acting President of Bolivia, Pedro J. Guerra, had stated to me that Great Britain, Germany, and Brazil had tendered their friendly offices, and that M. Irogoyen, the Peruvian minister of foreign relations, had intimated to me the same thing, while Mr. Huneens, of the Chilian cabinet, added thereto the information that Ecuador, through a special envoy, Ex-President Urbina, had also offered the mediation of Ecuador, which had been declined; and now added to such refusals the rejection of Colombia, taken in connection with the several verbal avowals to me upon the subject, establishes me in the belief that they all desire the mediation of the United States, and that each and all are too proud to ask our government to interpose its friendly offices, as each of the ministers referred to declared to me that they would be satisfied with any action the United States might take in the direction and inter- est of peace. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 19 I account for such preference, first, from the fact that Great Britain, Germany, and Prance are more largely interested financially upon the western coast of South America, and I may say in the three republics, than the United States, for it is doubtless true that the industries that have been paralyzed, and the commerce that has been destroyed by bombardment, which seems to be the favorite and principal system of warfare practiced thus far, was produced by their capital and fostered by their energies and intelligence, and it would not have occasioned any surprise to me had the countries whose citizens had invested their capi- tal for the welfare of some, if not all, of these republics forbidden the destruction of their property by conduct that fell but little, if anything, short of a wanton indulgence of madness, malice, and folly. Secondly, they pride themselves upon the avowal that they are as fast as possible fashioning their form of government after our own, and are vain enough to believe that they are succeeding, and that the United States are gratified, not to say flattered, by their exertions in this direc- tion, and therefore feel an interest in the success of their experiment, and would deplore a failure upon their part, whether it came from inter- nal dissensions or foreign intervention. • So far as the mediation of Ecuador and Colombia is concerned, I think the belligerents looked upon the offers as but little, if any, short of presumption upon their part, while Brazil's tender was not considered entirely disinterested under the circumstances. In this connection I may say that Mr. Bollivino but yesterday in- formed me that the Brazilian minister resident here has been very im- portunate in his efforts and endeavors to have Bolivia accept Brazil's mediation, appealing to his excellency the late minister of foreign rela- tions upon personal grounds, and giving as a reason that such an accept- ance upon the part of Bolivia would result in his (the Brazilian minis- ter's) promotion and advancement by his government. I shall be glad to learn at any time that our government has moved in the direction of peace and a higher civilization for these people by way of mediation, feeling confident that such a step upon the part*of the United States would be hailed with delight and satisfaction by all concerned, firmly believing that the hope of all, turns to the United States, and that such mediation, and such alone, will promote and se- cure the material interests of these three republics and those of South America generally, realizing as I do that the manner of conducting the war in the past and present is a piece of stupendous folly, and if per- sisted in can only result in utter ruin, bankruptcy, and national death, as the maintaining of their respective armies (bo far from each other) will soon impoverish all. Neither party has a fleet strong enough to engage in a conflict that would entitle itself to the dignity of a naval engagement, but each go skulking around seeking a safe opportunity (in the absence of the other) to destroy some thriving little town upon the coast, the product of foreign industry, capital, and enterprise, and sinking their launches ; and it is palpable to the most casual observer of men and things that such cam- paigning can never end the conflict. I know of no diversity of opinion in any of the three republics upon the question of a pacific adjustment of the differences and difficulties of these people, all feel that it should take place and promptly, but wher- ever you find the English entrenched with capital and strong in num- bers, as in Valparaiso, or a small sprinkling of individuals as at Mol- lendo, you will hear mutterings about Yankee intervention, but it finds no countenance with or among the citizens or possessors of the soil, and 20 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEKU, AND BOLIVIA. such blustering is understood by all to be the product of an anxiety to have England interfere and pacify these people. As you may correctly infer from what I have hereinbefore stated, aside from this small English bluster, all not only desire our govern- ment's prompt action, but really expect it, and in fact, I think, are gen- erally surprised at the delay upon the part of the United States. My position here is understood perfectly (and has been from the out- set) to be in favor of arbitration by a friendly power, that all could con- sider impartial, and have only entertained the consideration of the action of our own government in that connection, except as the indicated pre- ference expressed by the cabinets of all three of the countries made it not only proper but absolutely necessary that I should. Mr. Allen Carr, the Brazilian minister resident here (and who you may remember in "Washington during the rebellion), volunteered to me a few days since the expression that after one engagement of the parties' forces he "would be with me in my efforts," meaning, I suppose, my efforts at pacification. I have, &c, S. NEWTON PETTIS. No. 16. Mr. Hunter to Mr. Pettis. No. 20.] Department of State, Washington October 1, 1879. Sir : A dispatch, without number or date, has been received from you, detailing the incidents of your recent visit to Lima and Santiago, in the interest of peace between the parties to the existing war. As your expedition was professedly undertaken without the knowledge or direction of your government, and as favorable results therefrom were not apparent at the time your dispatch was written, it seems prema- ture to express either approval or distrust of your course. Your aim seems to have been limited to endeavoring to make each of the three governments concerned privately acquainted with the desire of the others for the termination of the contest, and the extent to which each might be disposed to make concessions in order to reach an accord as to the basis on which their differences might be eventually submitted to the arbitration of a friendly power, should a direct settlement be unattain- able. Unauthorized, and even rash, as your experiment might appear, it may at least have led the contestants to the healthy consideration of the terms on which the strife might be ended. Should the knowledge of the views of each other thus gained conduce to an eventual settlement, this government could not but rejoice at the result. It is not, however, disposed to dictate a peace, or to take any steps looking to arbitration or intervention in disparagement of belligerent rights, or even to urge the conditions under which it may be reached. Its good offices have not been tendered, but if sought on a practicable basis of arbitration sub- mitted by the several parties to the struggle, the President would not hesitate to use them in the interest of peace. In this respect of the question, and having your own assurances that the governments with which you have conferred have been frankly ac- quainted with the unauthorized character of your expedition, the Depart- ment dismisses, as unbased rumor of a hostile press, the statement in AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 21 some of the Chilian journals, that you have indicated a purpose on the part of this government to end the war by intervention or by arbitration on terms proposed by itself. Your further and frank reports on this matter are awaited with in- terest. I am, &c. ; W. HUNTER, Acting /Secretary. No. 17. Mr. Pettis to Mr. Seward. Unofficial.] La Paz, October 4, 1879. Dear Me. Secretary: I was to-day invited to a conference at the office of foreign relations for next Monday afternoon, of which I have advised Secretary Evarts. I inclose a slip from the last issue (second) of the Panama Star and Herald, and the previous number as well. I send them that you may see how gently they write. • I am assured, and am satisfied, that the people of the three republics have none other than the kindest feelings toward me, for the quiet course I have pursued in endeavoring to have them gratified in the interest of peace and civilization, and am myself gratified to be able to indulge in the belief that my labors will bear fruits, and that all will redound to the interest of North as well as South America, and their honor also. With best wishes for your health and prosperity, and kindest regards to Mr. Secretary Evarts, I remain as ever, &c, S. NEWTON PETTIS. Hon. F. W. Seward, Washington, D. G. [Inclosure 1 in Mr. Pettis' letter of October 4, 1879.] [From tlie Panama Star and Herald, Lima correspondence of August 13, 1879.] The American minister in Bolivia, Judge Newton Pettis, recently visited Arica and Iquique and had long private interviews with Generals Prado and Daza. He then proceeded to Chili. It is rumored that some attempt at mediation is being made by the United States, but if such is the fact the secret has been admirably kept. General Urbina, the special envoy of Ecuador to Chili, approached the Santiago Government, with the same purpose, but met with immediate and decisive rebut. [Inclosure No 2 — From tlie same, Lima correspondence of August 27, 1879. ] By the last steamer frbm the south we are informed that the honorable Mr. Pettis, United States minister to Bolivia, had returned to Arica from his visit to Chili, and held a long private interview with Generals Prado and Daza. As was mentioned in a previous dispatch it is surmised that an effort is being made by the Government of the United States towards mediating in the present question between the three repub- lics, and that this is the direct object held in view by Mr. Pettis. It is even named here that the probabilities are in favor of peace, and that Chili has consented to a suspension of hostilities, and that the respective Presidents of Peru and Bolivia are not averse to an arrangement of difficulties on an equitable basis. Peru would be 22 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. the gainer probably in some new dispositions regarding the goods for Bolivian con- sumption dispatched through her custom houses and transported qver her territory ; Bolivia would be placed again in possession of the ports seized by Chili, whilst the pretentions of Chili and Bolivia to the territory would be left to the arbitration of some third power. These are the rumors prevalent here, but such reticence is observed in official circles as to render it impossible to guarantee their accuracy. The belliger- ents, and Chili more particularly, evidently perceive that the struggle must be pro- longed for an indefinite period, as the limited resources at their disposition naturally hamper all extensive military or naval movements, and Peru, with her diminished navy, cannot venture a decisive combat on the sea. The American minister for Bolivia, Mr. Pettis, arrived at Arica on the Lima. No. 18. Mr. Pettis to Mr. Evarts. No. 41. J Legation of the United States, La Paz, Bolivia, October 7, 1879. (Received November 24, 1879.) Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I yesterday attended the conference to which I was last Saturday invited by his excellency, Mr. Serapio Reyes Ortiz, minister for foreign relations, and of which I ad- vised you of that date, in my dispatch No. 40. Mr. Bollivino, the government interpreter and translator, called for me at the hour previously designated; and none were present at the conference but Mr. Ortiz, Mr. Bollivino, and myself. His excellency at first took occasion to allude to the matter embraced in a communication which, in obedience to instructions from the De- partment, I some time since addressed to Mr. Guerra, the then acting- minister of foreign relations, afterwards deceased, respecting the decree of the president of this republic in reference to letters of marque; assur- ing me that I should receive an answer at an early day. Mr. Ortiz was in possession of the portfolio for foreign relations at the time of the declaration of war by Chili, but passed it over to Mr. Guerra to accept an important special mission to Peru, remaining at Lima until President Prado left the capital, about the middle of May last, to assume command of the Peruvian army at Arica and Tacna, when Mr. Ortiz accompanied him, remaining with the two presidents, Generals Daza and Prado, acting as secretary-general of state under General Daza until called here, to resume the portfolio he had laid down, in consequence of the death of Mr. Guerra, and is now the acting presi- dent of Bolivia. I met Mr. Ortiz in Lima, on my way here, he calling upon me, in company with Mr. Minister Plores, the envoy extraordinary of Bolivia to Pern. I met him, with President Daza, at Pisaqua, when passing down the coast late in July, and at Arica, with both presidents, Gen- erals Daza and Prado, upon my return. He was their adviser and counsel then, and I may say he is so still. The conversation and conference soon turned upon the war, which, doubtless, was the purpose of calling it. Mr. Ortiz desired to know the feeling in the United States, and of our government. I stated that I had learned nothing from that direction since my in- terview with the two presidents at Arica, in his presence, to change the AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 23 opinion by me then expressed; that my government deplored the un- happy differences existing between Chili, Bolivia, and Peru; and that I felt satisfied that the United States would gladly assist in any proper way in its power in the settlement of their troubles; in truth, stood ready to render any assistance it might in honor be able to, toward the restoration of peace, but was, of course, averse to doing anything, or saying anything, that would be considered by the parties interested either officious or presumptuous upon her part. Mr. Ortiz then remarked that Bolivia had been all the time, and still was, in favor of mediation, and that he believed Peru was also; but that it had not been offered by any power that they felt inclined to accept; but that an offer of mediation from the United States would be considered respectful and respectable, coming from a responsible, powerful, and friendly nation. I expressed the opinion that if my government was satisfied that the contending parties desired to avail themselves of its good offices, and that amicable relations could be restored through its efforts, I could not believe that the President of the United States, influenced by his de- sires to restore peace to the people of the three republics with whom his government is on such terms of entire cordiality and friendship, and to advance their prosperity would hesitate to tender the good offices of the United States for that purpose, but I thought before any such media- tory step upon the part of my government was taken, it would have to be satisfied that the offer would be acceptable to the contending powers, and in the spirit that it would be made; whereupon Mr. Ortiz stated that President Daza and President Prado, as well as himself desired the mediation of the United States and would gladly accept the same if offered, but that inasmuch as Chili had declared the war, Bolivia and Peru did not feel that they could honorably solicit formally the media- tion of any other power. I then added that such being the wish and desire of the two govern- ments, it was possible that my government in consideration of such posi- tion of Bolivia and Peru, might, in the interest of peace and in its well known character and office of peacemaker, make thie desired offer and tender, when the knowledge of such a desire upon the part of Bolivia and Peru became known to the President, and which I should lose no time in communicating to him, feeling that I should incur his displeas- ure, if not forfeit his good opinion by withholding it; and thus ended a very cordial and pleasant interview that lasted from 2 o'clock until nearly 4. This morning I addressed a "private unofficial" note to his excellency, Mr. Ortiz, a copy of which I herewith send forward marked "Inclosure 1," and a few moments since received a reply, which translated by Mr. Bullivian and copied by me is herewith inclosed, marked "Inclosure 2." By a comparison of that portion of my note (Inclosure 1) that is in- cluded within quotation marks, with his excellency's reply, you will discover that the minister flinches a little as he speaks of a condition of the disocou'pying of the territory taken possession of by Chili, and which is claimed by Bolivia. Mr. Bullivian, who delivered to me the letter and the translation, informed me that it was only inserted (the condition) as expressive of the feelings of the people of Bolivia upon that question. This dispatch will in all probability reach the department some time from the 15th to the 20th proximo, when I hope to be at Panama, and shall be pleased to receive, by cable, any advices that the department may desire to send me at that place. 24 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. Should I have occasion to cable the department from Panama, T will use for the word — Mediation, Japan. Arbitration, Panama. Ecuador, Colon. Columbia, Floi'ida. Brazil, Alabama. Territory, Holland. Christiancy, Letter "C." Osborne, Letter "O." In view of the fullness of this dispatch, it is not probable that any cable- gram will be found necessary from me unless made so by advices that the department may address to me there. I am of the opinion, from what occurred between the Chilian authorities and Mr. Osborn and myself at Santiago, that Chili desired, and will ac- cept, the mediation of the United States, if it is offered, and I think Mr. Osborn was of the same opinion. My impression is that all of these people are in fear of early armed foreign intervention, and perhaps not without reasonable ground for such apprehension. I should, perhaps, state that Mr. Bullivian informs me that since the reply of Mr. Ortiz to me, Mr. Ortiz conferred fully with the envoy ex- traordinary of Peru, at La Paz, and that he concurred fully in Mr. Ortiz's expression to me. I have the honor, &c, S. XEWTO^T PETTIS. [Inclosure 1 in No. 41.} Mr. Pettis to Mr. Ortiz. Private and unofficial.] La Paz, October 7, 1879. Sib : The more I refect upon the character and conclusions of our interview yester- day, the more am I gratified at both, realizing that from the known, close, confiden- tial, and intimate relations, personal and official, that have existed between both President Daza and President Prado and yourself since the declaration of war by Chili, you were authorized and prepared to speak for them and their governments as well, so far as an expression of their views and wishes concerned the question of the war, and peace as well. You were pleased to say to me upon the occasion referred to, that " President Daza and President Prado, as well as yourself, desired the mediation of the United States, and would gladly accept the same, if offered, but that inasmuch as Chili had declared the war, Bolivia and Peru did not feel that they could honorably solicit formally the mediation of any other power." I address to your excellency this private and unofficial note, for. the purpose of ask- ing if you will be pleased to put such statement upon paper, with translation by Mr. Bullivian, in order that I may establish it to the President of the United States, and to the Honorable William M. Evarts, Secretary of State of the United States, believing as I do that a compliance with such suggestion will result in such desired offer upon the part of the United States Government at an early day. I have, &e., S. NEWTON PETTIS. [Inclosure 2 in No. 41. — Translation.] Mr. Ortiz to Mr. Pettis. La Paz, October 7, 1879. Sir: I answer with pleasure your welcome note of this date, with the same private character as the sentiments that we have interchanged in our unofficial confidence. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 25 I have assured to your excellency that I believed that I knew of the feelings of their excellencies, the supreme directors of the war, and those of their respective govern- ments of Bolivia and Peru, and the special reasons of the intercourse that I have maintained with them, and that I can formulate these feelings in following terms : The allied nations will not refuse any mediation, but they cannot solicit it. They will see with pleasure that the supreme government of the United States will inter- pose effective or practical mediation in preference to that of any European states. As Peru and Bolivia have been offended, it would not be dignified and honorable for them to make any insinuations at all about a mediation ; but they would accept it under the particular condition that the invaded territory of Bolivia shall be disoccupied by the Chilian forces. Theallied nations do not make war, ouly because they have been impelled to it ; and they do not pretend to usurp the Chilian territory, nor diminish the rights of Chili as an independent state, but it is only to recover the usurped territory, conserving our own rights of sovereign states and the dignity of the pavilions of Peru and Bo- 'livia. They do not refuse the arbitration, and they will agree with the designation of any arbitrators whatsoever that may be honorable. These ideas constitute the feelings of the directors of the two allied nations and are those of which I have the honor to manifest to your excellency, so that you cau make use of this private letter with the noble purpose your excellency has undertaken for your government and the belligerent nations. I have, &c, SEKAPIO REYES ORTIZ. ISO. 19. Mr. Pettis to Mr. JEvarts. No. 42.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, October 8, 1879. (Received November 24.) Sie : Had time permitted before the mail of yesterday closed I should have inclosed a map, herewith sent forward, and added a few words ex- planatory thereof, which with it, is now submitted. As I have been able to gather the facts involved in this controversy from the most reliable data at hand, I conclude : First. That in the colonial times of these countries now at war Chili exercised her jurisdiction unchallenged as far north as the 23d degree (south latitude), which included the Bay of Majellones and a southern portion of the desert of Atacama. Second. That after the Spanish yoke was thrown off no change was made in the boundaries between Bolivia and Chili for years. Third. That it seems to me that there can be little, if any, doubt about the fact that the rich and valuable guano discoveries on the coast of the Atacamathrough the enterprise and industries of Chili, about 1840, resulted in a claim by Bolivia that has since been the subject of much controversy and several treaties, at least two. Fourth. That discussion continued between the two countries, Bolivia and Chili, until 1864 or 1865, when an attempted invasion by Spain seemed to necessitate relations of cordiality between Bolivia and Chili, if they would observe the first law of nature, and, doubtless influenced by interested and selfish considerations, they were induced to forget, or at least smother, their own dissensions, in order to strengthen each other and make common cause against a common foe, concluded a treaty establishing the boundary line at 24th degree, which conceded to each a sort of tenancy in common between the 23d and the 25th degrees, upon certain conditions and under certain restrictions. Fifth. Thus the two governments finally found themselves at vari- 26 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEElT, AND BOLIVIA. ance upon the question of treaty stipulation observance, when discus- sion upon the subject resulted in the treaty of 1874 between Chili and Bolivia, which, by modification and change, actually abrogated the treaty of 1866, when in 1878 the two powers find themselves further apart than ever, and it would seem with respect to the observance or disregard of the treaty stipulatious contained in the instrument and covenant of 1874, concerning which they went to war, and that, too, notwithstand- ing the treaty provided for arbitration between the parties in the event of any further or future misunderstanding. Peru finds herself involved, either willingly or unwillingly, in conse- quence of a secret treaty with. Bolivia, made in 1873, providing for the mutual protection of each other. If I am correct in the premises, would it not be enough to ask of Chili to withdraw her forces south of the twenty -three and a half (23£) de- gree, preceding arbitration, if proposed and agreed upon ? That would leave to Chili Antofagasta while arbitration was progressing, and to Bolivia Mejillones and Caracoles, although the map sent, locates Cara- coles (in error) north of the 23d degree. I suggest this in the belief that Chili would consent to this, and in that connection ask if Bolivia should not be satisfied with that as pre- liminary to pacific proceedings. You will see that I have pencilled a line midway between the 23d and 24th parallel, which I think a fair subject of compromise upon the " dis- occupancy" question, which Bolivia is always remembering and never forgetting. I have the honor, &c, S. XEWTON PETTIS. Xo. 20. Mr. Pettis to Mr. Erarts. So. 43.] Legation op the United States, La Paz, Bolivia, October 9, 1879. (Keceived November 24.) Sir : I have the honor to inclose a translated copy of a communica- tion this day received from the minister of foreign relations of Bolivia, in reply to mine to him with reference to the subject-matter of your dis- patch Xo. 12, which is marked Inclosure 1. The delay in answering mine upon the subject doubtlesss arose from he sickness and death of Mr. Guerra. I am, &c, S. XEWTOX PETTIS. [Inclosure 1 in Xo. 43. — Translation.] Mr. Ortte to Mr. Pettis. La Paz, October 9, 1879. Mr. Minister : The executive council of this republic has had the honor to receive and take note of the dispatch your excellency has favored us v^ith on the 25th of last August, with the object of advising us that' your excellency lias been informed by official note from Washington that the Government of the United States has learned that the British Government has been informed of a decree issued by this o-overnment, authorizing the use of privateers and the capture of Chilian property iu neutral ships', and that to this effect Bolivia has sent agents to the United States. * In consequence of this, your excellency calls the attention of my government to the AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 27 treaty celebrated between the United States and Bolivia in 1838, and very particu- larly to the 16th article of said treaty, which expresses that the effects or goods be- longing to the citizens of a belligerent nation are protected on board neutral ships, with the exception of contraband articles. Answering the question which thereby arises, and which your excellency has the honor to put to me, whether the information received by the United States as to the decree given out by Bolivia is or is not true, I am gratified, to inform your excellency that, in fact, my government, in the exceptional circumstances in which Bolivia finds itself as to the other states, for it absolutely does not count upon a single ship at sea, and in order to counteract the aggression of Chili, which possesses a powerful navy, has thought convenient to authorize in its defense the use of privateers, by the su- preme decree published on the 26th of March, of the present year. Your excellency will understand the perfect right that pertains to Bolivia, as she has not adhered to the treaty of Paris, which prohibits the fitting out of privateers ; having besides respected the exceptional case which, by the treaty of 1858, exists with the United States, as, allow me to inform your excellency, in the decree issued by my government authorizing the privateers to seize ajl cargo of Chilian property found on board a neutral vessel, whether a contraband or not, are excluded those cargoes sail- ing under the United States flag. With this declaration I have, &c, SERAPIO REYES ORTIZ. His Excellency S. Newton Pettis, Minister Resident of the United States, fyc. No. 21. Mr. Pettis to Mr. Evarts. No. i-L.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, Bolivia, October 15, 1879. (Beceived Nov. 24.) Sir : I take pleasure in inclosing the communication of Mr. Minister Ortiz, of this date, in reply to mine to him last August, inclosing to him, as directed by the Department, a copy of a circular issued by the Secre- tary of the Treasury, accompanying your dispatch No. 13, marked In- closnre 1, translation. I have the honor, &c, S. NEWTON PETTIS. [Inclosure 1 in No. 44. — Translation.] • Mr. Ortiz to Mr. Pettis. La Paz, October 15, 1879. Mr. Minister: The council of ministers charged with the executive power of tho government has had the honor to consider your official note, which, on the 25th of Au- gust, your excellency had the kindness to address this ministry, with inclosed copy of a circular published by the Secretary of the United States of America, in which the observance of the neutrality laws in the present war which Bolivia now sustains with the Republic of Chili is recommended. Acknowledging, your excellency, the receipt of said official note and inclosed circu- lar, I have the honor to refer you to the answer which I addressed to you on the 9th instant. At the same time it is gratifying for me to repeatmyself, yours, very sincerely, ^ SERAPIO REYES ORTIZ. His Excellency S. Newton Pettis, Minister Resident of the United States of America. 28 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. No. 22. Mr. JSvarts to Mr. Adams. No. 3.1 Department oe State, Washington, April 19, 18S0. Sir : I transmit herewith copy of a dispatch received from Mr. Thomas A. Osborn, United States minister to Chili, relative to the proposed ex- change of prisoners of war between Chili and Bolivia. You will per- ceive that Mr. Osborn reports having written to the legation at La Paz on the subject. I have replied to Mr. Osborn that a change has been made in the incumbency of the mission, and that the person who had taken charge of the archives of the legation and consulate-general had not been invested by this government with any official functions; and cotild not, consequently, act in a diplomatic capacity toward the further- ance of the desired end. The suggestion made in reference to the exchange of prisoners of war, like all others of a broadly humane character, has the sympathies of this government, and if the exercise of your good offices within their proper sphere will promote such a result without disparagement to the belligerent rights of any of the combatants, and especially of Peru, as the ally of Bolivia and presumably equally interested with her in such an arrangement, you are authorized to do what you can to promote the interests of humanity in the conduct of this unhappy war. I am, &c, WM. M. EVAETS. No. 23. Mr. Adams to Mr. Evarts. N:\ 3.] Legation oe the United States to Bolivia, Lima, Peru, June 14, 1880. (Received July 29.) Sir : I have the honor to report my arrival at this place yesterday, the 13th instant. I was enabled to land at the blockaded port of Callao and reach this city without detention, through the assistance of Captain Brown, U. S. N., commanding the United States ship Alaska, whom by good fortune I met in the harbor of Chimbote, and who kindly placed his vessel at my disposal on its return trip from Chimbote to Callao. On entering the latter port I called with Captain Brown upon Admiral Rivera, commanding the blockading squadron of Chili on the coast, in order to inform him that in a few days 1 should land at Mollendo, a blockaded port further south, and request that the railway train which I would take there to proceed to La Paz be not fired upon from his ships, which request was granted readily and most willingly. Captain Brown has informed me that in about a week he will be ready to take me to Mollendo, and I consider it really fortunate to have met him, as it would have been out of the question for me to visit Lima at all and place myself in communication with Minister Christiancy, which you considered advisable and of importance in your last verbal instruc- tions, and which would have necessitated a land journey of several hun- dred miles through a desert, for which I was not prepared. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 29 I will not endeavor to report upon events that have lately taken place here, as without doubt you will be advised by those who, being on the ground, have had better facilities to know. I will only state that after the defeat of the allies at Tacna on the 26th ultimo, General Campero, Provisional President of Bolivia, having lost half his army killed in the battle, separated from the Peruvian forces and with the remnant of his own soldiers took the road to Bolivia, promising, however, that he would return with a larger force. On the evening before the battle, General Campero had resigned the chief command of the allied forces, which had fallen to him by virtue of the treaty with Peru, stipulating that if the President of either republic should be with the troops he should be com- mander-in-chief of the troops of both republics, and had said when sur- rendering his command that on that day he ceased to be Provisional President of Bolivia, as the Congress of that country; called together to elect a constitutional President that day, had no doubt fulfilled its mis- sion. The latest news from Bolivia, however, up to the 28th ultimo, is that, while said Congress had met on the 25th for the purpose of elect- ing a President, it had failed to take a vote, adjourning from day to day and occupying the time with making patriotic speeches ; evidently wait- ing for some news from the army. What may have happened in La Paz since that date it is impossible to say, and will be unknown probably for some time, but that perhaps another revolution with or without bloodshed has taken place may be imagined, when the hurried departure of General Campero from Tacna is considered, his own candidature before the Congres for election as constitutional President, and the hesi- tation of this Congress to proceed to a vote. I am anxious to reach my post, and shall wait no longer than the Alaska is obliged to remain off Callao before proceeding to La Paz, al- though perhaps no time would be lost by remaining here until such time as some result of the action taken by the diplomatic corps should 'be apparent. Should the action taken have any result, and possible proposals of peace from Chili be not entirely rejected by the Governmentof Peru, the latter could not act without also considering the status of Bolivia, and in that case it may be advantageous for me to know the wishes, ideas, and actions of the neutral representatives here, in order to co-operate with them in Bolivia after my arrival. I should be guided, however, in some measure by the opinion of "Minister Christiancy, at whose request I at- tended a meeting of the diplomatic corps to-day, and who. I find, not only understands the situation thoroughly, but also has considerable in- fluence in the deliberations of that body. I am, &c, CHABLES ADAMS. No. 24. Mr. Adams to Mr. Uvarts. No. 4.] Legation op the United States to Bolivia, Lima, Peru, June 22, 1880. (Eeceived July 29.) Sir : Since my last dispatch of the 14th instant, in which I had the honor to advise you of the existing uncertainty as to political affairs in Bolivia, advices have reached this city from La Paz to the effect that on the 1st instant General Narciso Campero was elected constitutional 30 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEBU, AND BOLIVIA. President by the Congress, which had met on the 25th ultimo, after his report of the defeat at Tacna had been received, and after it had become known that the remains of his army were scattered and dissolved and that he himself was returning to La Paz with but a few followers. Taking into consideration the reverses sustained by President Cam- pero in the field, this action of Congress foreshadows a strong govern- ment for Bolivia, one that is well supported and therefore likely to endure. I have the honor also to report that the proceedings of the Bolivian Congress, in its different acts and decrees passed, seem to indicate a further prosecution of the war with Chili, as new levies of men are pro- jected; war material is to be gathered; the revenues of the republic pledged for war purposes, and any correspondence looking towards peace is to be considered treason and to be punished with death. • At the same time that the above news reaches us from La Paz, and with- out previous intimation whatever, a message of the Dictator of Peru ad- dressed to the counsel "of state is published, submitting a proctocol entered into by the representatives of both Peru and Bolivia on the 11th instant, looking towards the unification of the two republics into one, with a full constitution for the new republic, subject, however, to a plebiscite; all of which Mr. Pierola highly indorses, and advises its ratification. Minister Christiancy will forward copies of the documents relating thereto, and will no doubt also report upon its merits and the proba- bility of its adoption as far as Peru is concerned. Inasmuch as Boliv- ian advices are entirely silent upon the subject, it is impossible to say whether the people of that country, or even its present government, will agree to this confederation, and I cannot intelligently report there- on until I shall have reached La Paz and examined into the matter thoroughly. I am notified that the steamer Alaska has finished coaling and will leave for Mollendo to-morrow, so I shall be enabled to reach La Paz by the 1st proximo, where I expect President Campero to be at the same time, and so be able to deliver my credentials to him in person, instead of to the president of the council of ministers, the secretary-general of state, or lately the first vice-president, under which different titles different persons have been in power in Bolivia since the flight of President Daza, and the absence from the seat of government of the Provisional President, General Campero. , I have, &c, CHARLES ADAMS. jSTo. 25. Mr. Adams to Mr. Evarts. No. 13.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, July 14, 1880. (Received August 25.) Sib : Although in the political situation of Bolivia nothing startling has occurred since my arrival here, I deem it proper to advise you from time to time, and do so now, as the extreme quietness prevailing seems to me to be only the forerunner of a violent storm, which may engulf this Republic in utter ruin and end its existence. Mr. Campero has been elected Constitutional President a month and AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 31 a half ago with the distinct understanding — he being the head of the War party — to carry on the war to the very extremes, if necessary ; but instead, absolutely nothing has been done to organize a new army; so much so, that even the best battalion of Bolivian troops, which suffered most at Tacna, fought heroically, and was the only body which kept its organization after the defeat, on its arrival at La Paz was disarmed and furloughed against their will, simply because the government seems to be afraid of a new revolution. There are about 400 soldiers here in La Paz, and I see no indication of recruiting, drafting, or even of gath- ering the stragglers of the Tacna troops. Everything is at a standstill; no commerce; even production of the soil neglected. The Congress is still in session, but beyond proclaiming martial law in the republic, they have done nothing, but are considering in secret session, from day to day, the protocol of the Peru-Bolivia confederation, which, should it be accepted by the Congress, will surely lead to the disintegra- tion of the republic, inasmuch as the southern departments are likely to join the Argentine Confederation, and one or two of the eastern de- partments Brazil. In fact, the proposed confederation with Peru created no enthusiasm in Bolivia; the people, with the exception of where Peruvian, interests predominate, are against it, and I should not be surprised that in the near future, either the peace party or the extremists will obtain control of the government, the present executive having failed to satisfy either party. That the government. and the Congress understand this feeling- is shown by the fact that the resignations of all the officials, especially in the south, of contrary opinions have been accepted, but at the same time I am informed confidentially that negotiations are now pending at least between Bolivia and the Government of the Argentine Confedera- tion, not only to include the latter in the alliance against Chili, but in fact form a grand confederation consisting of Peru, Bolivia, and the Argentine Bepublic. If this information is correct, it is of great importance, and if it should be accomplished it would change the status of the war mate- rially, and at any rate would unite the different elements of Bolivia, as the south would really be enthusiastic far such a confederation. The present political troubles in Buenos Ayres are, here at least, as- cribed to intrigues of Chili, to prevent any possible alliance with its enemies, and should this be also understood at Buenos Ayres, the con- summation of a triple alliance and confederation may be a thing of the near future, especially as Peru in its present financial difficulties would be very glad indeed, and it is indeed the only way out of its difficulties and to retain to coast districts now occupied by Chili, which contain the immense deposits of salitre and guano. There are also rumors here that a certain party in Bolivia has made arrangements with Chili to make a separate peace, whereby the coast as far north as the Eiver Loa shall fall to Chili, and Bolivia acquire the department of Moquequa, with the ports of Ilo and Arica, and the pros- perous city of Tacna ; but although no doubt such a course would be approved by many of the people here who are tired of the war, the in- ternational question of bad faith towards its allies, it is to be hoped, will preclude any such arrangement. There are still some hopes expressed, especially since my arrival, that our government may see fit to intervene, and all sorts of rumors, such as the coast districts have been ceded to the United States in considera- tion of its help, or that the district of the Amazonas is to be purchased by us, gain credence amongst the people, which may be considered a 32 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEKIT, AND BOLIVIA. natural consequence of the course pursued by my predecessor, who seems of his own account to have acted, very absurdly and has in many re- gards made my own stay very uncomfortable. In conclusion, I have the honor to advise you that Mr. Cabrera, lately the Acting President of the republic, while the President was in com- mand of the armies at Tacna, and himself a candidate before Congress, but defeated by General Campero, has been appointed minister pleni- potentiary to the United States, and that his departure may take place at any time. I am informed that Senor Cabrera is a thorough gentleman and able statesman, and although his appointment by many here is considered more an honorable banishment, it cannot fail to promote the good feel- ing existing between the two republics, and will undoubtedly be wel- comed by yourself and the President. 1 have, &c, CHABLES ADAMS. Xo. 26. Mr. Ei-arts to Mr. Adams. Kb. 10.] Department of State, Washington, August 2, 1880. Sir: With his dispatch jSTo. 148, of the 20th of May last. Mr. Osborn, the United States minister at Santiago, Chili, transmitted to the De- partment a copy of his letter of the 13th of that month, addressed to Mr. Christiancy, the United States minister to Peru, in reference to the pros- pects of peace between the contending powers on the Pacific coast, and suggesting a method by which the Government of the United States might make its good offices available in the way of mediation. Upon the receipt of this dispatch an identical telegraphic instruction was addressed to both Mr. Osborn and Mr. Christiancy for their imme- diate guidance in the matter referred to in Mr. Osborn's letter. The telegrams were dated the 29th ultimo, and read as follows : Press upon Chilian Government onr desire to aid in restoring peace on honorable terms between nations, to which we are sincerely and equally friendly. A like in- struction is sent to-day to Lima. On the 30th ultimo an instruction, embodying the telegrams ad- verted to, was addressed to those gentlemen. Mr. Osborn was advised that the tenor of his letter to Mr. Christiancy was approved by the De- partment, and the minister to Peru was likewise informed of its action in respect of Mr. Osborn's letter to him. A copy of Mr. Osborn's dispatch above referred to is forwarded here- with,* and that you may be further informed of the course pursued by the Department in regard to the letter which accompanied it, the above recapitulation of its action has been embodied in the present instruc- tion for your complete and fall understanding in the premises. I am, &c, WM. M. EVAETS. * For text of Mr. Osborn's dispatch, see Doc. No. 13, post, p. 25. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 33 No. 27. Mr. Adams to Mr. LJvarts. No. 22.] Legation of the United States,, La Paz, August 5, 1880. (Received October 5.) Sir : Since my last dispatch (No. 13) concerning the political situation of Bolivia uothing of importance has occurred. Congress is still in ses- sion, doing nothing apparently, but said to be engaged in secret sessions' to deliberate upon the question of peace or further prosecution of the war. Two weeks ago the question of peace was not even discussed openly ; now two of our journals here propose the necessary preliminaries look- ing towards an armistice, and within a few days the two most prominent members of the cabinet, Mr. Oarillo, of state and foreign affairs, and Mr. Salinas, of war, have been mentioned as favoring such a policy. Arica, the Peruvian port lately captured by the Chilians, has been opened to Bolivian commerce, but such commerce has been interdicted by the government at the demand of Peru, and in consequence it is now rumored that Chilian troops will shortly move towards this city or Puno, Peru; the latter the only place by which communication is kept open between the allies. Should this prove" true, and it is likely, as the sentiment of Chili de- mands some action, either place could be occupied by a small force, and then indeed all intercourse between Peru and Bolivia would necessarily cease. It is already said that the government here will abandon La Paz and retire to Oruro, and private advices have been received from Tacna that such movement may take place very shortly. The war party here consoles itself with late news from Lima, stating that several ironclads, with war material of all kinds, purchased in the United States, have arrived, or will shortly arrive, and will change the aspect of the war materially, and this slim hoj)e keeps off utter despond- ency. I rather look forward to an early invasion of Bolivia, and as La Paz will naturally be the object of the enemy's attack, I shall probably have my hands full in protecting property and persons in that event. Everything, however, is uncertain, and a day may change the whole aspect of affairs. I have, &c, CHARLES ADAMS. No. 28. Mr. Adams to Mr. JEvarts. No. 26.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, (September 2, 1880. (Received October 12.) Sir : 1 have the honor to transmit herewith copies of correspondence had so far in relation to the mediation offered by yourself to aid in the restoration of peace. I have, &c, CHARLES ADAMS. S. Ex. 79 3 34 AFFAIBS IX CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. [Inclosure 1 in No. 26. J Mr. Osiorn to Mr Adams. Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, August 10, 1880. Sik : On the 5th instant I received from Secretary Evarts a telegraphic message, which reads as follows : "Press upon Chilian Government our desire to aid in restoring peace on honorable .terms between nations to which we are sincerely and equally friendly." The Secretary informs me that a like instruction was sent to Lima. Upon the receipt of this, I visited President Pinto and urged upon him the impor- tance to all the belligerents of a peace, and endeavored to convince him of the pro- priety of their availing themselves for that purpose of the friendly offers of the United States. I am just in receipt of a response, in which I am informed that mediation by the United States in the form suggested by me in May last in communication to Secretary Evarts and Minister Christiancy will Tbe accepted by Chili. The form suggested, in brief, was this : To have the belligerents appoint ambassadors with full power to meet at some point on their coast on board an American man-of- war, there to enter upon negotiations, in the presence of, and with the advice and assistance of, such ambassadors as the United States Government might designate. I am not yet in receipt of a reply from the Department, but I cannot doubt that my suggestions have been favorably considered. It seems to me that there ought to be no objection on the part of the belligerents to mediation in the form suggested, and if you shall find the Government of Bolivia ready to agree thereto, I trust you will not fail to promptly advise me. The Government at Washington is evidently anxious that some extra effort should be put forth wil h a view of facilitating the restoration of peace to these unfortunate countries. , I have arranged so that your correspondence for this legation can be sent under cover to the commanding general at Arica. He will forward here communications for me. You will, I suppose, have little difficulty in sending letters through the lines to him. I shall write to Mr. Christiancy of this matter by the first mail. Please let me hear from you at your earliest convenience. Very respectfully, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. [Inclosure 2 in No. 26.] Mr. Adams to Mi: Carrillo. Legation of the United States, La Paz, August 27, 18S0. Sie: I have the honor to advise you that I have received a dispatch from the minis- ter of the United States near the Government of Chili, wherein I am informed that, my government having urgently "pressed its desire upon the Chilian Government to aid in restoring peace on honorable terms between nations to which it is sincerely and equally friendly," mediation by the United States had been accepted by President Pinto in a form which I shall take great pleasure to communicate to your excel- lency, if efforts of that kind are at all considered with favor by the Government of Bolivia, and an invitation to a conference can be accepted. I am also informed that the same invitation and for the same purpose has been com- municated to our minister at Lima. I improve the opportunity to renew to your excellency sentiments of my highest es- teem, and have, &c. CHARLES ADAMS. [Inclosure 3 in No. 26 — Translation.] Mr. Carrillo to Mr. Adams. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, La Paz, August 31, 1880. Mr. Minister : I had the honor to receive your esteemed letter of the 27th of this month, by which you are pleased to inform me that "the Government of the United AFFAIRS IN CHILJ, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 35 States having urgently pressed its desires upon the Government of Chili to aid in re- storing peace on honorable terms between nations to which it is sincerely and equally friendly," mediation of the United States had been accepted by the President of Chili in a form which your excellency offers to communicate me with pleasure, if efforts of that nature are considered with favor by the Government of Bolivia, and if it ac- cepts the invitation to a conference, which you had the kindness so generously to propose. You are also pleased to advise me that the same invitation and for the same pur- pose has been communicated to the minister of the United States residing at Lima. It gives my government great satisfaction to recognize thehigh intentions with which the most excellent Government of the United States has offered its respected mediation in order that the ravages of war, in which three nations of the Pacific are involved, may cease. This friendly action, which manifests the noble object with which the treat Republic of the North interests itself for peace among the republics of the outh, in which the domination of force is contrary to its destinies, will always be considered by my government with sincere acknowledgments of its obligation, and which I may be permitted to express to your excellency as the representative of such elevated sentiments of Americanism. My government, convinced that the mediation offered by a nation of such high merit for its policy, which, while so eminently just, strives to keep intact in America the honorable independence of the states on the new continent, cannot be disregarded without grave reasons, has authorized me to receive from your excellency the propo- sitions of the suggested mediation in the form in which it has been accepted by the President of Chili. Without prejudice as to what the Government of the allied Republic of Peru may have to say, I have the honor, in response to your generous invitation, to state that I am willing to agree to the proposed conference at a time, which you might indicate, and naming as place the office of this ministry, if convenient to your excellency. With sentiments of the most distinguished consideration, I have, &c. JUAN C. CARRILLO. {Tnclosure 4 in No. 26.] Memorandum of an interview between Mr. Carrillo, miniiter of foreign affairs of Bolivia, and the minister of the United States, Mr. Adams, at La Paz, September 1, 1880. Mr. Adams, referring to his note of the 27th ultimo, states that he is informed by Mr. Osboru, the minister of the United States at Santiago, that the Government of Chili has accepted the mediation of the United States in the following form : " Each of the belligerents to appoint an ambassador to meet at some point on the coast, for which purpose the Government of the United States will place at the disposal of the powers an American man-of-war, there to deliberate upon the conditions of peace in the pres- ence of, and with the advice and assistance of, such American or Americans as the Government of the United States shall designate." Mr. Carrillo asks whether any distinct basis is stipulated on which Chili has agreed to these proceedings, to which Mr. Adams replies that it has not, but that the object) of the conference appears to him to be to come, if possible, to an understand- ing as to the basis whereupon an honorable peace can be accepted by the three coun- tries. Mr. Carrillo thereupon asks what the result of the conference would be, if, as might be expected, the ambassadors cannot come to an understanding ; whether he, in that case, is to understand that nothing further is to be done, or whether in that case, it is proposed to leave the decision of all questions and the conditions of peace to the United States. Mr. Adams in reply regrets that Mr. Osborn's dispatch is not explicit enough to give a decided answer to this question, but inasmuch as it speaks of full powers being given to the respective ambassadors, and as, if the duties and powers of the Americans were limited to those of simple spectators or even advisers, the conference would likely be without result, and as he felt sure that the government of the United States had not offered its good offices, for mediation simply as a matter of compliment, but actually desired a termination of the war, it seemed to him, and he felt authorized to say, that the idea is or should be, that in case the respective ambassadors of the three powers cannot agree amongst themselves, they should have instructions and full powers from their governments to leave the settlement of all questions and the conditions of peace for arbitration, so to speak, to the Government of the .United States, to be de- cided either at home or by commissioners appointed at Washington, deliberating in the presence of the said ambassadors on board an American man-of-war, but that in any case the decision should be final and end the war. Furthermore, Mr. Adams 36 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. thought proper to say, in order to express fully the sentiments of his government, that so far from being desirous of exerting a decisive influence in the settlement of these troubles, it would be content if the three ambassadors on board the American man-of- war could agree upon some other power, neutral in all respects, whose services as arbitrator, either alone or in conjunction with the United States, might promise a speedy, just, and complete settlement and peace. Mr. Careillo, after expressing his thanks, referring in eloquent terms to the Great Republic, its influence, its leadership in American, affairs, its laws and institutions, its government and the character of its people, declares that he fully understands now the object of the mediation, but that it would appear just to Mr. Adams if his gov- ernment withheld its official acceptance until it had heard from its ally, the Govern- mentof Peru ; the more so as in the near future he ought to certainly hear from the Bolivian minister at Lima in regard to this matter, as he understood that the Govern- ment of Peru had also been informed and invited to this conference. Mr. Adams, while protesting that his government under no circumstances would lend Its aid or good offices to any arrangement to which not all the belligerents were parties, still in order to gain time and to put an end as soon as possible to the heavy war expenses under which the three countries were groaning, would suggest that Bolivia appoint its ambassador at once, who might proceed to Mollendo, and so being in direct communication with Lima, at the same time would be on the spot and nego- tiations might commence, if, as he had no doubt, Peru agreed to the proceedings. Mr. Carrillo, while acknowledgingthe propriety of such a step, thought it proper to inform Mr. Adams that if Bolivia should do so, the Government of Peru might consider it an act of presumption, and as already several actions of Chili as towards Bolivia had aroused a certain jealousy and feeling of mistrust iu Peru, he believed it to be better to do nothing until that government could be heard from ; he would, however, not fail to immediately lay the matter before the President and the cabinet, and would as soon as possible inform the minister of the United States of its views. Mr. Adams thereupon, and to conclude the interview, offered to undertake to for- ward through the Chilian authorities at Arica and before C'allao any communications relating to this subject which the Government of Bolivia might wish to transmit to or receive from its minister at Lima, so that in that manner at least some time might be saved; which offer was accepted with thanks. [Inclosure 5 in Xo. 2G.1 Mr. Adams to Mr. Osiorn. Legatiox of the United States, La Pas, September 2, 1880. Sir : In answer to your communication of the 10th ultimo, I have the honor to state that the Government of Bolivia will accept the mediation and if necessary the arbi- tration of the United States, provided its ally, Peru, decides to do so, but as so far it has not heard from Lima in regard to thejnatter, it feels bound for the present to withhold its formal acceptation. The form as suggested by you in your dispatch and as accepted by Chili does not seem to provide for the eventuality which is likely to occur, in case the ambassadors of the belligerents, even with the advice and assistance of American commissioners, should fail to come to an understanding, so I took the responsibility to explain to the govern- ment here, that the idea is, iu case the ambassadors cannot agree, they should at least have full powers to leave all questions in dispute and conditions of peace to the Gov- ernment of the United States for arbitration, so to speak, either to be decided at home or by commissioners here; but the decision in either case to be final. I may be wrong in the premises, and the form as suggested by you may not intend arbitration on our part, but I chose to interpret your dispatch as above, considering it more in accordance with the dignity of the United States, if it interferes at all and takes part in the negotiations, to have the power to make the same binding and settle the matter for good. In order to facilitate matters, I have offered to arrange the transmittal of dispatches • between this government and Lima on this business through the*Chilian authorities at Arica and before Callao. If, however, you should receive information that Peru accepts, I would ask you to send me word at once, and immediately thereafter the Alaska, or whatever vessel is designated, might go to Mollendo to receive the Bolivian ambassa- dor, whom I should probably accompany to that point. Taking it for granted that in case these negotiations come to a head you will ac- company the Chilian ambassador, I promise myself the pleasure of meeting you per- sonally under pleasant circumstances. Meanwhile I am, &c, CHARLES ADAMS. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 37 T$0. 29. Mr. Adams to Mr. Uvarts. No. 27.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, September 2, 1880. (Keceivecl October 22.) Sir : Since my last report of the political situation of Bolivia, dated August 5, absolutely nothing has occurred to change the aspect of affairs. The Congress is still in session, but has done nothing to help the country in its present weakness except to legalize what is called a forced loan of $500,000, which will be exacted mostly from the foreign merchants. Some attempts have been made to organize a national guard for home protection should the Chilians take it into their heads to visit La Paz, and every Sunday we have the spectacle of seeing a, great number of men of all classes assemble in the plaza and march around the same two or three times with martial music, but as the country has not a single rifle to arm those men, and as there is no pos- sibility whatever of the government being able to make or purchase any, the whole proceeding is calculated to expose the very weakness of Bo- livia, although still some of the papers shout for war, getting bolder in their utterances, because Chili seems to rest on its laurels at Tacna and Arica. That any soldiers have been or are being raised to oppose the Chilian army in its next onward march, I have not heard of; and, unless Peru sends the arms, tbe latter will have to fight the next battles alone. The cherished plan of Dictator Pierola to organize and become su- preme ruler of the United States of Peru; Bolivia seems to have been entirely lost sight of, as the Congress here seems to be afraid to touch the subject, it having voted to postpone tbe consideration of the same until a great many other matters are disposed of, and the late action of the charge" d'affaires of Peru in forbidding or protesting against grant- ing a concession to Mr. Brabo and company, organized to open com- munications towards the Atlantic, basiug his protest on one of the arti- cles of the proposed confederation, has opened the eyes of a good many people as to the evident intention of Peru not to allow Bolivia to ex- tend its commerce or make use of the immense natural advantages it possesses, except by paying tribute to Peru at its ports on the Pacific, and the bitter feeling expressed seems to show that even should this confederation as a war measure be accomplished it will be but of short duration on account of the evident desire of Peru to make the natural resources of Bolivia contribute to its own wealth. If in addition to this the ambition of the ruler of Peru should frus- trate the attempts now made for the establishment of x>eace, which the people here and also the government, I believe, are very anxious indeed to have brought about, then indeed the grand idea of confederation will but remain a still-born infant, and instead a decided rupture may be the result. Peace indeed is the great necessity for this country, although directly it has suffered comparatively little; and I can only express the hope that the mediation of our government may bring it about, no matter how the jealousies of other powers may be provoked thereby. I have, &c, CHARLES ADAMS. 38 AFFAIES IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. No. 30. Mr. Adams to Mr. Evarts. No. 28.] Legation op the United States, La Paz, September 4, 1880. (Eeceived October 22.) Sie : On the 2d instant I had an opportunity to forward my mail by a special messenger to the coast, and in my dispatch of that date (No. 26) I had the honor to transmit to you copies of correspondence and a memorandum of a conference held with Mr. Oarrillo the day before, re- lating to the mediation between the belligerents proposed by yourself through Mr. Osborn, by which it appeared that the government of Bo- livia was not likely to refuse the same, provided that Peru agreed thereto; but I was not able to forward the formal answer to the propo- sition, which I received only last night, it having been delayed because of a serious indisposition of President Campero, the cabinet meeting had been postponed. I now have the honor to transmit a copy of the official answer in Span- ish, and also a literal translation made by myself, from which you will perceive that Bolivia unreservedly accepts the mediation, and is not only willing, but anxious, in case the ambassadors do not agree, to leave the whole matter to our government for arbitration, only stipulating that its sovereignty and independence be acknowledged as the basis of proceedings. I considered it proper in my note of acknowledgment — a copy of which is also inclosed — to add a few words, which I hope will meet your approval. I have, &c, CHAELES ADAMS. [Inclosure 1 in No. 28. — Translation.] Mr. Carrillo to Mr. Adams. No. 9. Confidential.] Ministry op Foreign Affairs, La Paz, September 3, 1880. Mr. Minister : In accordance with what I had the honor to declare to your excel- lency in the interview of the first instant, and repeating the acknowledgment which is due to the most excellent Government of the United States for the initiative it has taken by proposing its aid towards an honorable settlement of the present war of the Pacific, it gives me satisfaction to advise your excellency that, in conformity with the treaty of alliance which binds this republic to that of Peru, I have this day ad- dressed to the cabinet at Lima a note, in which I make known that, on my part, I consider the proposed mediation by the most excellent Government of the United States in accordance with the great interests of America and modern civilization, and that I hope, in order to accept the same definitely, to be advised officially of the consent which the allied government may have given' to a like invitation extended to it, inasmuch as this concurrence is indispensable to the good faith with which Bolivia guards its engagements. As soon as I shall be advised officially of its acceptance by the Government of Peru, Bolivia will, without delay, send its plenipotentiary to join those of the allied nation and Chili, and to take part in the conferences and deliberations which are to be held on board a North American vessel, in order to terminate the present complications of the war. The Government of the United States having resolved to point the way so signifi- cantly by its proposition to bring about a settlement equally honorable and accepta- ble to the belligerent republics, the Government of Bolivia understands that arbitra- tion is to be the essential basis of the offered mediation, for the reason that it is not probable that the plenipotentiaries named will be able to settle the grave differences which exist between the states which they directly represent. "With that idea, and feeling that it is the decided object of the Government of the AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 39 United States to aid seriously and in an honorable manner in the re-establishment of peace, as your excellency was kind enough to declare in the interview referred to, my government reposes the utmost confidence in the mediation as well because thereby it consigns the justice of its actions to the decision of a powerful nation, as because it introduces arbitration as an essential condition which, while maintaining towards the contending parties an equally dignified attitude, guards their sentiments of national honor and offers the only certain solution — one which is in accordance with the principles of justice. My government, interpreting faithfully the national sentiment, can assure your ex- cellency that, as much as Bolivia is resolved at any sacrifice to sustain in the present war its rights of sovereignty and independence against the impositions of- force, which are contrary to South American politics, it is also ready to accept, without re- serve, any means which, while preserving its honor, may tend to re-establish peace ; and, believing that this will be the result of the proposed mediation, 'my government will also accept with pleasure that the most excellent Government of the United States may be the judge-arbitrator to decide all questions relating to the present struggle .of the Pacific which it should be impossible for the plenipotentiaries of the belligerent powers to regulate and settle. While deolaring in this open and frank manner the resolution of my government in cordial response to the mediation offered by the most excellent Government of the United States, I have, &c, JUAN C. CARRILLO. LInclosure 3 in No. 28.1 Mr. Adams to Mr. Carrillo. Legation of the United States, La Paz, September 4, 1880. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the note, dated yesterday, which your excellency had the kindness to transmit to me, and in which you declare in such eloquent language that the Government of Bolivia is prepared to accept the mediation and, if neeessary, the arbitration of the Government of the United States, as proposed, if the allied Government of Peru should also agree thereto. I shall not fail to acquaint my government with the sentiments so creditable and honorable to yourself and your government, and can only express the hope that that of Peru, animated by the same enlightened views, may aiso consent to this manner of ending a cruel, unnatural, and fratricidal war. If, unfortunately, after all, this attempt should prove ineffectual, I can at least bear witness that Bolivia was ready to stop the further effusion of blood, and the blame must rest where it belongs. I am, &c, CHARLES ADAMS. No. 31. Mr. Adams to Mr. Evarts. No. 29.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, September 14, 1880. (Received November 4.) Sir: Having received from Mr. Christiancy a dispatch, dated the 7th, from Arica, in regard to the proposed mediation in the interest of peace, I, without delay, called upon Mr. Carrillo, tbe minister of foreign affairs, at his office, and have now the pleasure to transmit a memorandum of our interview, which, as far as Bolivia is concerned, certainly demon- strates that the efforts of our government are fully appreciated. I also have the honor to inclose a copy of Mr. Christiancy's dispatch, and my reply. I am, &c, CHAELES ADAMS, 40 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEEU, AMD BOLIVIA. [iBclosure 1 in No. 29. ] Mr. Christiancy to Mr. Adams. On Board U. S. Steamer Wachusett, On the u-ayfrom Valparaiso to Arica, September Z, 1£80. Sir : As I had not heard from Mr. Osborn, our minister at Santiago, for some time, and felt quite confident that the Peruvian Government was ready to enterupon nego- tiations for peace, with the friendly mediation of the United States, I left Lima on the 15th of August, and reached Santiago August 27th, where I immediately learned from Mr. Osborn that the ministers of England, France, and Italy, at Santiago, acting in concert with the ministers of the same governments at Lima, had urged the Chilian Government to offer peace to Peru, on condition of ceding to Chili absolutely the pro v- ince of Tarapaca", and that the Chilian Government was) waiting an answer from the ministers of France, England, and Italy in Lima to their colleagues in Santiago, indi- cating whether Peru would accept such condition of peace. Should Pern thus accept there would be no special object for mediation by the "United States ; but the Chilian Government accepted unconditionally the friendly mediation of the United States, and if the representatives of England, France, and Italy do not succeed in getting Peru to accept peace on the terms they have proposed, and that they (said representatives) can guarantee snch acceptance, then I am satis- fied it is the wish of the Chilian Government, as 1 know it to be of our own, that the United States should offer their friendly mediation, provided both Peru and Bolivia accept the same, and I feel confident that Peru will gladly accept such mediation as soon as I can see' the Dictator Pi^rola. In fact I should have consulted him before leaving Lima, had I known the position of the Chilian Government. Mr. Osborn informs me that he wrote you some two weeks ago of the disposition of the Chilian Government, and their willingness to accept our mediation, and that in the event of Bolivia and Pern accepting such mediation, you and Mr. Osborn and myself should come to Arica upon a naval vessel of the United States and meet there the ambassadors of the three belligerent powers, and that we should there aid, in a friendly manner, to -secure peace. As Mr. Osborn's letter was forwarded to you by courier from Arica, he thinks your answer must be in Arica before now, and perhaps may have been sent on to him by mail steamer ; but I am to inquire when I get to Arica, and if your letter to him is there I am to open and read it, and see that it is for- waTded to him. It is very important that Mr. Osborn and myself should know as soon as possible whether Bolivia accepts the mediation of the United 8tates. She may not be willing to accept without knowing that Peru will do the same. In such case, in order to save time, let the Government of Bolivia accept on condition that Peru shall do so. I take it for granted and have full confidence that both Bolivia and Peru will accept the mediation, and just as soon as this can be ascertained I am to fix the day of meet- ing at Arica, which Mr. Osborn and myself think can bo brought about by the 5th of October, and we therefore think it best that you should come down to Arica by that time, and that an ambassador from Bolivia should come with you. Please write Mr. Osborn and myself fully, under cover to the general commanding at Arica, who will forward to me and to Mr. Osborn unopened. And as there is a line of telegraph from Arica to Santiago, please write a dispatch to Mr. Osborn inclosed in a letter addressed to the general commanding at Arica, asking him to forward the dispatch. The dis- patch should say only (if Bolivia accepts mediation), " Bolivia accepts." If she does not accept, please say in the dispatch only "Bolivia refuses." Yon will readily understand that, if all the belligerents accept the mediation of the United States, the opening of the negotiations will not depend upon any condition such as that proposed by the ministers of England, France, and Italy; but that the field is open to any terms which, under our friendly mediation, all the parties may bo ■willing to accept. I will further say that should you and any ambassador come down to Arica, the general commanding there is instructed to treat you and such ambassador with all kindness and attention. He is also ordered in the mean time to aid in any way he can to facilitate communication between yourself and Mr. Osborn and me. I shall call to see him at Arica and deliver him a letter from his government, and I may pos- sibly drop you a short letter from there in addition to the present. I send you inclosed a copy of the mode agreed upon between Mr. Osborn and myself for telegraphing, &c, which you can also adopt. I have strong hopes that in some one of the ways now under consideration peace will be restored. I am, very truly, your friend, I. P. CHRISTIANCY* AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 41 [Inoloeure 2 in No. 29.] Memorandum of a conference held at La Paz September 13, 1880, between Mr. Carrillo, the minister of foreign affairs of Bolivia, and Mr. Adams, the minister resident of the United' States, Mr. Adams opens the interview by stating that on the same morning he has re- ceived from Mr. Chriatiancy, the minister of the United States at Lima, a dispatch, dated Arica, September 7, in relation to the proposed mediation of the United States, and inquires whether anything relating to the same subject has been received from .Lima by the Bolivian (iovernment. Mr. Cariullo states that he has been anxious for this interview, inasmuch as he has- dispatches from Mr. Terrazas, the Bolivian minister at Lima, up to August 27, iu which no mention is made of the proposed mediation of the United States, although he had been led to suppose that by that da'te certainly the Government of Peru should have been consulted thereon, as it was the same date on which he had been first ad- dressed upon the subject. He continues to state that, however, the three powers, En- gland, France, and Italy, on August 17, had made offers of mediation to Peru, and that the same had been considered favorably upon the condition that Bolivia accept the same; that, however, his government had decided to answer in the negative, because, first, it had already accepted a like mediation offered by the United States, and, sec- ondly, because it preferred mediation by the United States — that power being not only American and Republican, but also connected with the South American States by other ties and relations than those simply of commerce. Mr. Adams explains that Mr. Christiancy had left Lima for Santiago on August 15, and that not until he reached there had he heard of the proposed mediation of the three powers at the same time with that made by Minister Osborn on behalf of the United States ; that, however, from the tone of his dispatch, Mr. Adams concludes that he, probably, before his departure to Chili, has had an interview with Mr. PiCrola, of a personal nature, in regarcl to this matter, from which it may be assumed that there will be no objection on the part of Peru to accede to the proposed conference ; so much so that Mr. Christiancy and Mr. Osborn have already fixed upon the 5th day of October as the date of the conference of Arica, and have requested that the Bolivian ambassador and himself (Mr. Adams) meet them there on that date. As to the pro- posed mediation of the three European powers, Mr. Adams understands that it has been accepted by Chili, based upon the condition that Peru cede the province of Tarapacit; while that of the United States has been accepted unconditionally, which, leaving open all questions, seemed to him therefore of a nature more acceptable to- the allies; and if, as he understood now, Mr. PhSrola had not objected definitely to the former, he could not but believe that he would accept the latter ; aud so, inasmuch as by the refusal of Bolivia the former must end, it seemed to him that now the ac- ceptance of Peru might be considered certain, and that therefore nothing remained in the way to make preparations for the proposed conference on the 5th proximo, which he (Mr. Adams), at the invitation of his colleagues, should be happy to attend. Mr. Carrillo states that he has no information of the condition attached to the pro- posal of the powers ; in fact, no mention of any had been made by its representatives when offering their good offices ; but, however that may be, this had been disposed of, and he could only repeat that his government would willingly leave the whole matter to the United States, and in that sense, with the further information now given, and regretting the absence from Lima of Mr. Christiancy, by which the expected answer from the Government of Peru had been delayed, he would make the necessary prepara- tions for the proposed conference, but hoped still to receive afinal dispatehfrom Lima before the actual departure of the Bolivian ambassador. Mention being made by Mr. Carrillo of the reported bombardment of Callao by the Chilians, which Mr. Adams thought improbable iu view of the proposed negotiations, and the probability being discussed of hearing from Lima, the interview thereupon terminated. flnclosure 3 in No. 29.] Mr. Adams to Mr. Christiancy. Legation of the United States, La Paz, Sejitember 14, 1880. My Dear Sir: I received your dispatch, dated on board theWachnsett the 3d, with inclosures from Arica under date of the 7th instant, yesterday, and lost no time to have a conference in regard to it with the minister of foreign affairs. Of course be- fore you receive this you will have my former letter advising you that Bolivia accepts. 42 AFFAIRS IN CHILI,. PERU, AND BOLIVIA. and only waits the acceptance of Peru before it sends its plenipotentiary to the con- ference. The situation is not materially changed, although your absence from Lima has de- layed the consummation of the proposed mediation by the United States, while that made by the three powers had been transmitted here from Lima for approval, but was promptly rejected because that of the United States is preferred and had already been accepted. So, concluding from the tone of your dispatch that you are certain of Mr. Pierola's acceptance, I have in that sense 'prevailed upon the government here to make its preparations for the conference on the 5th proximo, as suggested, although we still hope to have the official note of acceptance from Lima before we start upon the jour- ney, which at best must be one of hardship and privation. I would much prefer and shall probably after all come via Peru and Mollendo, and as the distance from Arica to that place is not considerable by sea, if on your arrival at Arica you find that I have concluded to go by Mollendo, it cannot make much differ- ence for the vessel to call there. I shall, therefore, if I do not go overland, send a letter in care of the commanding officer at Arica, which will inform you of my movements, which I cannot do at pres- ent, as the Bolivian ambassador has not yet been named, and as I intend to defer in a measure to him, whoever he may be. I shall send a dispatch (telegram) to Mr. Osborn by this messenger, as suggested by you. Hoping that the Peruvian government will agree and that no fiasco may reward our pains, by which besides the renown of our government might be compromised, I am, Ac. CHARLES ADAMS. No. 32. Mr. Adams to Mr. JEvarts. No. 32.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, October 4, 1880. (Eeceived December 6.) Sir: Instead of being able to advise you that actual negotiations in the interest of peace have commenced, I am sorry to be obbged to re- port that a further correspondence has taken place, from which it will be perceived that the proposed conference must be deferred. Mr. Garrillo's lengthy note reached me on the evening of the 1st, when it had been arranged that in order to be present at Arica on the 5th we must be en route early in the morning of the 2d; and at the same time I was informed by the secretary of the ambassador that, so far as the latter was concerned, he had received instructions to delay his de- parture, although it was expected by the government that I would go to confer with my colleagues. As Mr. Carrillo's note does not exactly withdraw its former acceptauce, but nevertheless intimates that under the circumstances Bolivia is not bound to adhere to it, and as I did not care to place myself in the same position as my predecessor did, earning by his anxiety so little glory and so much ridicule for his pains, I immediately decided not to go, and after due deliberation wrote my answer, some of the sentiments of which may not be pleasing, but are based upon truth and my best judgment. I consider this letter of Senor Carrillo not at all as an expression of a desire to withdraw Bolivia's acceptance of the mediation, for everybody is anxious enough to have peace established, but as a means of gratify- ing the national pride and public clamor, and I am borne out in this Opinion, as this letter is published ia last night's newspaper, and is well adapted, by its grand phrases and little meaning, to quiet the public excitement, which a few days ago, only for the prompt interference of President Campero in ordering many arrests, had nearly resulted in a AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 43 revolution in favor of the peace party, and it also serves as an answer to the recent debate in Congress, where an interpellation in regard to this mediation was vigorously discussed. I, however, considered a little truth advisable at this point, and hope that my note — by which I meant to convey the idea that while our government is ready to act as medi- ator in the interest of peace, after the plenipotentiaries of the three powers have met, it does not intend to become a carrier of messages and investigator of grievances between the governments before such meet- ing — will meet your approval. The cause of all this seems to be the destruction of a sugar plantation in Northern Peru owned by a very rich firm in Lima, the members of which have been very active supporters of Dictator Pi6rola, and fur- nished large sums for the prosecution of the war, which, however, was not ordered until after a war contribution of $100,000 — the property de- stroyed is said to be worth four millions — had, by order of Dictator Pierola, been refused. Of course Mr. Christiancy will know the particulars better and report accordingly, when yon can judge whether this was a breach of the laws of war, and whether Chili is responsible for having violated its pledged word towards the United States, by first accepting its mediation and then fitting out expeditions of this kind, as Bolivia, and no doubt also . Peru, seems to assume. I expect to hear shortly from Mr. Christiancy, and should not Peru decidedly decline further negotiations, I have no doubt that Senor Car- rillo will be glad to carry out his arrangements in accordance with his former views and agreement. I have, &c, CHARLES ADAMS. [Tncloaure 2 in No. 32 — Translation.] Mr. Carrillo to Mr. Adams. No. 11.] Ministry of Foreign Affairs, La Paz, October 1, 1880. Sir: The last deeds of devastation committed in Northern Peru by Chilian forces against private property, disgraceful and of the most odious character as they are, have attracted the consideration of my government, not only because they are an outrage to civilization and the law of nations, which limits the damages of war to snch as are strictly necessary (o secure the results of military operations, but also be- cause these acts tend to compromise the official word of one of the belligerent powers pledged to a friendly nation, which, for the sake of peace and American interests, had taken upon itself the noble effort to make its offered mediation effeetive. My government, in mentioning these deeds, pronounces them contrary to the usages of war; especially those lately committed on the property of Seiior Don Dionisio Derte- ano, when the hostile army, instead of turning its arms against the allied forces and those in the neighborhood of Lima, employed them to destroy the rich establishments and warehouses of a defenseless citizen. My government is convinced that the opinion of the other American States will also condemn these acts as contrary to the universal law of nations, as well as the traditional law of America, which has not permitted wars of devastation. My government, knowing that the hostile operations of Chili from the beginning had not been moderate either in the respect due to the law of nations nor in the object which served as cause of the war, resolved, in accord with its ally, to maintain at any sacrifice the common national independence and South American interests, alike ex- posed with those of Bolivia and Peru, against the unjust domination of force. While such preparations for a great struggle were being made, the end of which could not hut be favorable to the just cause and the combined strength of the allied powers, your excellency was kind enough to bring to the knowledge of my govern- ment, in your respected note of the 27th August last, that the President of the 44 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. Republic of Chili had accepted the mediation offered by the most excellent Govern- ment of the United States in the capital of Santiago. With such antecedent, and the noble desire to contribute to the restoration of peace so long interrupted, your excel- lency offered like mediation to this republic on bases which, being honorable to the belligerent States, could not be rejected by my government. In that sense, and after the conference of the 1st September, it was frankly accepted by the note from this ministry of the 3d, same month, with declarations which, while they defend the dig- nity of the republic and the engagements with the allied nation, demonstrate the high respect which my government places iu the means of conciliation which acknowl- edge international law, as well as the faith which the official word of the Government of Chili should inspire when, listening to the counsel of reason, it had accepted the mediation proposed by a friendly nation. A short time since the same mediation was confirmed in Santiago by his excellency Mr. I. P. Christiancy, plenipotentiary of the United States near the Government of Lima, and offered to the allied Government of Peru, was accepted with the defeience due the most excellent government of your excellency. After the friendly intervention of the most excellent Government of the United States had been so formally accepted, during the middle of August, and while in accord- ance with its acceptance by the allied powers the preliminary preparations for the first conference were being made, on the 10th of September and with extreme violence those deeds of devastation occurred which have been mentioned at the beginning of this note. While such conciliatory measures were going an with the aid of a friendly nation it is difficult enough to harmonize the authorized expression of such peaceful proceed- ings with the outrageous hostilities committed on defenseless citizens and with the burning and destroying of private property far from the center of military operations. My government believes it to be its duty to call the attention of your excellency to these deeds and the grave contradiction which they imply. It is still possible that they are unauthorized and reprehended by the Government of Chili ; but in any case they will, on account of the atrocity and the time when they took place, merit your ex- cellency's impartial and just consideration, iuasmuch as you, while faithfully repre- senting the intentions of your government, take such marked interest towards an hon- orable and dignified settlement of the present struggle on the Pacific. Having mentioned the grave incidents as they occurred, the consideration of which and the bearing they may have upon the proposed mediation my goverement leaves to the discernment of vour excellency, I have, &c, JUAN C. CARRILLO. [Incisure 3 in ~$o. 32. J Mr. Adams to Mr. Carrillo. Legation of the United States. La Paz, October 2, 1880. Sir: I have the honor to acknowedge the receipt of your note of yesterday, in which you take occasion to protest against the late operations of a Chilian force in the northern part of Pern, not only because they are an outrage to civilization and a vio- lation of the law of nations, but also because these actions, if authorized by the Government of Chili, appear to be in direct violation of its national honor and its pledged word when it had accepted the mediation offered by the Government of the United States as a-basis of peace. Not knowing at this time the causes which led to the unnecessary and cruel destruc- tion of private property, I cannot but reserve my opinion, but shall not fail to bring to the knowledge of my government the contents of your note, and I beg to assure your excellency that the Government of the United States, should it become convinced that its offered mediation had been accepted by Chili for ulterior motives, or not in good faith as the offer itself deserved, will not fail to maintain that dignity which it has always upheld with honor amongst the nations of the earth. What I most deplore is that by these events the proposed conference on the 5th instant seems to be delayed or suspended, if not entirely abandoned. I have always been of the opinion that if representatives of the three nations could be brought together and in the presence of a friendly power could discuss their griev- ances, justice and reason would take the place of pride and force, and all difficulties might be arranged and peace established. I think so still ; I believe the first meeting to be the most difficult to be arranged, but also the most important step towards peace, and I cannot conceive why the 'late actions of a small detached hostile force, as disgraceful as the conduct may be, should prove a serious obstacle in the way of the proposed negotiations, and so be actually AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 45 the means of leading to further vandalism of that kind. A destruction of property — I have not heard of loss of life or other outrages — can be made good by a money consid- eration, and as in the proposed negotiations the subject of reclamations will undoubt- edly have to be considered in one way or another, this wanton destruction of property would only form one of the many grievances which the allies can justly bring against the Government of Chili. Taking that view of the case, I had made my arrangements to leave for the coast via Arequipa this morning, but being informed last night that the plenipotentiary of Bolivia would not be prepared to go, it became necessary for me to change my plans; for of course any conference in which the Government of Bolivia is unrepresented cannot but be unproductive of results. Deploring, >is I do, this delay, I have still hopes that the proposed conference may take place, and I shall not fail to advise your excellency should I receive any further information from my colleagues at Lima and Santiago. I have, &c, CHARLES ADAMS. No. 33. Mr. Adams to Mr. Evarts. No. 34.] Legation of the United States. La Pas, October 7, 1880. (Received November 16.) Sin : Referring to my dispatch No. 32, of the 4th instant, and especially to inclosure 3 thereof — my note to Senor Carrilto of the 2d instant — I have to advise you that I was honored yesterday by a visit on the part of Senor Carrillo, who called my attention to the word "protest" in the first part of my note, and begged to explain that his note of the 1st, to which mine of the 2d was a reply, was not intended to be a juotest in that sense, inasmuch as the circumstances of the affair on the Peruvian coast might be liable to an explanation, and an official protest should be reserved to the last. The minister also explained that the reason for not attending the con- ference at Arica^ fixed for the 5th, on the part of Peru, was the excited feeling of the people in Lima, brought about by the acts of the Chilians near Chimbote, but that at the particular desire of Mr. Christiancy the question had been left open so as to arrange the conference for a future date, and that accordingly Bolivia, regretting the delay, had also been obliged to postpone sending its ambassador, but that it not only stood ready to do so at any time, but would use its influence with the cabinet at Lima to bring the matter to the desired issue without further delay ; and Mr. Carrillo also regretted not having advised me of this before last Saturday, as by so doing that part of my note, in which I had implied a want of compliance with former arrangements, namely, the departure of Bolivia's ambassador on the 2d, might have been obviated. After these explanations, and at Senor Carrillo's urgent request, I had no hesitation to modify my note by changing the word "protest" in the first part, and leaving out entirely in the latter part the paragraph re- lating to my expressed disappointment and expected departure on the 2d, all of wbich confirms my surmises that Senor Carrillo's note was intended more for the public eye at home than as an explanation for myself and my government. The publication of this note has had, however, that effect, that the newspapers here in leading editorials have spoken favorably of the efforts of our government, commended the steps so far taken, and, while elab- orating on the subject of "Monroe doctrine," are earnestly advocating 46 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. the policy of leaving forever afterwards all questions and grievances to the arbitration of its strong northern neighbor. Should, with our help, peace be established, the bearing this will have on our future relations and our commerce can hardly be estimated. The resources and wealth of the country are immense, and it needs only a guiding hand in its politics, some American enterprise, capital, and immigration, to make it one of the richest and most prosperous countries in the world. I have, &c, CHAELES ADAMS. No./ 34. Mr. Adams to Mr. Hvarts. No. 35. j Legation of the United States, La Paz, October 8, 1880. (Received December 17.) -Sir : I have the honor to advise you that, having received late last night the inclosed telegram, and after a consultation with the Govern- ment of Bolivia, I shall leave my post, accompanied by plenipotentiaries from this republic, temporarily to-morrow morning, in order to attend the conferences between the belligerents in the interest of peace. I have, &c, CHARLES ADAMS. [Inclosure to No. 35. ] f Telegram— translation .] (From Mollendo, 11.07 p. m.) Mr. Charles Adams, Minister of the United States, La Paz : * We start to-day to Arica; come to Mollendo and go aboard the Peruvian steamer Chalaco, where you will meet the Peruvian ambassadors. I. P. CHRISTIANCY.. October 5, 1880. No. 35. Mr. Adams to Mr. Hvarts. No. 36.] Legation of the United States to Bolivia, U. S. S. Lackawanna, Bay of Arica, October 23, 1880. (Received December 6.) Sir : I have the honor to report that yesterday, on the 22d, the first conference of the plenipotentiaries of the belligerent nations Chili, Peru, and Bolivia, took place on board this vessel, and that, jointly with Messrs. Osborn and Christiancy, I took part in the proceedings. Inasmuch as we have concluded to act jointly and from that date sub- mit a joint report of our actions, I propose to limit this dispatch to my personal movements and actions up to the same date from the day of leaving La Paz. On the 7th instant, late in the evening, I received a dispatch from Mr. Christiancy, dated at Mollendo, the 5th, notifying me that the Peru- AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 47 vian ambassadors were then at that point, and asking me to come with- out delay. Conferring with Mr. Carrillo, minister of foreign affairs, the next day, I was informed that his government had also received dispatches in the same tenor, and that it was prepared to send its plenipotentiaries at once, and we fixed upon the next morning as the time for our departure. Accordingly, on the 9th instant, I left La Paz with Messrs. Marino Bap- tista, president of the Bolivian Congress, and Senor Juan C. Carrillo, minister of foreign affairs, being the plenipotentiaries on the part of Bo- livia, and Senor F. Avelino Aramayo, being their secretary. A special steamboat across Lake Titicaca and extra train from Puno to Mollendo was placed at our disposal by the Peruvian authorities, and we reached Mollendo on the 12th, in the evening. At our arrival at this port, I found that the United States steamer Lackawanna had arrived there from Arica on the same day, and I im- mediately went aboard to confer with Mr. Christiancy. Then for the first time I was informed of the existing difficulty as to the place where the conferences were to be held. Mr. Osborn having fixed Arica, Chili had refused to go to any other place, and Peru as decidedly had refused to allow its representatives to go to that point, considering it humiliating to meet the Chilians in a Peruvianport occu- pied by the enemy, besides other reasons. I learned that Mr. Christiancy had just returned from Arica bringing the positive information that Chili would not agree to a change, and that unless the Peruvians were prepared to go there he would leave the next day and all our efforts might be considered in vain and the nego- tiations broken off. The next day we went together on board the Peru- vian vessel, and after a long conference it was manifested to us that the instructions from their government forbade the Peruvian ambassa- dors to comply with the demand of the Chilians to go to Arica, and Mr. Christiancy left the vessel, insisting upon his determination to leave that afternoon. At that crisis, when all negotiations seemed to be at an end before they had really commenced, I suggested to the Peruvians that I thought some consideration was due to the Bolivians, who had come in good faith, and who, before being obliged to return infecta re, should at least be notified of the dispute, and their opinion be heard. After this point was conceded, and the Bolivians had arrived on board, I did not hesitate to explain to the representatives of both countries that in my opinion, Mr. Osborn having fixed the place at Arica, in good faith, simply on account of its convenience and central location, and neither Peru nor Bolivia having objected to it at that time, and the official notes fixing it there having been widely published in Chili, and the opposition to the place having been made only at the last moment by the minister of foreign affairs at Lima, while its chief executive had, as appeared from an official interview with Mr. Christiancy, a short time before, not definitely objected, and Bolivia having no cause to object, a& Arica was the only place spoken of between myself and its government, it seemed to me that should now the change of place be insisted upon by the Government of Peru, history would make that government re- sponsible for the failure, and would consider the reasons therefor as ema- nating from extreme sentimentality, not justified at this hour. Finally, it was agreed that one of the Bolivian plenipotentiaries, Senor Baptista, should accompany me to Arica, and that while he should try to obtain a change of place from the Chilians, the government at Lima should be advised of the state of affairs and the Bolivian position, in 48 AFFAIRS IX CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. order that in the extreme case of Mr. Baptista failing in his mission, a favorable reply might for these reasons still be expected. Accordingly, early on the 14th the Lackawanna sailed, having aboard Messrs. Baptista and Aramayo. On the 15th Seiior Baptista placed himself, after our arrival at Arica, in communication with the Chilian Government, but all his efforts in that regard being -unsuccessful, he on the 17th sent a dispatch to Messrs. Arenas and Garcia y Garcia, at Mollendo, taking the responsibility to advise and request them on the part of Bolivia to comply, and without further delay come to Arica, in consequence of which, and an answer having meanwhile been received from President Pierola, allowing his plenipotentiaries to do so, if Bolivia should so desire, the Chalaco arrived at this port on the 20th, in the evening, and on the same evening I was officially notified by the Boli- vians of their readiness to proceed to business. Meanwhile, Mr. Osborn and the plenipotentiaries of Chili had also arrived, and both he and Mr. Christiancy were also notified, and in accordance with these notices we jointly, fixed the time for the first meeting for the 22d at 12 m., on board the Lackawanna, at which time and place it actually took place. * Whatever the final result of these conferences may be, I feel justified in saying that by reason of the forbearance, moderation, and dignified position exhibited by the BoUvian plenipotentiaries as between the other two parties, both so stubborn in their resolution not to yield, the present state of affairs — that the conferences are held at all — has been attained, and if I did take an active part in advising the course as actually taken, I have done so from an ardent desire not to see the object of our media- tion fail before it had fairly commenced, and I hope that such my action may meet your approval. I have, &c, * CHABLES ADAMS. No. 36. Mr. Adams to Mr. Evarta. No. 36 A.} Legation of the United States, La Pa~, Bolivia, November 6, 1880. (Beeeived December 17.) Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of correspondence had between the Bolivian plenipotentiaries, Mr. Christiancy, and myself, which belong to and are explanatory of my dispatch No. 36, dated from United States steamship Lackawanna, Bay of Arica, October 23, 1880. I have, therefore, marked this No. 36 A, and would request that it be added to and made a part of the above-mentioned dispatch on the files of the Department. The correspondence explains itself and is arranged in its proper order. I have, &e. CHABLES ADAMS. [Inclosure 1 in ^o. 36 A.I Mr. Adams to Mr. Christiancy. ' On Board the Chalaco, October 13 — 5 p. m. Dear Sik : The Peruvian ambassadors desire you to wait, if it is possible, until they ■can receive an answer from their government, which is momentarily expected. Should you decide not to wait, one of the Bolivian ambassadors has accepted my AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 49 invitation to go aboard the Lackawanna at once with me and proceed to Arica with ns (as Bolivia does not wish to see the negotiations fail), and will try to do what he can to bring the matter to an issue. The inclosed memorandum is about their opinion, but, as said before, Mr. Baptista, the first ambassador, will go with us ; Mr. Carrillo is too sick. Send me word at once whether you will stay or not. If not, I will send a boat for Mr. Baptista to the shore and come without delay. Yours, &c., ADAMS. [Inqlosure 2 in No. 36 A.— Translation.] MEMORANDUM. To Mr. Adams (who will kindly communicate this to Mr. Christiancy) : The diplomatic ministers of Bolivia, considering the incident which has just occurred in determining the point of their labor jointly with those of the Republics of Peru and Chili, present these brief considerations : One of them, Mr. Carrillo, since coming on board is entirely incapacitated from any work by reason of his delicate health, a situation which will be aggravated if his stay on the sea be permanent. In Arica they would be placed in their diplomatic work under unfavorable conditions, as communication with their government would be very difficult. They thought these difficulties removed when they were given to understand on their departure from La Paz that the conference would take place at a point sit- uated between Pacocha and Callao ; they would be obviated, if Mollendo or any other place on the coast be neutralized, or if the Lackawanna would approach any other landing more convenient than Mollendo. They simply present these considerations as likely to conciliate all inconveniences, not sufficient in any case, however, to obstruct the serious steps initiated to bind together the interests of the three nations. On board the Chalaco, October 13, 1880. [Inclosure 3 in No. 30 A.] Mr. Christiancy to Mr. Adams. On Board the Lackawanna, Mollendo, October 13, 1880. Dear Sir : It is very important for us to be at Arica as soon as Mr. Osborn and the Chilian ministers arrive. We did wish to leave at once, but have concluded to wait until 3 o'clock a. m., by which time I hope the expected dispatch may arrive. The plenipotentiaries of Peru and Bolivia, after the very full explanations I have given, must be aware that the government of Chili is disinclined to hold the prelimi- nary conferences in any other port than that of Arica, while it is not disinclined to transfer the next meeting elsewhere, if the plenipotentiaries, in full council, so decide. It being therefore evident that such preliminary conference should take place there, it remains simply for the representatives of Peru and Bolivia to say whether they will proceed to that port or decline to do so. In the former case it will not be necessary for them to be in Arica before Monday evening next, which will give them ample time to receive the dispatch from Lima, now expected. I have therefore decided to return to Arica at once, and shall await the arrival of the Chalaco with the envoys of Bolivia and Peru at that port until noon on Tuesday next, 19th instant. Should they not arrive before that hour, I shall consider it as indicating their re- fusal to come to Arica and shall sail for Callao, calling at Mollendo at about 10 a. m. of Wednesday, the 20th instant, to convoy the Chalaco to Callao. The Lackawanna will therefore leave at 3 o'clock a. m. to-morrow for Arica. Captain Gillis will send a boat for yourself and Mr. Baptista at 8 o'clock, and will be most happy to see you both on board. I remain, &c, I. P. CHRISTIANCY. Chas. Adams, Esq., On hoard the Steamer Chalaco, Mollendo. S. Ex. 79 4 50 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEETJ, AND BOLIVIA. [Incloaure 4 in No. 36 A. } Mr. Adams to Mr. Aramayo. On board Chalaco, October 13 — 7 p. m. Dear Sir: Please tell Mr. Baptista that I have received a note from Mr. Christiancy indicating the following points : First, that the Lackawanna will leave this port at three o'clock this night for Arica ; second, that Mr. Christiancy and the captain of the ship will be glad to see Mr. Baptista on board, in which case this boat will bring him and yourself at once; and third, that the Chalaco will have time to make its appear- ance at Arica until next Tuesday, when, it failing to do so, all negotiations will be considered at an end.* ******* Expecting to see you and Mr. Baptista at once, I am, &c, CHAS. ADAMS. [Inclosure 5 in No. 36 A. — Translation.] The Ministers Plenipotentiary to Mr. Adams. Legation Extraordinary of Bolivia, on board Steamer Chalaco, Arica, October 20, 1880. Sir : The undersigned, ministers plenipotentiary of Bolivia, have the honor to in- form your excellency that, having arrived at this port, they are ready to attend the conferences to which the Governments of Bolivia, Peru, and Chili have been invited through the benevolent mediation of the most excellent Government of the United States of North America. Your excellency will therefore have the kindness, iu accord with their excellencies the ministers of the United States near the Governments of Peru and Chili, to name day and hour when the said conferences should begin. With sentiments of the most distinguished consideration, the undersigned have the honor to subscribe themselves, &c. JUAN C. CAKEILLO, MAEIANO BAPTISTA. [Inclosure 6 in No. 36 A.] Mr. Adams to the Ministers Plenipotentiary. On board United States Steamer Lackawanna, Bay of Arica, October 21, 1880. ^Sefiores Plenipotentiaries: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellencies' note of the 20th instant, informing me that, having arrived in this port, you are ready to attend the conferences to which the Governments of Bolivia, Peru, and Chili have been invited by my government, and requesting me in concert with ray colleagues, the ministers of the United States accredited near the Governments of Peru and Chili, to name the day and hour when the said conferences should begin. In reply I have the honor to inform your excellencies that I have been officially noti- fied by my colleague, the minister of the United States near the Government of Pern, of the arrival here of the plenipotentiaries of that republic, Don Antonio Arenas and Don Aurelio Garcia y Garcia, and by my colleague, the minister of the United States near the Government of Chili, of the arrival of the Chilian plenipotentiaries, Don J. F. Vergara, Don Eusebio Lillo, and Don E. Altamirano, all of whom have signified their readiness to attend the proposed conferences. In view of these faots my colleagues concur with me in inviting your excellencies and the plenipotentiaries of Peru and Chili to proceed, as soon as may be convenient, with said conferences, in the cabin of the "Lackawanna," and we respectfully suggest that the first meeting be held at twelve o'clock noon, to-morrow, the 22d instant. Be pleased to accept, &c, CHAS. ADAMS. * The extract is made by Adams. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEEU, AND BOLIVIA. 51 No. 37. Mr. Adams to Mr. Evarts. ]So, 39.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, November 6, 1880. (Received December 17.) Sib: I have the honor to advise you that I have returned to my post after the failure of the peace conference at Arica. I do not think that either our government or its representatives have any cause to reproach themselves nor feel that the efforts made, although without apparent result, have been entirely misplaced. A short dispatch of the abrupt termination of the conferences was signed by me jointly with Messrs. Osborn and Christiancy, and this, with a re- port of the proceedings and official protocols of the three conferences, will be transmitted to the Department by the latter, who is accompanied by our joint secretary, so that it is unnecessary for me to make a separate re- port ; but some observations may not be perhaps out of place, especially as I am cognizant of some matters affecting the negotiations as between Chili and Bolivia, which were not brought forward in the conference, but nevertheless may be of interest to yourself in order to completely under- stand the situation. The decided expressions of the plenipotentiaries not to modify their first bases, no doubt influenced by public opinion in their country, which was opposed to peace, and the causes of this feeling said to be mainly based upon an official note to Mr. Christiancy by the Government of Peru, will probably be fully explained and commented upon by Mr. Os- born ; as will also Mr. Christiancy, without doubt, give his views upon the popular feeling in Peru, and how much the government of that re- public through its plenipotentiaries was able to concede, and also upon the rather proudly, if not offensively, expressed refusal by Chili to ac- cept arbitration as proposed by Peru and accepted by Bolivia. The matters are as between Chili and Peru, and I wish to add to the history of the proceedings simply that the proposition made by Bolivia to surrender the coveted territory under failure to pay a large war indemnity in a fixed limit of time, which would have guaranteed its peaceful pos- session to Chili, as neither Peru nor Bolivia would have been able to pay it, seemed to me at least well worthy of respectful consideration ; but in- asmuch as the proceedings do not show that the government at Santiago had even been consulted thereon, and its plenipotentiaries in the con- ference had but little to say about it, it seems to me that that govern- ment was not very much in earnest in its desires for peace; that the con- ditions at first submitted were meant to preclude any probability of be- ing accepted and that from the first our efforts might be considered inu- tile and in vain. The main endeavors of the Chilians in private conferences with the Bolivians, communicated to me confidentially by the latter, were made to break up the alliance between Peru and Bolivia, and engage the latter republic in an alliance with themselves as the unavoidable result of such action. Great inducements were held out, a share in the conquests already and still to be made; but I am pleased to be able to say that such perfidy and disregard of national honor was not consummated; and if, on being consulted on that subject, I took a decided stand in declaring that such proceeding, no matter how beneficial it might be to Bolivia, would be considered by my government, and no doubt by the world, as one of the most infamous transactions in history, would reflect no credit on either nation, but lasting infamy on all persons connected therewith, ' and that I would be neither a party thereto nor even be considered offi.- 52 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. cially cognizant thereof, I hope that I only expressed your own senti- ments. The advances so made by oneof the Chilian plenipotentiaries were rejected; and if by the unfortunately existing alliance with Peru Bolivia is deprived from making peace, which it so much needs and desires, it can at least hold up its head amongst nations and be able to say that it ■will bear misfortune rather than dishonor. I have only to'addmy views upon one point as appearing in the second protocol,* when Mr. Osborn,in rather strong terms, it seemed to me, stated the Government of the United States would not care to accept the office of arbitrator on account of the labor and trouble involved. In my dis- patch No. 26D,inclosure5,Ihad the honor to transmit a memorandum of a conference with Mr. Carrillo, which, considering arbitration a natural consequence of the offered mediation and upon its failure the only prac- ticable road to peace, I had no hesitation in declaring that such arbitra- tion would be accepted by my government if desired by all the belliger- ents. In that sense the mediation was accepted by Bolivia, and in that sense I wrote to Mr. Osborn (inclosure 6, No. 26), and having been in- formed by him that he had acquainted the Government of Chili of its import, and never having been by him advised that the construction I had placed upon the terms of mediation was wrong and ill-founded. I at least may be permitted to say that both the rejection of such arbitra- tion by Chili and Mr. Osborn's speech thereon appear to me strange and inexplicable, especially as no instructions had been received by either of us on that subject. I have, &c, CHARLES ADAMS. No. 38. Mr. Adams to Mr. Evarts. No. 43.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, November 12, 1880. (Received December 27.) Sir : I have the honor to submit herewith a brief report of the politi- cal situation in Bolivia, since my last dispatch upon that subject, No. 27, dated September 3 last. During the absence of the ministers and myself at Arica, everything was very quiet, especially as it was generally believed that our media- tion would certainly bring about peace, if not directly at least by arbi- tration, m^u In that sense the National Assembly of Bolivia after a session of five months adjourned sine die on October 24, without passing any direct laws looking towards an active prosecution of the war. It gave, how- ever, full powers to the President as to the enrollment of troops, the raising of a foreign loan, in compliance with which a financial agent has already been sent to Europe, the purchase, of arms and employment of other means for defense ; it approved the Bravo concessions, in spite of Peru's protest, for the colonization of its eastern territories and building of highways, railroads, and canals from the east via the La Plata and Amazon Rivers, and it referred the acceptance of the Peru-Bolivia con- federation to popular vote in the future; so that for the present that brilliant idea of Dictator Periola of Peru may be considered a failure ; it passed an excellent mining law, and in general, being very conserva- tive, may be considered to have worked foj the interest of the country as best it could. "Enclosed with Mr. Christianoy's No. 200, November 2, 1880. See Document 285. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 53 The Government of Bolivia having declined to declare commercial in- terdiction with Tacna • and Arica at the request of Peru, the prefect of the narrow strip of country still nominally occupied by Peruvians be- tween the above places, and the borders of Bolivia ; had imposed upon all goods passing through his jurisdiction a transit duty in itself for- bidding all trade, and had actually seized goods then en route for non- payment, which action had excited the public feeling'here very much, and came near leading to a rupture, but the Peruvian minister at La Paz ordered the goods released and a compromise was effected, whereby an additional 5 per cent, duty is to be paid to Peru, so that with the duties to Chili, Peru, and Bolivia, about 65 per cent, ad valorem, and the enormous costs of transportation prices ' of even the necessaries of life and especially clothing have risen to extreme figures, while money re- tains its full value, exchange being almost at par. When the failure of the conferences became known here, the Presi- dent made a spirited address to the troops in public; but the people are very dejected, an invasion is feared, and especially the inhabitants of this city already see their property burned and destroyed, and themselves fleeing from the cruelty and brutality of the enemy, their only hope be- ' ing still that in some way or other the United States will intervene in what is now considered by all the most cruel and barbarous war of devastation, vandalism, and conquest on the part of the enemy, and that no mercy need be expected. Minister Oarrillo informed me yesterday that he, with his colleagues of the cabinet, had resigned, being forced thereto on account of the failure of the mediation; that they having held out the hope of peace to the country, and being unsuccessful, must now leave the work to others, who propose a different policy, and that the change in the cabinet would take place as soon as their report of the matters connected with the mediation with the protocols of conferences at Arica is published and submitted to the country. What the future will bring, it is impossible to say; a hope still remains that the Argentine Republic may take part in the war against Chili; but I have not much confidence in this, and the present allies, I believe, will have to fight to the bitter and scarcely doubtful end. I have, &c, CHARLES ADAMS. No. 39. Mr. Adams to Mr. Uvarts. No. 46.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, November 17, 1880. (Received January 3, 1881.) Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a note received from Seiior Carrillo, and one of the printed pamphlets mentioned therein, containing the report of the Bolivian plenipotentiaries, the protocols* of the conferences and the acknowledgment of the government. Inasmuch as a' translation of the protocols will be furnished by Mr. Christiancy, I transmit herewith only that of the report itself. I have, &c, CHARLES ADAMS. * For report of the proceedings of the conference, see document No. 285, post. 54 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. [In closure 1 in No. 46. — Translation.] Mr. Carrillo to Mr. Adams. Ministrt of Foreign Relations, La Paz, November 13, 1880. Sir : Repeating the acknowledgments of my government for the benevolent offices and personal attitude of yonr excellency during the peace negotiations, I have th» honor to transmit three copies of a pamphlet, in which these conferences have been published. I improve the opportunity to again subscribe myself, with all consideration and respect, your excellency's, &c., J. C. CARRILLO. To His Excellency the Minister Resident of the United States of North America, Present. [Inclosure 2 in No. 46. — Translation.! Report of the Bolivian plenipotentiaries. Plenipotentiaries of Bolivia on Special Mission, La Paz, November 5, 1880. To the Minister of State and Foreign Relations : Sir : We have the honor to transmit to the department with this report the auto- graph protocols of the peace conferences which have taken place in the waters of Arica and on board of the American corvette Lackawanna, between the plenipoten- tiaries of the three republics engaged in the present struggle of the Pacific. In accord with the high and sincere sentiments of the national government, we have tried, with decided ardor, to arrive at an arrangement for peace compatible with the honor of the allied republics and the great interests of South America. We understood that such result would not be probable if we did not accept to a certain extent the necessary effects produced by the advantages gained on the battle- field. This consideration induced us to calculate quietly the favorable results which the allies might obtain, as well as the sacrifices which they might have to make with- out loss of dignity, not vaguely invoked, but defined in the course of events. At the first step of the negotiations the designation of the place for the conferences became a point of diplomatic consideration, and might have definitely made these impossible. To obviate this incident, we agreed that one of us should go to Arica on a particular mission, accompanied their excellencies the American ministers, Messrs. Christiancy and Adams, which was done with the consent of their excellencies the plenipotentiaries of Peru. There we were enabled to speak to the delegate from the most excellent Government of Chili, who transmitted to it our different concilia- tory propositions, which were, however, peremptorily rejected. On our responsibility thereupon we chose that the negotiations should take place on board of the corvette Lackawanna in the waters of Arica. The estimable arguments of their excellencies the ministers of the United States in the same sense facilitated the final opening of the conferences. In these we maintained the same spirit which animated us. In the first we expressed our hope that the most excellent negotiators might consider the subject in accordance with its responsibility and as Americans, putting aside the inspirations of interior politics and the popular clamor of the day, considering only the serious' and perma- nent necessities of the three republics. Our confidence in the noble action of the United States was strengthened above all when we heard his excellency Mr. Osbo'rn, as organ of his colleagues and appreciating exactly one point in our history, de- clare in these words, "That for the first time the institutions of our continent were on trial." Notwithstanding that the propositions of Chili when presented were of such a charac- ter as to shut off all discussion, we endeavored to maintain it patiently within the limits of natural development. Consequently we introduced for the sake of peace and* the high interests of America what we thought a measure of conciliation, counting upon the approbation of our government. Its sense and deductions, as well as the substance of our observations, are contained in the proper protocol. We will only add tha't their excellencies the pleni- potentiaries of Chili declared this measure inconvenient and opposed to their instruc- tions. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 55 We favored decidedly the arbitration proposed by their excellencies the ministers of Peru, and did not omit to show all the advantages held out by this means even to the Republic of Chili. Nothing was sufficient to change the'unalterable resolution maintained by their ex- cellencies the plenipotentiaries of Chili in regard to the definite annexation of all the Bolivian coast, and that of Peru as far as Camorones, as a basis sine qua non of any arrangement. With satisfaction we have to refer to the distinguished attitudeaf their excellencies the plenipotentiaries of Peru in discharging their delicate and difficult task, wherein they were assisted materially by their clear and practical reasoning. We also express our acknowledgments of the personal 1 efforts of their excellencies the ministers of the United States,, and we are well aware of what we owe to those particularly employed by his excellency Mr. Charles Adams; but, considering the an- tecedents of the mediation and the high object manifested in the first conference, we cannot conceal our lively regrets that it was not possible for the most excellent medi- ators to assume a different diplomatic attitude from that which his excellency Mr. Osboru marked out, and which reduced itself to a polite invitation to meet and preside over our discussions, without giving their presence any other character than that of the most simple and initiatory good offices. Our efforts to re-establish an honorable and secure peace between the three repub- lics have been without result. Arbitration, the most dignified mode of settling dis- putes among civilized nations, has been rejected. America will decide on which side justice remains. Begging you to bring this report, with the protocols attached, to the knowledge of the President of the Republic, we herewith tender our respects and subscribe ourselves. Your very, &c, MARIANO BAPTISTA. JUAN C. CARRILLO. No. 40. Mr. Adams to Mr. Evarts. No. 49.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, December 3, 1880. (Eeceived January 21, 1881.) Sir: Since the publication in pamphlet of the protocols of the Arica conferences, one of which, with the report of the Bolivian plenipoten- tiaries, I had the honor to transmit in my dispatch No. 46, another doc- ument relating to the same subject has been issued by the department of foreign affairs, a copy of which is herewith inclosed, in which Mr. Carrillo recites all the steps taken by him in regard to the mediation, and finally closes by offering his resignation on account of its failure. The manifest, as it is called, is quite lengthy, aud as all the points are well known to you from-my former dispatches, and the annexed correspond- ence with the memoranda of official interviews have all been transmitted by me, a complete translation seems unnecessary. Mr. Carrillo begins by saying that as soon as the mediation had been offered he had, full of hopes of a successful issue, communicated these to the National Congress, which had approved of the policy to be pur- sued ; and now, inasmuch as it had failed, he felt himself obliged to show to the country the reasons whereupon his hopes and policy were based. He then gives in detail the history of our correspondence from its com- mencement of our two interviews, and lays particular stress upon the idea advanced by me that if the representatives of the three republics could not agree, it seemed to me advisable that the settlement should be left to arbitration; at any rate that the different plenipotentiaries ought to have full power to accept arbitration if mediation failed, especially as this had been offered, not as a compliment, but actually with a view to end the conflict. He then proceeds to give his correspondence with his minister in Lima; refers to the offered mediation of the European 56 AFFAIES IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. powers, and states his reasons why the latter could not be accepted. He then briefly mentions that the expedition to and destruction of private property at Chimbote had nearly frustrated all hopes of the conferences taking place, but that finally, all obstacles being removed, the actual meeting seemed to hold out a hope of a successful issue. Passing to the conference, he describes the failure of the mediation to the determined and not-to-be-modified proposition of Chili to annex the Bolivian and Peruvian coast provinces by right of conquest simply, and leaves it to America and the world to judge whether this demand of Chili and the acknowledgment of being conquered by Peru and Bo- livia would be consistent with the honor of the latter and with American interests at large. He then ealls attention to the curious history of this mediation, which was first accepted by Chili in August last, then even its existence denied by its cabinet, then again officially accepted on October 7, although my correspondence, as well as the fact that the day for the conference was fixed by Mr. Cbristiancy and Mr. Osborn for the 5th of October, borne out by the farther fact that the Chilian admiral actually permitted the Peruvian vessel with the plenipotentiaries on board to leave Callao on the 1st of the same month, would demonstrate that the second accept- ance was an act hardly in accordance with the honor of an American nation. Then, speaking of the attitude of the American ministers and the course pursued by us, he continues: The spirit of conciliation consistent with the good offices of a mediating power has never entered into the designs of Chili. Arbitration proposed with full acknowledg- ment of the advantages gained in the war -was hotly rejected. All discussion, all agreement was impossible. The mediation, the diplomatic action of the allied govern- ments, and the universal wish for the return of peace, I repeat, were doomed by the determined attitude of the representatives of Chili. In such extreme emergency what action would have been most consistent with the dignity ef the most excellent ministers of the United States and the high prestige of its government? With perfect right and in accordance with the first step in the mediation they might have proposed acceptable bases, or they might have approved the propositions of the plenipotentiaries of the allies, if they considered these just and proper. They might have advised, and even honored with their decided approval, the acceptance of arbi- tration, which, considered in the Bolivian ministry as the essential basis of mediation and frankly authorized by the representative of the United States was the only pos- sible solution since the beginning of the negotiations. This, and much more, and on a greater scale, corresponded with the fervent and noble desires with which the most excellent government of the United States proposed to aid in the restoration of peace. But this important step, which might have been taken by the representatives of the United States, preceded those haughty and determined declarations as well as the pro- test that under no considerations would these be changed; and they, convinced also that the sentiment of Chili was for war at any price, preferred to reserve their diplo- matic action in order to avoid a sure rejection of their proposition and the grave con- sequences whichmight have followed such action. Without instructions towards such extreme eventuality they were obliged to limit their action to bringing the unexpected and unsuccessful conclusion of the offered mediation to the knowledge of their gov- ernment. So by this step, prudent as well as of great foresight, they have preserved the prestige of the government of the Great Republic and the respect due its policy of con- ciliation. Mr. Carrillo then gives it as his opinion that the Government of Chili at first was prepared to offer moderate conditions, but that under the influence of public clamor it had abandoned the path of justice, and thereby, perhaps, endangered its political future, and he concludes .by offering, as stated above, his resignation because the policy advocated by him before the Congress and the country had failed. It may not be out of place, nor uninteresting to add, that so far this resignation has not been accepted, nor is it likely to be, as the press and people, as far as heard from,are united in declaring the action of Senor AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 57 Carrillo to have been upright and statesmanlike, and President Oampero last night informed me that, unless public sentiment in the interior should be different, Mr. Carrillo would certainly remain at the head of affairs. At the same time I was also informed that Mr. Baptista, the other plen- ipotentiary at Arica, and Mr. Aramayo, the secretary, had been appointed minister and secretary of legation at Buenos Ayres, so that it seems that instead of being considered a failure, the Bolivian diplomats engaged in the negotiations are rewarded^ their action and position are fully approved, and" the result is considered an advantage, because it is hoped by some that the so openly exposed policy of conquest on the part of Chili, coupled with the rejection of arbitration, may induce our government to intervene ; while, on the other hand, there is no doubt that it will compel the Gov- ernment of the Argentine Bepublic, which also has its frontier disputes with Chili, to demand guarantees for its own security, in which case it is expected here, that war between those two powers will be unavoidable. I have, &e., CHAELES ADAMS. [The inclosure is a lengthy pamphlet in the Spanish language, the translation of which would cause delay in the transmission of the papers to Congress. It will be translated if required.] No. 41. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Adantt. No. 24. J Department of State, Washington, December 14, 1880. Sir : You dispatch No. 36, of the 24th of October last, written while on board of the United States ship Lackawanna, Bay of Arica, has been received. It narrates the personal movements of yourself and the Bolivian plenipotentiaries to join the conference, under the mediation of the United States, between the belligerent powers. Your action, as reported therein, is approved by the Department. While upon the subject of the mediation between the plenipotentiaries of Bolivia, Chili, and Peru, I have to inform you that Mr. Christiancy has, in his dispatch No. 200, of the 2d ultimo, inclosed the protocols of the conferences of such representatives, held at Arica from the 22d to the 27th of October last. Although this government would have been glad to have received in- telligence that its efforts in the direction of securing peace between the belligerent powers had been efficacious to that desirable end, and al- though it cannot cease to entertain the most serious regret that such efforts have met with so little apparent success thus far, the Government of the United States still stands ready to render its assistance to that end in every proper way. I am, &C, WM. M. EVARTS. 58 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. No. 42. Mr. Adams to Mr. Evarte. No. 52.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, December 16, 1880. (Received February 5, 1881.) Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a diplomatic circular ad- dressed to the governments of South America by the minister of foreign relations of Bolivia, and which, in connection with his manifest, a copy of which has heretofore been transmitted, is intended to fully demon- strate the position of Bolivia in the present war, the unjust demands and cruel mode of warfare on the part of Chili, and seems to have in view an active intervention of the other South American States as against the encroachments on the part of Chili. Much of What is contained in this circular is a repetition of former declarations, especially as to the policy of Chili, now openly acknowl- edged to be one of conquest, and which Mr. Carrillo thinks, if accepted in silence and without protest by the other governments of South America, would, after what has happened at Arica, place these in a position of virtually acknowledging it to be proper and right. The principal reasons for invoking the intervention of the other States against Chili are its policy of conquest, contrary to American ideas, traditions, and interests; the cruel mode of prosecuting the war by destruction of private property and undefended towns; and, principally, the rejection of the proposed arbitration. If the first should be accepted as the future policy of America, Mr. Carrillo explains, all the different republics would be obliged to keep large standing armies, whichheretofore had never been necessary, and constant wars might be apprehended. Chili had never pretended to claim any part of the territory now de- manded as the price of peace; while even when the small Republic of Paraguay, after a long war, and completely at the mercy of its enemies — the powerful Empire of Brazil and the Argentine Confederation — it was especially declared that the victory did not give them title to disputed territory, but the decision on that point was left to the President of the United States as arbiter; and in accordance with it the Argentine Republic returned to Paraguay territory to which it had claimed and believed to have rights, and Brazil kept only such as it fully was en- titled to. The coast district of Bolivia, small as it is, had given it an outlet to the Pacific Ocean, and its possession was never questioned until natural deposits of salitre and guano were discovered, and should it now be taken, its only outlet would be gone, and thereby its very existence and certainly the equilibrium of South America be threatened. Passing to the second consideration, the various acts of devastation in the present war are enumerated and compared to the policy of En- gland during our own war of 1812-'14, when Admiral Cochrane destroyed our undefended towns on the Atlantic and even the public buildings of our capital, for which action he had not only been denounced in his own country, but all over the civilized world, and which like action, in addition to what already has been done, is now threatened against Lima, the old and historical city of the Pacific, destruction of which has been authorized by Chili. The third consideration, the rejection of arbitration by Chili, is espec- ially commented upon, because a month before the conference at Arica AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 59 1 it had entered into a treaty "with the Eepublic of Colombia on the fol- lowing terms : Desiring to affirm the sentiments of international friendship which should be the foundation of peace and fraternity in America, they have with this object in view re- solved to mate a treaty and have signed the following articles : First : The two republics are forever obliged to submit to arbitration all controver- sies and difficulties of whatever nature may come up between both nations. Second : In case of failure to agree, the President of the United States of America ia fully authorized as arbiter to carry out his functions as such. Third : Colombia and Chili shall try at the first opportunity to hold like conven- tions with the other American nations, so that the solution of all international con- flicts by means of arbitration be a principle of American public right. A month after this had been signed, the very principle was disowned, one entirely contrary to its protestations proposed, and the very power which so solemnly had been designated as arbiter by Chili itself as sol ■ emnly rejected. Mr. Carrillo in summing up, refers also to the other conditions im- posed upon the allies, which virtually deprive them of their sovereignty, as it prohibits them from entering into future treaties, besides declaring null and void a former one, and forbids Peru even to fortify its own ports in the future ; thereby assuming such domination as no nation could submit to, if not totally conquered. Mr. Carrillo therefore believes that the governments of the other republics, convinced of Chili's bad faith, barbarous acts, and intentions, its false position, lust of conquest and domination, will in their wisdom take such steps as will stop these ambitions, preserve the traditions of America, and define such a policy for N the future, which, in accord with the division of Spanish- America, and the definition of the limits of the different republics as agreed upon in 1810, will forever avoid further complications and conflicts ; to which end. he advises that an American congress should meet, deliberate upon all questions at issue, and establish sucb guarantees as will keep intact these limits, and in that way procure a lasting peace. On account of a severe illness, from which I still suffer, and having no assistance What- ever, I have not been able to make a translation of the circular, but trust that the above summary may answer the purpose. I have, &c, CHAELES ADAMS. [The circular is very long, and as the minister has given the substance in the dispatch it is not transmitted.] No. 43. Mr. Adams to Mr. Uvarts. No. 56.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, January 9, 1881. (Eeceived February 15.) SrB: I have the honor to transmit herewith a second diplomatic cir- cular,* addressed by Mr. Carrillo to the other American governments, relating to the present war with Chili, and which is especially intended as an answer to and in refutation of the position assumed by the min- ister of foreign affairs of Chili, as expressed in his diplomatic circular * This second diplomatic circular of Bolivia, dated December 20, 1880, is long and in the Spanish language. A translation will be furnished if deemed desirable. 60 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEKU, AND BOLIVIA. of November 10, 1880, a copy of which no doubt has reached the De- partment. The charges contained in the latter circular as against Bolivia, " that she has failed to comply with the provisions of former treaties, that she had rejected arbitration, and that she had entered into the 1873 treaty with Peru with hostile intent towards Chili," are seriatim considered in this paper, and the whole question is carried back to the outbreak of the war and the causes leading to it, which, from a Bolivian standpoint, are shown to be for a long time entertained and premeditated by Chili in order to conquer and utilize the rich coast districts belonging to Bolivia. I have, &c, CHARLES ADAMS. No. 44. Mr. Adams to Mr. Evarts. [Extract.) No. 57.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, January 17, 1881. (Received March 2.) Sir : I have the honor to report that on the 15th instant the Carrillo cabinet, whose probable dissolution after the failure of the Arica con- ferences was foreshadowed, went quietly out of office, and a new cabinet was announced, which consists of Dr. Nunez del Prado, minister of gov- ernment and public instruction ; Senor Villazon, for treasury (retained); Dr. Aguirro for war, and Dr. Jimenez for foreign affairs and public worship. The latter, at present prefect of the province o£ Cochabamba, has as yet not arrived at La Paz, so that Dr. Nunez del Prado is charged with the business of the foreign department for the time being. This cabinet may be considered representing the extreme war party, •as Dr. Aguirro will be the soul of it, who, as a member of the late Con- gress was daily and hourly advocating fresh measures for resistance and aggression, and has ever been opposed to President Campero's policy of inaction and expectancy. While Chilian cannon are thundering at the very doors of Lima, and all Bolivia is trembling for its fate and praying for its deliverance, this change of cabinet takes place, and with it a ray of hope comes from the south, from the government of the Argentine Republic, which at last has granted free transit for Bolivian arms and ammunition, and should the anticipated capture of Lima be delayed, Chili may find in a short time a Bolivian army in its rear occupying Tacna, Arica, and Iquique, which might force it to abandon its plans regarding Lima, and to fight again for the possession of Atacama and Tarapaca, which provinces it has already fondly considered its own by right of possession and con- quest. I am also informed by the Peruvian minister that the govern- ment at Buenos Ayres has decisively declared its intention to oppose any annexation of territory in South America, and its press and public opinion have lately assumed such bitter hostility towards Chili, that even before you receive this the latter may have considered it wiser to abandon its proud and haughty position. This city, although rumors of revolution are frequently circulating, remains quiet ; the other day a plot of mutiny was discovered amongst AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 61 the soldiers, and a sergeant promptly shot, and the editor of La Patria,. who advocated peace with Chili at the expense of Peru, might have shared the same fate if he had not been granted asylum in the Brazilian legation, but had to leave the republic within twenty-four hours, which measures seem to have established General Campero only the firmer in his seat, so that I do not expect any serious attempts against him, unless events now taking place near Lima should deprive Dictator Pi^rola of power, and in sympathy should also affect Bolivia. * * * I have, &c, CHAELES ADAMS. No. 45. Mr. Nunez del Prado to Mr. Evarts. [Translation.] Ministry of Foreign Eelations of Bolivia, La Paz, February 1, 1881. (Eeceived May 10.) Sir : This ministry has the honor to inform your excellency's govern- ment of Bolivia's unshaken determination to defend her rights and to repel the doctrines of absorption and conquest which are sustained by Chili. This attitude, which is the only one that my government considers compatible with the dignity and lawful privileges of an American nation, is in accordance with the conviction which it entertains, that the vast proportions which the war on the Pacific is daily assuming affect not only the territorial integrity of the allied nations, but even their future autonomy, and the permanent interests of America in a serious manner. In order to defend this idea, Bolivia has sacrificed her bravest sons, and is anxiously waiting for every American country to protest against the acts of that nation which has originated this sanguinary conflict. Meanwhile the allied forces, whose arms have been attended with very ill success during the course of the struggle, have just met with another reverse near Lima. The loss of that maritime city, and the total destruction of the allied fleet, oblige the government of the undersigned once more solemnly to declare to the friendly nations of this continent that it is resolved un- flinchingly to persevere in the defense of its autonomic integrity and in that of American interests. The occupation of Lima, far from shaking the determination of this republic, has stimulated its patriotism, and it is now prepared to con- tinue the struggle with Chili at any sacrifice. This resolution is strengthened by the remembrance of an act which will be condemned by all America. The war, which was inaugurated by the forcible occupation of the maritime districts of Bolivia, is not a dis- pute concerning a right that is more or less doubtful among the bellig- erent powers ; it is one for the settlement of serious and highly impor- tant questions. Chili, confiding in the strength of her navy, hoists the standard of conquest and of territorial annexation. Bolivia and Peru reject these doctrines and offer their blood and treasure in behalf of the triumph of the principle of right. There is, then, an immense chasm between the objects aimed at by the two contending parties; and peace with Chili, which is at the present €2 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. moment impossible, cannot be restored save by the absolute triumph, of the one and the utter overthrow of the other. The justiee of the cause which Bolivia is defending is in itself a pow- erful stimulus to maintain the contest, and the cheering conviction which she entertains, viz, that in sacrificing herself in her own defense she is sacrificing herself for the great interests of America, increases her warlike enthusiasm, and adds fuel to the flame of her patriotism. My government feels persuaded that by resolutely accepting this sit- uation it furnishes evidence of its good faith towards its ally and of its devotion to the principles which it professes. If the final result shall be unfavorable to her, Bolivia will have the glory of having sacrificed herself in defense of her rights in preference to accepting the galling yoke of the conqueror. Such, most excellent sir, are the declarations which my government ■desires to make to friendly nations, inasmuch as they are watching with increasing interest the prolonged struggle on the Pacific coast, and as for the continuance of that struggle it relies upon the favorable opinion ■of your excellency's enlightened government. This occasion affords to the undersigned minister of foreign relations of Bolivia the high honor of offering your excellency the assurances of the esteem and respect with which he subscribes himself, Your excellency's obedient servant, DA]STOL NUNEZ DEL PBADO. To his Excellency the Minister of Foreign Relations of the United States of North America, Washington. No. 46. Mr. Adams to Mr. J5 carts. [Extract.] No. 59.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, February 3, 1881. (Received April 26.) Sir : Referring to my dispatch No. 57, of the 17th ultimo, I have the honor to report that Dr. Nunez del Prado, of whose appointment as minister of foreign affairs ad interim I had advised you, has now en- tered upon the duties of that office in the full character. * * * The news of the defeat of Dictator Pierola, of Peru, before Lima, and the capture of that city, at first discredited but within the last days fully confirmed, has so demoralized all classes and parties that opinions as to the probable consequences here are as yet simply speculative, and must remain so until the course of Peru in its defeat, and that of vic- torious Chili, develops itself. The foreigners here not represented by ministers, or consuls even, are in the greatest terror since it has become known that Lima would have been pillaged and plundered only for the energetic action of the diplo- matic corps, backed by a powerful fleet ; and they fear that, if a Chilian force should approach La Paz and the government be compelled to aban- don the city, not only the soldiers of the enemy but also the lower classes of the population here might commit excesses, directed of course mainly against the property and persons of foreigners. Should this eventuality occur, I hope to be able to save life and prop- AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 63 erty in exerting myself to bring about a peaceful occupation of the city by the enemy, and in organizing an armed city guard of the foreign residents, in imitation of the course taken at Lima. Allow me to add that I still remain without mail of any kind from the United States. I have, &c, CHAELES ADAMS. Ho. 47. Mr. Adams to Mr. Evarts. No. 60.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, February 15, 1881. (Eeceived April 26.) Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a diplomatic circular from the Bolivian minister of foreign affairs, issued under date of February 1, with translation, in which the position of Bolivia is de- fined as influenced by the late defeat before Lima. I do not think it necessary to add any opinion ofmine regarding this circular and the very strong views of the Bolivian Government therein expressed, as it quite corresponds with what I have foreshadowed in former dispatches; I may, however, say that although Bolivia is appar- ently exhausted and looked upon by Chili as an enemy not worth troub- ling herself about, it may carry on for an indefinite period a guerrilla warfare, which will be a continuous menace to Chili, and well calculated to threaten its peaceful possession of the conquered territory, necessitat- ing the support of a large standing army, while at the same time it will no doubt turn Bolivia's commerce towards the Atlantic, via the La Plata or Amazon River. At any rate, I consider Bolivia stronger to-day than Peru, as it has more means of resistance and a more united people, and has suifered less in the actual war. The original document, addressed to the minister of Bolivia at Wash- ington, I beg to inclose for transmittal to its address, as requested in the accompanying note of the Hon. Dr. Nunez del Prado, and have the honor to be, &c, CHARLES ADAMS. [Inclosure 1 in No. 60. — Translation.] Mr. Prado to Mr. Adams Ministry of Foreign Relations of Bolivia, La Paz, February 1, 1881. Sir : I have the honor to transmit to your excellency the original and a legalized, copy of a diplomatic circular which this office directs to that of the United States, and in which, by occasion of the new defeat which the allied armies have suifered, it again expresses the unalterable intention of Bolivia to defend its rights and repel the ideas of conquest entertained by Chili. Meanwhile I beg of your excellency to please have it reach its high destination, and accept the sentiments of my most perfect consideration. DANIEL N. DEL PRADO. 64 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. [Inclosure 2 in No. 60. — Translation.] Mr. Xunez del Prado to Mr. Evarts. Ministry of Foreign Relations of Bolivia, La Paz, February 1, 1881. Sir: This department has had the honor to declare on more than one occasion to the most excellent government of your excellency the unalterable intention of Bolivia to defend its rights and to repel the ideas of absorption. and conquest entertained by Chili. This position, which my government believes to be the only one compatible with the national dignity and American institutions, is borne out by the conviction that the immoderate proportions which the war of the Pacific from day to day assumes do not only affect the territorial integrity of the allied nations, but also the future self-gov- ernment of the same and in a grave manner the permanent interests of America. In defense of that idea Bolivia has sacrificed its most illustrious sons, and hopes anxiously that each of the South American sections may hear its voice of protest against the country which has brought about such bloody struggle. In the mean while the allied armies, whose fortune has been adverse for so long, have just suffered in the course of the conflict a new check in the neighborhood of Lima. The loss of the last seaport of the alliance and the total disappearance of its squad- ron places the government of the undersigned in the position to declare solemnly again before the sister nations of the continent its determined and persevering resolution, which it assumes in defense of its integrity, autonomy, and American principles. The occupation of Lima, far from weakening the firm intentions of this republic, has strongly wounded its patriotism, and to-day it finds itself resolved to sustain the struggle with Chili to any sacrifice. This unconquerable resolution is strengthened by the bitter remembrance of a fact which will be condemned by the judgment of America. The war, begun with the forci- ble usurpation of the coast province of Bolivia, does not mean a controversy between the belligerent nations about a right more or less in doubt ; it is a combat over ques- tions of serious importance perfectly antagonistic and at variance ; Chili, supported by its naval power, raises the standard of conquest and of territorial annexation ; Bolivia and Peru reject these doctrines, and offer towards the triumph of principles of modern rights its blood and its treasures. There is therefore an abyss between the propositions of both adversaries, and peace with Chili, impossible for the present, can only be brought about by the absolute supe- riority of the one and complete ruin of the other. The justice of the cause which Bolivia defends is alone a powerful encouragement and the consoling conviction that besides sacrificing itself to the great interests of America, fires its martial enthusiasm and gives new vigor to its patriotism. My government is persuaded that in accepting resolutely this situation it gives proofs of its loyalty to its ally and the cause of principles. If the final result should be adverse, there will remain for Bolivia the glory of having sacrificed itself for prin- ciples and rights before accepting the offensive yoke of conquest. These are, most excellent sir, the declarations which my government has the honor to bring to the notice of the friendly nations who look with growing interest upon the prolonged struggls of the Pacific, and to sustain which it relies upon the favorable opinion of your excellency's most illustrious government. This occasion affords the undersigned, minister of foreign affairs of Bolivia, the high honor to offer to your excellency the pledges of esteem and respect with which he subscribes himself, Your obedient servant, DANIEL NUSEZ DEL PRADO. No. 48. Mr. Ladislas Cabrera to Mr. Evarts. [Translation. ] Legation of Bolivia in the United States, „ Washington, February 18, 1881. (Received February 19.) Sir : In reference to the subject which I had the honor to broach to your excellency, in the name of my government, on the 3d instantr— the AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 65 conference which you were pleased to accord to me, at my request, hav- ing then remained pending — I take pleasure in laying before your excel- lency's government the latest intelligence that I have received from the. Pacific touching the war subsequently to the occupation of Lima by the Chilian army. According to this intelligence the government of Peru had retired to the departments of the south. Mr. Pierola, thePresident, having declared that the seat of government is where the Executive is, Mr. Auelio Gar- cia y Garcia had been appointed secretary-general. The Government of Peru, on taking its departure for the department of Arequipa, was firmly purposed to continue the war to the utmost extremity. This information is contained in a telegram which has been received by Mr. Ramon I. Garcia, charge" d'affaires of Peru near your excellency's government. General Baquedano, moreover, who is in command of the Chilian forces which have occupied Lima, had addressed an official communica- tion to the municipal government of the capital of Peru, apprising it of the necessity of forming a board composed of the principal citizens, that it might designate a provisional government with which an ar- mistice might be concluded or some other arrangement made. The municipal government had replied that, inasmuch as President Pierola's government was still existing and had received its powers from the nation, no municipal government or board of principal citizens could arrogate to itself the right to appoint another government. General Barquedano had likewise addressed a communication to the supreme court of Peru, requesting it to re : enter upon the discharge of its functions, but the court had replied declining to do so. As to Bolivia, it is known that her army was to march against Tacna under the command of General Campero, the President of the Republic, and in c6ncert with a portion of the army of Arequipa, on the 15th of last m nth. It was also known that she had received a supply of arms, and ex- pected to receive more, through a reliable channel. All this shows that the occupation of Lima has not ended the war, and that, so far from this being the case, the Governments of Peru and Bolivia will continue it with greater activity than ever. Nevertheless, some solution must be sought that will put an end to the present state of things, and I firmly believe that, an earnest desire existing to secure an honorable peace, and one that will meet all present questions of the belligerent nations, as well as those of the future, some combination acceptable to all parties is not impossible. To this effect I beg leave to offer the plan contained in the documents numbered 1 and 2, and herewith inclosed, to the consideration of your excellency's government. This plan, if carried out, would, in my judgment, meet all the diffi- culties that have given rise to the war, they being simply the wealth of Peru and Bolivia. It would systemize the working and management of that wealth in the interest of universal commerce; in the interest of the markets which purchase guano and saltpetre; in the interest of the owners of the territory containing these valuable substances, and in the interest of modern civilization, which loves peace and detests war. In a political point of view it would prescribe the right of conquest; and as regards the stability of the South American nations, it would firmly establish the uti possidetis principle, which is the foundation of their nationality and independence, S. .Ex. 79 5 66 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, A> T D BOLIVIA. Moreover, with regard to the manner in which the guano and salt- petre deposits of Peru and Bolivia have hitherto been worked by Euro- pean capital, long years of experience have shown that there is need of a new element, capable of giving renewed vigor and a different form to the industry and commerce of those republics. With the most respectful and cordial sentiments, I am, &c, LAMSLAS CABEEEA. To His Excellency the Secretary of State. [Document Xo. 1. let. The organization of a company in the United States is suggested, for the pur- pose of working the guano and nitrate deposits of Peru and Bolivia, the company to consist of powerful capitalists, and the effective capital and organization to meet the approval of the Governments of Chili, Peru, and Bolivia. 2d. The three governments to turn over to the company, for the period of years, the entire and exclusive control and administration of the districts claimed by Chili by right of conquest, as well as any guano deposits not so claimed, and to guar- antee their pacific occupation by the company. 3d. The United States Government to guarantee that the company shall remain in peaceable and undisturbed possession and administration of the districts to be desig- nated in the contract. 4th. From the proceeds of the working of the guano and nitrate deposits — the com- pany to retain such amounts as may be indicated in the contract, and to apply the remainder in such proportions as Chili, Peru, and Bolivia may arrange by treaty. First. To the war indemnity which may be agreed upon. Second. To the payment of nitrate certificates. Third. To the existing foreign loans of Peru. Fourth. To the Peruvian Government. Fifth. To the Bolivian Government. 5th. The company is to establish its own agencies in the various markets of the world, conduct aud manage all sales of the guano and nitrate, and manipulate both products within limits to be agreed upon; but the entire operations of the company shall be subject to periodical report and inspection. 6th. The contract company to have authority to capitalize, in the form of a public loan, the war indemnity and the nitrate certificates : and if it be found convenient by the company, the Peruvian loans of Is* I) and 1672 may be included in a single con- solidated issue ; the rate of interest, sinking fund, issue-price, commission, &c, to be agreed upon in consultation with the three governments. Should a loan be negotiated, Chili to be paid the full war indemnity at once, and to release all claim and charges upon the guano and nitrate deposits and districts of both Peru and Bolivia held by the company, but not to retire her obligation guaran- teeing the pacific" occupation by the company of the districts confided to its adminis- tration. Washington, D. C, February IS, 1881. [Document Xo. 2.] FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Tons. Annual guano product of Peru 350,000 Annual nitrate product of Peru _ _ 275 000 Annual nitrate product of Bolivia _ 60000 £ t. d. Total cost of the guano delivered to the buyers in Europe, per ton * 4 10 Lowest selling price j2 10 Cost of nitrate delivered in Europe to the buyers, per ton 9 00 Average selling price of nitrate for ten years, per ton 14 14 From the above data we have on guano a profit of per ton 7 10 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 67 Or on 350,000 per annum £2,625,000 Profits per ton on nitrate £5 14s. 0d., or on 335,000 tons per annum 1, 909, 500 Total annual income.... 4,534,500 Deduct 7-} per cent, for profits of the contract company and contingen- cies on groBS product of £4,200,000 of guano and £4,924,500 of nitrate. 684, 337 We have net annual iucome 3, 850, 163 DEBTS. Chilian war indemnity, say £6,000,000 Nitrate certificates 4,000,000 10, 000, 000 Suppose the issue of aloan to pay off the war indemnity and the nitrate certificates, say, including discounts and commissions, £11,000,000. Five per cent, interest and 1 per cent, sinking fund would require as annual service £660,000. The total net income above calculated is £3,850,163. Deduct annual service of loan above estimated, £660,000. Remainder, £3.190,163, applicable to the Peruvian loans of 1870 and 1872 and to the Governments of Peru and Bolivia. Washington, D. C, February 18, 1881. No. 49. Mr. Adams to Mr. Hvarts. No. 61.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, February 24, 1881. (Received April 26.) Sir : 1 have the honor to transmit herewith the correspondence which has taken place between some Spanish subjects residing in La Paz and myself, upon the question of a war-tax levied upon the people of Bolivia by the late Congress and now about to be enforced. You will perceive that I have refused to accommodate these gentle- men, for aside from the consideration that the request for my official in- terference should have come from the Spanish Government directly, or its minister at Lima, I consider the tax referred to not one of an extraor- dinary character as implied by the treaty mentioned in the petition, as it was decreed by a Congress and imposed upon all inhabitants of the Republic in proportion to their property. A question of this kind upon application of American citizens resid- ing in Mexico was at the time decided by the then minister, Mr. Corwin, in the same spirit, and his action was approved by the Department, so that although my reply to this — a test petition, which was to have been followed by others — has obviated all further resistance on the part of other foreigners. I feel that in advising Americans, even, to pay, I have acted properly and in accordance with international comity. I have, &c, CHARLES ADAMS. flnclosure 1 in No. 61. —Translation.] La Paz, Febmary 11, 1881. To his Excellency General Charles Adams, Minister Resident of the United States of America, present : Mr. Minister: We, the undersigned, Spanish subjects resident in this city, see our- selves obliged to trouble your excellency and to request your assistance towards a petition, which we are compelled to direct to the supreme government of this republic, 68 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. •which petition, praying for an exemption from the extraordinary contribution now actually demanded from Bolivian citizens, is attached to this note. We request your protection, most excellent sir, on account of the known absence of a diplomatic representative of His Majesty the King of Spain to a simple consular agent in all the territory of the Republic, in which case the international practice of civilized nations authorizes us to have recourse to the representative of a nation friendly to our own, who cannot refuse to assist us if he is convinced of the justice of the reclamation. In the present case your excellency will perceive that our request cannot be more just, and the minister of the United States, a nation so friendly to Spain, cannot do less than accede to our demand. Your excellency will, therefore, be kind enough to present our petition to the su- preme government near which you are worthily accredited, and to duly favor the same, being assured that by so doing you will not only earn our gratitude, but also, as may be imagined, that of the Government of his Catholic Majesty. "With this motive we have the high honor to subscribe ourselves your excellency's obedient and respectful servants, MIGUEL SARAIZABEL. JAIME DAVIN. EDUARDO Q. MALDONALDO. ANJEL BAJ1NETA. CELSO COMELLAS. DOMINGO DE ITURDE. JUAN FORRENS. JUAN RUDON. LIZANDRO RUDON. MIGUEL SOL. JUAN CORES. JOSE HERRERA. [Inclosure 2 in No. 61. — Translation.] Mr. President of the Republic : Asking a declaration of exemption of what they mention, founded on the international laws they quote : The undersigned, Spanish subjects resident in this city, through the organ of the minister for foreign affairs, and by the mediation of the minister resident of the United States of America, not having a diplomatic or consular agent of their own nation, most respectfully submit to your consideration : That the supreme Government of Bolivia, making use of its legitimate authority, haB ordered the carrying out of a law of the late national convention, by which an extraordinary forced war contribution was ordered to be levied, assessed equitably and proportionately. That for this purpose and in this department of La Paz, in which we are residents, a commission of most honorable and competent persons has been appointed to assign to each citizen the quota he Jias -to pay according to the judgment of said commission. That in the distribution of the said forced war contribution and its assessment, not only the inhabitants of this city, without distinction or exemption whatever, have been included, but also the foreigners ; as the said honorable commission has not weighed the powerful and imprescriptible exemptions established as a general rule in favor of foreigners by international law, and fixed especially in our behalf by solemn international treaties in full force to-day between Bolivia and Spain. On this account we are obliged to address ourselves to the justification of the gov- ernment of the republic, asking a declaration of exemption from all extraordinay war loans or taxes, on account of our being Spanish subjects, protected not only by inter- national law, but by the formal engagements of this nation towards ours. The legal reasons on which we base our claim are obvious, and fearing to offend the recognized knowledge and integrity of the government of the republic, we will briefly and summarily mention just only in order to bring them to mind. By the treaty made between this republic and His Majesty the King of Spain, at Paris, on the 29th of August, 1879, ratified and exchanged in the same city on January 19, 1880, and promulgated as a.law of the republic in this city of La Paz on the 30th of August last (third article), are re-established in full force the stipulations of the treaty made between the said nations on February 12, 1861. The eleventh article of said treaty says literally : " Neither Bolivians in Spain, nor Spaniards in Bolivia, are obliged to serve in the army, navy or militia, and they are exempt from all extraordi- nary impost tax or loan, and in the ordinary taxes which they pay on account of their industry, commerce or landed property, they must be treated just as the citizens or subjects of the most favored nation." One cannot find a more clear, peremptory, and AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEEU, AND BOLIVIA. 69 » reciprocal exemption in favor of the citizens of both states, living in each other's territory, and which involves their exemption from all forced or extraordinary taxes (of war) in strict compliance with the doctrines of international law. And even if this positive law referred to did not exist — a law that, like all interna- tional treaty law, is supreme and modifies even the constitution of the state — it is enough to legitimate our claim by stating that the practical jurisprudence of all civil- ized nations and the doctrine established by all the authorities on the. subject are all in our favor. There is no need to quote Vattel, Pradier, Fordere', Fiore", Jenner, Block, Bello, and so many other eminent writers, who unanimously sustain this doctrine ; but we will refer to all the treaties of amity and commerce in force to-day between different nations, all of which establish the doctrines of exemption with rigorous uniformity. To insist on this would be tiresome and superfluous. We are sure that the govern- ment has had no doubt about it, and that, taking duly into account our petition, the government will modify the proceedings of the assessing commission, and that it will proclaim a doctrine which is a law of ihe nation and attested by a sacred agreement, by declaring that the subjects of His Majesty the King of Spain are not obliged to pay now, and are not subject to any other tax of the kind, either of blood, money, or otherwise. We expect our petition will be duly and justly appreciated, and granted as it is founded on justice. La Paz, 11th February, 1881. MIGUEL GARAZAIBAO. JAIME DAVIN. MIGUEL SOL EDUAEDO Q. MALDONALDO. CELSO COMELLAS. ANJEL BAJINETA. DOMINGO DE ITUEBE. JUAN FORRENS. JUAN KEEDON. LIZANDEO EUDON. JOSfi HERREEA. JUAN COSES. [Inclosure 3 in No. 61.] Legation of the United States, Cotaiia, February 18, 1881. Messrs. Sarazabal, Devin, Maldonaldo, and others, subjects of Spain in La Paz, Bolivia. : Gentlemen: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 11th instant, in which you ask me to transmit to the Government of Bolivia, in an official manner, a document signed by the Spanish subjects of La Paz, praying for an exemption from the forced loan lately decreed, and in which you ask my help and protection, basing your request upon the fact that Spain has no representative of its own near the Government of Bolivia, and that you feel yourselves authorized by com-, mon international usage to call upon me as tbe representative of a friendly nation. In reply to your polite and dignified letter, I am sorry to be obliged to inform you that I cannot comply with your request, inasmuch, by the established usage of nations, and in compliance with the rules made for the ministers of the United States by its government, it is required that the request for diplomatic protection of subjects of another country by any minister of the United States should come from the govern- ment of such country, and should be acknowledged by the government where both reside. In cases where the life, liberty, or property of a foreign subject or citizen, not rep- resented, has been in danger either from local persecution or foreign invasion, it has been customary for such foreigner to claim the help and protection of the representa- tive of a friendly nation, and without a previous request from his own government and the usual formalities it has been accorded freely and fully, especially by ministers of the United States, at different times and occasions, but this case, involving as it does no act of persecution or injustice even, but simply the rights and duties of foreigners under established treaty stipulations, into a discussion of which I am not prepared to enter, offers no reason for my official interference, especially as I cannot deny that a sovereign natiqn has the right, even in time of war, to levy extraordinary taxes, not upon the person, but the property and business of its inhabitants, and as long as no distinction is made in the assessment of this tax, called strangely, for what reason I know not, a forced loan (emprestito forzoso), although legally authorized by a constitu- 70 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. tntional Congress of the republic, I do not feel warranted in throwing obstacles in the way of the government, and did and shall advise my own countrymen to pay the said tax. I have the honor, in returning to you, gentlemen, the document referred, to assure you of my highest respect and consideration, and to subscribe myself, Your vdry obedient servant, CHARLES ADAMS. No. 50. Mr. Cabrera to Mr. Blaine. [Translation.] Legation of Bolivia in the United States, Washington, May 9, 1881. (Received May 9.) Most Excellent Sir: In the month of February last I had the honor to have a verbal conference with Mr. Evarts, then Secretary of State, with regard to the urgent necessity of putting an end to the long and disastrous war between Peru, Bolivia, and Chili. For the purpose of reaching some practical result, I proposed, after some preliminaries, the bases of a peace contained in my note of Feb- ruary 18th and the two inclosures therewith transmitted. His Excellency Mr. Evarts, although he considered the plan submitted to his consideration as possessing a high degree of importance, had not time to give it the necessary attention, owing to the change' in the ad- ministration of the United States Government, as he had the kindness to state in his note of March 5. I duly reported what had been done to the Governments of Bolivia and Peru, calling their attention at the same time to the necessity of proposing those bases of a peace to Chili as their ultimatum. Since that date the character of the war has not changed much, not- withstanding the occupation of Lima by the victorious forces of Chili. In the south and north of Peru resistance is still continued, and in Bolivia public spirit has been invigorated by the news of the occupation of Lima, all of which renders it probable that the war will be intermi- nable. This view is confirmed by a telegram which was published by the New York Herald in its issue of the 6th, in which it was stated that the King of Holland had authorized his representative to tender his (the King's) good offices, in conjunction with France, England, and Italy, to the three belligerent nations for the restoration of peace. I cannot believe, under these circumstances, that your excellency's government, which during the course of this war has manifested so deep an interest in the restoration of peace among the nations of South America, will permit foreign powers to claim the merit of having re- stored peace, while the plan which I had the honor to propose is still pending before it. In presenting that plan my object was manifold, viz, to bring about an honorable peace; to strengthen and develop the won- derful productive power ot North America by opening new and profita- ble markets to its commercial activity ; to secure to your excellency's government that influence in South America which rightfully belongs to it by reason of its proximity, its civilization, and the similarity of its institutions; and, finally, to satisfy the pecuniary demands of Chili, the conqueror of Lima. In order to secure such great benefits to humanity, to whom war must AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEKU, AND BOLIVIA. 71 ever be repugnant; to bring two continents of the new world into imme- diate contact by closely uniting them in the bonds of industry and com- merce; and, finally, to secure even the rights of the conqueror (although they are improperly so called), what is it that the plan proposed by me asks of your excellency's government? Nothing but the fulfillment of an obligation, which is to be common to all the governments, viz, to guarantee that capital invested by citi- zens of the United States in the management and working of the guano and nitre deposits of Peru and Bolivia shall not be disturbed in its in- dustrial application. I take the liberty to submit these passing reflections to your excel- lency, that they may receive attention when you may see fit to consider my plan, and to secure a new title to glory to your government by re- storing peace in South America, and by opening up new sources of wealth to North American labor and activity. I purposely avoid presenting any further considerations, but I feel sure that the foregoing will not be disregarded by your excellency. With sentiments of true respect and high esteem, I am your excel- lency's obedient servant, LADISLAS CABEEEA. No. 51. Mr. Adams to Mr. Blaine. No. 75.] Legation of the United States, La Paz, June 8, 1881. (Eeceived July 18.) Sib : Eegarding the political situation of Bolivia, I have the honor to report that everything remains in statu quo. . The Congress of the coun- try has been called to meet in extra session on the 13th of this month, but it is simply expected to approve the measures of the government since its adjournment last November. President Oampero s'eems to be established firmer in his seat than ever, and his policy of quietly strength- ening the army, drilling and equipping it, and of getting the national guard ready for active service, if necessary, seems to meet the approval of the country, based as this policy is upon the expressed will of the people to resist any invasion Chili might contemplate. Meanwhile, the visit of President Pi^rola to La Paz has strengthened the alliance between Peru and Bolivia, and I do not believe that one will make peace without the co-operation and approval of the other. No- body here so far acknowledges the government of Garcia Oalderon at Lima while it is upheld by Chilian bayonets. While an invasion from Chili in the near future is entirely improbable, as Chilian soldiers could never endure an Andean winter, and so no immediate fighting is ex pected, it is still hoped here that our government may be pleased to put an end to the war, and in the interest of commerce, humanity, re- publican institutions, and American traditions and ideas may compel Chili, if necessary, to grant to Peru and Bolivia honorable terms of peace, instead of holding both countries by the throat, so to speak, by demanding continuous contributions and excluding them from all com- merce on the sea. Inasmuch as under these circumstances my presence here can be spared, and unless next mail brings me orders to the contrary, 1 shall 72 AFFAIES IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. leave here on the 15th instant en route to the United States, and I may expect to reach Few York on the steamer following the one which brings this dispatch, and shall report in person at Washington immediately after my arrival. I have, &c, GHAELES ADAMS. Xo. 52. Mr. Blaine to Mr. Sunez del Prado. Department of State, Washington, June 14, 1881. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency's note of February 1 last, setting forth the reasons which animate and control the Government of Bolivia in resisting to the last extremity the encroachments of the Chilian Government. The people of this country have watched, not withoixt the deepest interest, the continued struggle between the three nations on the Pa- cific, whose institutions and forms of government are allied to their own, in the sincere hope that the differences of whatever nature which en- gendered the present conflict might be amicably and satisfactorily adjusted, and the perpetuity and prosperity of those republics guaran- teed. Still cherishing this confident hope, I bid you accept, sir, in the name of the Government and people of the United States the assurances of my highest consideration. JAMES G. BLAU> T E. Xo. 53. Mr. Adams to Mr. Blaine. Xeav York, Xovember S, 1881. (Eeceived Xov. 15.) My Dear Mr. Secretary: I fear that it will be almost impossible for me to have another interview with you in relation to South American and Bolivia affairs, as to-morrow will be my last day before I sail, and you are occupied with so many important affairs, bat before I go I would ask you if only in a brief memorandum to outline for me a course of action which I would think you and the government would approve. I can assure you that Bolivia perhaps to-day is a stronger factor in the war with Chili than Peru, and that it only awaits my return and what word I bring with me from you as to the intentions of this govern- ment towards the belligerents to shape its actions for the future. You are aware that the last Congress of Bolivia resolved to ignore any government in Peru until it was firmly established and recognized, and I suppose that any instructions I may receive and bring to President Campero will influence him and the government as to what course he will pursue ; at any rate, whatever your policy may be, will, I am sure, be almost considered a command, for, in accordance with the Monroe doc- trine, Bolivia will not call in the assistance of any other nation as long AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA 73 as it may be assured of the sympathy of ours and the rejection on your part of the lust of conquest so clearly shown by Chili. On that point I should desire some instructions, and I would ask to be allowed to take them with me, not only for Bolivia's sake but for my own, so that I may be prepared to act with discretion and decision in case of emergency. Hoping that you will not let me depart without this, and if possible to grant me another irfterview, I have, &c, CHAELES ADAMS. 2.-CHILI. No. 54. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts. No 83.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, February 20, 1879. (Received March 26.) Sir : Chili is involved in another dispute concerning her boundaries. It is with Bolivia now, and concerns the territory on the Pacific coast lying between the 23d and 25th degrees of latitude. Prior to 1866, jurisdiction over this territory was claimed by both of these govern- ments, but on December 9 of that year they promulgated a treaty which had for its purpose a settlementof the dispute. In substance, the treaty provided that the 24th degree should constitute the line of division, but that all guano deposits within the territory prior thereto in dispute, as • also all duties which might be derived from the exportation of minerals therefrom should be equally divided between the two countries. It soon became evident, however, that the treaty had failed to accomplish the purpose for which it was intended, and on the 6th of August, 1874, they celebrated another. In this the 24th degree was reasserted as the line of division, and each government relinquished its right, within the jurisdiction of the other, to duties arising from exportation of minerals. They agreed, also, that within the hitherto disputed territory neither government should, for the term of twenty-five years, impose upon the exportation of minerals a higher duty than was then provided for, and that neither government should, within said territory, tax the citizens, industries, or capital of the other, of whatever character, in excess of that then fixed . by law. The country referred to as the disputed territory is in the heart of what is known as the desert of Atacama, and was regarded, until about the time of the execution of the first treaty, except for the deposit of guano at Majillones, its northern boundary, as of little or no value. The discovery of vast nitrate dex>osits about that time, however, in that 74 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. i part of the territory set apart to Bolivia by the treaty soon brought it into prominent notice, and companies were organized for the purpose of developing that industry. The business seems to have been monopo- lized by a corporation known as "El Oompania de Salitres y Ferrocarril de Antofagasta," a company composed mainly of gentlemen of means, citizens of Chili. It is claimed in behalf of the company that it had full authority from the Bolivian Government for the prosecution of its busi- ness, and that it relied upon the good faith of Bolivia in making its in- vestments. It is claimed that its investments now exceed $4,000,000. It has constructed a railroad 40 miles into the interior, running through the nitrate deposits, and Antofagasta, the shipping point for the nitrate, aud the location of the principal works, has developed into a city of nearly 10,000 people. In February of last year the Bolivian Congress enacted a law exacting a tax often cents a quintal on all exportations of nitrate, and from this has arisen the present difficulty with Chili. The Chilian Government promptly protested against the execution of this law, claiming that it was in direct conflict with the guarantees of the treaty of 1874. The law was allowed to remain dormant for several months, but no action was taken looking to its revocation. A short time since, however, the Bolivian authorities notified the company at Antofagasta that the law was to be executed, and that the amount which was due from it on account of shipments made since the passage of the law was something in excess of $90,000. The Chilian Gov- ernment protested anew* and caused Bolivia to be informed that if she insisted upon executing the law Chili would regard the treaty as ab- rogated, and would proceed to assert her right of dominion to the ter- ritory claimed by her prior to 1866. Notwithstanding this threat the works at Antofagasta were levied upon and notice was given that they would be sold ; whereupon, on the liith instant, the Chilian minister at La Paz was instructed by telegraph to demand his passport, and forces were immediately forwarded by water with instructions to take posses- sion of the territory on the coast as far north as the 23d degree of lati- tude. On the 14th the Chilian forces occupied Antofagasta without firing a gun, aud the disputed territory is all now held by Chilian troops. The course of the government here meets with a hearty approval from all classes. The movement was an exceedingly popular one. It is doubt- ' ful, indeed, if the administration could have taken another course and sustained itself. There is much anxiety concerning the course which Peru is likely to take. That herpeople strongly sympathize with Bolivia in this affair is undoubtedly true, and it is feared by some that the gov- ernment may be driven into an alliance with Bolivia. I think the fear is well grounded. The Chili Government is endeavoring to prepare itself for any emer- gency. The naval force has all been sent to the north and troops are being forwarded as rapidly as possible. It is understood that Congress will be convened in extraordinary ses- sion about the 10th of March. I forward you by this mail a copy of a pamphlet entitled the "New question of Chile with Bolivia," which was sent to me from the foreign office. Also a copy of the " Diario Official," which contains a sort of mani- festo from the government under the head of "El Conflicto con Bolivia." I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOEN. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 75 No. 55. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts. No. 86.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, April 3, 1879. (Eeceived May 8.) Sir: Following the events related in my dispatch No. 83 came the proclamation of the President of Bolivia, on the 1st of March, declaring war against Chili, and providing for the confiscation of the property of Chilians. Upon the receipt of this proclamation here, the Chilian land forces were ordered to advance upon Calama, and the naval force was directed to occupy Cobija and Tocopilla. The two latter places are the only Bolivian ports north of the 23d degree, and the former is a town of about five hundred people, in the valley of the Loa, some hundred miles from Antofagasta, and is supposed to have some strategic importance. The two ports were taken possession of without trouble, but the sec- retary of war, who was in the vicinity, reports that at Calama the Chili troops were seriously resisted. A number were killed on both sides, but the Chilians triumphed, and the Bolivians who were not killed were taken prisoners. I judge, how- ever, that there were not more than five hundred men engaged, all told. This is the only engagement of which advices have been received here. Peru is giving the government and people here much more concern just now than is Bolivia. Soon after the taking of Antofagasta the Government of Peru sent here an ambassador extraordinary, SeHor Lavalle, with instructions to tender the good offices of his government in the settlement of the dis- pute with Bolivia, and to urge, earnestly, an amicable arrangement. Senor Lavalle was kindly received by the government, but among the people there has been an almost universal expression of displeasure at his coming. From day to day the newspapers have been filled with reports from the north tending to show that Peru is preparing herself for a struggle with her rival, and charges have been freely made that the ambassador was sent here merely for delay, to enable his government to prepare itself for the contest. This idea has taken a strong hold upon the public mind, whether there be foundation for it or not. I was invited to an interview with the minister of foreign relations, and attended for that purpose at his official quarters, on the 29th ultimo. Among other things he informed me that Chili was not satisfied with the attitude of Peru, and that Mr. G-odoy, their minister at Lima, under instructions from his government, had demanded an answer from the Peruvian G-overnment as to its purpose in the dispute between Chili and Bolivia. The answer was not, he said, satisfactory. In it was embodied an acknowledgment that there had existed for several years a secret alliance between Peru and Bolivia, the effect of which would be to force Peru into the conflict against Chili. I told Mr. Fierro, the foreign minister, that I was sure that my gov- ernment would be exceedingly sorry to hear of a war between these countries, and I urged him to neglect no opportunity to settle the dis- pute amicably. In response to a suggestion from him, I remarked that I did not doubt that the United States G-overnment would cheerfully lend its efforts to an amicable arrangement of the difficulties if the gov- ernments engaged in the controversy should request it to do so, but that I trusted that they would be able to arrange it among themselves. From the manner of the minister rather than the matter of his con- 76 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. versation, I discovered that he felt much interested in the response, and it would not surprise me to learn that an effort was being made to induce these countries to join in a request to the United States to assist them in the settlement of their dispute. However his language concerning the reply of Pern to Mr. Godoy led me to believe that war was almost certain to follow. I had infonnp.fl the minister some time previous of my intention to avail myself at a convenient time of the privilege granted me by my government to visit the United States, and he now expressed a very earnest wish, in behalf of his government, that pending these difficulties I should remain in Chili. He seemed satisfied with my answer. Minister LaValle is still in Santiago, and it is barely possible that Peru may yet remain out of the conflict. I don't regard it as probable, however. Neither of the countries is prepared for war, and where the money is to come from is more than I can tell. The probable condition of their credit at its close does not present' so difficult a problem. The navies of Peru and Chili are about equal in point of strength, and there cannot be much difference in their laud forces. The Chilian army, the minister informs me. consists of nine' thousand men, with a reserve force, called national guards, of fifteen thousand more. The national guards are, I judge, not unlike our State militia. The minister informed me that the Chilian legation in Washington was about to be supplied with a minister, and that that post would be filled by Don F. L. Asta-Buruaga. Mr. Asta-Buruaga formerly repre- sented ChUi at Washington in the same capacity. He has a high regard for our country, and I look upon his selection as a fit one. He will probably leave for the United States next week. I enclose some skps cut from an English paper containing an article translated from the "Diario Official" of Santiago, upon the -'Desert of Atacaina and its resources." The article will repay perusal.* I have, &c THOMAS A. OSBOEX. Mr. Osboni to Mr. Erarts? Xo. S3.] Legation op the United States, Santiago, Chili, April 4, 1379. (Received May 3.) Sir: I have but just time before the closing of the mad to say that the friendly relations between ChUi and Peru have been broken off. The Peruvian special envoy received his passports last night, and soon after left on a special train for his home. To-day it is officially anuouueed that the amity and friendship heretofore existing between these coun- tries is at an end. The Official Gazette promises to-morrow a •' Memo- randum "' of the causes which have brought about this unfortunate result. Suffice it to say that the grievance of Chid is the aUeged secret alliance between Peru and Bolivia, and the apparant preparation making by Peru for war. Congress has conferred upon the President extraordinary powers. He is authorized to increase the army without limit. I have. &c, THOMAS A. OSBOBif. * The inclosure is long and will t>e found printed in Foreign Relations, lr?9, p. 162. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 77 No." 57. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts. No. 89.J Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, April 10, 1879. (Received May 16.) Sir : As will be seen from the inclosed translation of a note received by me from the minister of foreign relations, war was formally declared against Peru on the 5th instant, and on the same day the port of Iquique was placed in blockade by the Chilian squadron. The government promises a statement of the reasons for -its action, for the information of friendly governments, in a few days. Awaiting it, I inclose a slip from a newspaper containing the "memorandum," published in the "Official Gazette" simultaneously with the declaration of war. The army is being rapidly increased, and there is apparently no abate- ment in the enthusiasm. Iquique is the great niter depot of Peru, and is situated about midway in the province of Tarapaca, from north to south. This province extends to the Bolivian frontier on the north, and is supposed to contain almost inexhaustible wealth in its niter and guano deposits. If Chili succeeds in getting possession of Tarapaca, she will, I judge, insist upon holding it. An intelligent gentlemen with whom I have conversed upon the subject, and who formerly lived in Tarapaca, estimates the value of its niter deposits alone at four hundred millions of dollars. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. [Inclosure in No. 89. — Translation-,] Mr. Fierro to Mr. Osborn. Republic op Chili, Ministry op Foreign Relations, Santiago, April 9, 1879. SeSor: I have the honor to inform you, pursuant to special orders received from his excellency the President of the Republic, that on the 5th instant war was declared against the Government of Peru. The reasons which obliged my government to take that hard but necessary resolu- tion will be in a short time communicated to you. At the same time ft becomes my duty to announce to you that on the date above indicated the maritime forces of Chili placed in blockade the port of Iquique. In requesting that you will please place these facts within the knowledge of your government, it affords me pleasure to offer to you the assurances of high consideration with which, I am, &c, ALEJANDRO FIERRO. No. 58. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts. No. 92.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, April 19, 1879. (Received May 27.) Sir: By this mail I have the honor to forward a copy of the manifesto of the Chilian Government, addressed to friendly nations, in justification of the declaration of war against Peru, in Spanish, as also a copy of the Chilian Times, containing a translation of the same in English. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. 78 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. [Inclosure ill dispatch Xo. 92.) MANIFESTO OF THE CHILIAN GOVERNMENT TO THE EEPKESENTATIVES OF FRIENDLY POWERS, WITH REFERENCE TO THE DECLARATION OF WAR AGAINST PERU. ^Translated from the Diario Uncial. J Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Santiago, April 12, 1879. Mr. Minister : Annexed to the present note you will find a copy of the official ga- zette of Chili, from which yon will learn the authority conferred on my government by the high authorities of the state to declare war against Peru, and couduct it to an end .by all the means recognized by the rights of nations, and with all the resources at the disposal of the country. By order of his excellency the President of the republic, I fulfill the duty of inform- ing you of the grave .causes that have led to the formation of this unavoidable though lamentable resolution, which breaks old ties that Chili has always endeavored to strengthen. The government, in whose name I have the honor of speaking, flatters itself with the hope that the calm judgment of that represented by your excellency will duly appreciate the conduct that Chili has observed in this emergency — as foreign to her character and tradition as contrary to her dearest interests. The especial characteristic of this country, the constant tendency of its foreign pol- icy, and even its social and economic necessities, have withdrawn it from all spirit of adventure, and have stimulated it to maintain the most friendly relations with all nations. Chili lives by peace and industry ; requires as a prime element of its pros- perity, foreign immigration ; and possessing a vast territory only partially fertilized by the rude labor of its sons, requires more than any people foreign and internal tran- quillity. The latter has been obtained, thanks to the frank adoption of a system by which all the public powers emanate from the national vote ; and clearly is it proved, by the history of many years, that it has always endeavored to avoid conflict with foreign nations. The republic can show with legitimate pride that it has never been sparing of its blood or resources whenever it has been embarked in a noble cause, and much less when to it have been united the interests of this continent ; but it can also declare with no less satisfaction that, though always ready to defend outraged rights, it has systematically avoided all provocation, even under circumstances that would have au- thorized it. Ouly a few months ago it has given a new proof of the traditional char- acter of its policy, by submitting to the honorable solution of arbitration an old and vexed question it sustained against a neighboring power, although it had to yield to the uncertainty of a sentence, rights to which the national sentiment attached great importance. From this it will be easy for your excellency to deduce that Chili, in for- getting its historic conduct and the necessities of its situation, has done so only by the irresistible force of evident justice and in obedience to the clearest demands on its dignity. My government very recently complied with its duty in manifesting to those with whom it has the pleasure to maintain cordial relations, the circumstances which obliged it to declare at an end the treaty existing with Bolivia, a&d to occupy the ter- ritory lying between parallels 2:i and 24 S. lat. Subsequently, and without previous declaration of war, the President of Bolivia issued a decree emanating from'his single will, by which he expelled Chilian citizens from that state, confiscated their property, and sequestrated the products of the indus- try and capital of this country. It is unnecessary to recapitulate the bonds uniting the two nations, confirmed by solemn treaties, never respected by our neighbors ; unnecessary to repeat that since 1866 till the occupation of Antofagasta on February 14 of this year, my government, by a series of concessions more or less valuable, had arrived at the last sacrifice in order to maintain peace. If Chili has been forced into war, it is not through its own act, but is the unavoid- able consequence of the extraordinary conduct observed by the government of La Paz. This, on one hand, declined to fulfill the treaty of i.8/4, in virtue of which, and by whose sole title, it occupied conditionally the territory whose possession was transferred by the treaty mentioned. On the otlier it refused the honorable resource of arbitration, pretending to constitute itself absolute judge of the interpretation and practical application of the rights and duties established by the mutual sanction of both nations. From whatever point of view the severest impartiality may consider the irregular proceedings of the Bolivian authorities, we feel convinced that the friendly powers whose opinion we so much esteem will recognize, in homage to the strictest justice, that the situation imposed on Chili by a will not its own, indicated one sole course as possible in protection of its decorum. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 79 My government nevertheless, in spite of antecedents that perhaps should have indi- cated a different course, -wished to limit itself to pointing out the natural consequences of the rupture of the treaty of 1874. If it he undeniable that before the treaty of 1866 the territory comprised between parallels 23 and 24 belonged to Chili by right and by the constant exercise of veritable possession ; if it be true that it was ceded to Bolivia by the treaty of 1874 on the emphatic condition that no new taxes should be levied on Chilian industry and capital ; and if, in line, it is the melancholy truth, proved by pnbjic documents of the Bolivian Government, that it, turning a deaf ear to all remoustrance, ceased in truth to impose taxation, but rendered illusory the right of property recognized by its own laws — it was necessary on the part of Chili to re- place things in the state in which they stood before the extraordinary violation of the treaty mentioned. This violent act of Bolivia was necessarily followed by the occupation of the con- sideration ceded, on the ground of nonfulfillment of the conditions. This sufficiently explains the landing of our troops at Antofagasta, so that in attributing to this the character of a belligerent act, the antecedents of the conflict are deliberately disre- garded. In order to avoid the occupation, Bolivia possessed the means open to the commonest honesty — viz, promising to respect the treaty of 1874. This would have been the course of a civilized nation, for no reasoning, no> protest, can defend the un- just sentence Bolivia claimed to give in the question; to retain the territory it owed to the liberality of Chili, and at the same time to break the fundamental condition of the concession. It is painful, but at the same time indispensable, to bring to the memory of friendly powers another evident reason that my government could have wished not to reveal, out of respect to a state of the same origin. Official documents, and still more, the private history of Chilian industry on the coast between 23° and 24° S. lat., are wit- nesses that cannot be refuted to the fact that since 1866 to the date of the occupation of Antofagasta, the Bolivian Government appears to have conceived, organized, and put in practice an inflexible system of persecution against the development of Chilian enterprises which have been the only origin and the principal element of the wealth of that locality, never suspected and never stimulated by the private industry or na- tional protection of Bolivia. The capital of this republic, and that developed under the protection of our laws without distinction of nationality, being embarked in costly speculations, my govern- ment could not view with indifference the adoption by Bolivia of special measures tending to place Chilians in an exceptional situation. Soon after the treaty of 1866, and then after that of 1874, the painful certainty was realized that in Bolivia no idea existed of individual guarantees. Taxes were imposed under -the pretext of muni- cipal rates; disgiaceful punishments were inflicted by the authorities on citizens of this republic : and finally, a Chilian enterprise for the working of nitrate beds, author- ized by the Bolivian Government, afforded a pretext for a law irreconcilable with the most essential stipulation of the treaty of 1874. My government could not and ought not abandon its citizens to the caprice of that of Bolivia, and less to the discretion of its subalterns ; and the official documents in- serted in the reports of the ministry of foreign affairs since 1866 render unnecessary any additional proof that since then till now it has been impossible to restrain the action of the Bolivian authorities. These precedents showed sufficiently that the occupation of Antofagasta was urgently required, through the violation of the treaty; and my government found itself under the necessity of ordering it, for the protection of interests and persons threatened by measures which respected no rights whatever. The occupation effected on February 14 could not be considered as a declaration of war, and still less as a threat on the part of my government against the sovereignty of Bolivia. Nor was it reasonable to suppose that the cabinet of Santiago intended to modify the geographical limits of the neighboring nations. In this conflict, which never would have arisen if even a show of respect had been evinced for the spirit and letter of treaties, what this republic has aimed at from the beginning, with the great- est frankness, was to defend its national rights and protect private property. Before 1866 we possessed effectively up to the parallel 23. By the treaty of that year we ac- cepted the exploitation in common up to parallel 25; and subsequently we fixed the limits of Chili at 24°, on condition of the neighboring republic leaving our industry free from any new exaction. The situation of the two republics seemed to be clear enough. Chili renounced its effective possession up to lat. 23° S. ; Bolivia ceded its fantastic pretentions up to lat. 24°; and both countries, respecting the fact that Antofagasta, Mejillones, Caracoles, and Salinas were of Chilian creation, agreed to guarantee the freedom of the indus- tries established in those regions. This undoubtedly imported an immense sacrifice to Chili, considering that she not only ceded to Bolivia a territory in dispute, but also a large area over which her title could not have been questioned for a moment. The antecedents of the treaty of 1866, and the negotiations which resulted in that 80 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. of 1874 are the most evident proofs that Chili, far from desiring the extension of its limits recognized under the colonial regime, only sought an arrangement that per- mitted the untrammeled exercise of Chilian industry, notwithstanding the appropria- tion by Bolivia of the territory that we possessed. It is unnecessary to dwell upon the right of a sovereign state to claim from another with which it contracted the fulfillment of its stipulations, and the no less indisput- able faculty to employ the means of enforcement which the law of nations has placed in use. Although the proceeding of my government was open to no objection, consid- ering that the conflict with Bolivia in no way aifected Peru, we wished to give the latter a. proof of our friendship by informing it fully of whatever transpired, calling previously its attention to the necessary results of a groundless complication. The Lima cabinet knew, therefore, everything concerning the negotiations at La Paz ; it could appreciate the tenacious resistance opposed to the conciliatory proposals of our chancellery ; and it also knew that such proposals were replied to by unheard-of acts of violent spoliation. In spite of this, that cabinet, so zealous for the peace of America, which has assumed at the eleventh hour the charge of Bolivia, could find then — when an opportunity offered for it to fulfill its duty — not a single word nor course whatever to avert a conflict in which it may now be said Peru represented a secret r6le by no means in conformity with its much-talked of highmindedness. It was our duty then to confide in the loyalty of Peru ; still more, we had the right to demand it, either on the ground of a sincere friendship, or as a slight return for the blood of our citizens and our treasure spent in giving that country a nationality, and defending it at the price of our own ruin. It was natural for us to give faith to the professions of netrality which the Peru- vian Government transmitted to us through our plenipotentiary ; and to consider as friendly the intimation given us by that cabinet, that until war was declared it must permit the passage of Bolivian troops through its territory, in virtue of a previous treaty. There were, however, various antecedents which contradicted in a great measure the declarations that now we may stigmatize as insidious, with full knowledge of the circumstances. The President of Peru did not hesitate to express his fears for the pressure that might be brought to bear in an opposite sense by a reckless popular opinion. He hinted at the not improbable event of the action of the authorities being interfered with, and recognized the influence of certain circles whose disaf- fection to Chili is only founded on the childish jealousy with which our prosperity is regarded. This caused my government to observe an attitude of vigilant expectation. Accord- ing to the rules regulating the relations of friendly powers, it would have been rash to provoke a definitive situation ; but according to the claims of our own responsibii-' ity and dignity, we were bound to prepare for any emergency. This explains the reception accorded to the extraordinary legation from Peru which arrived at Santiago at the beginning of March, with words of peace and conciliation. The nature of the complication with Bolivia did not exclude the possibility of some arrangement, as it was not our desire to make war unnecessarily. My government, however, believed that all mediation under the then circumstances was inopportune ; that it had even been so when on a previous occasion it had been offered by the charge d'affaires of Peru ; and that the cabinet of Lima had lost the occasion of inter- posing its friendly offices, even if it had at any time professed them. When the government of La Paz showed itself deaf to all remonstrance ; when its only argument was decrees violatory of the treaty of 1874 ; when it replied to pacific indications by the enforcement of the law of 1878, which implicitly abrogated its re- cent pledges to Chili ; then, indeed, mediation would have been practicable, supposing that Peru had possessed the real character of an honorable mutual friend. Believing firmly that mediation for the moment was groundless, my government yet considered that such belief was not incompatible with hearing the ideas of the Peru- vian Government, transmitted by its representative, Don Jose' Antonio de Lavalle. At the preliminary conference held by the undersigned with Sefior Lavalle, it appeared that the object of the mission was to exchange ideas and make general observations on the Chilino-Bolivian question. As then the belief became more pronounced in the existence of a secret treaty of alliance, concluded in the year 1873 between Peru and Bolivia, it seemed advisable to interrogate Sefior Lavalle concerning an event of such importance ; and as at the same time an unusual activity was observable in the army and navy of Peru, explanations were demanded as to the signification and object of such preparations. Sefior Lavalle gave the following reply : " That he had no knowledge of the treaty alluded to; that he believed it had no " existence ; that it could not have been approved by the Congress of 1873, because the ' ' legislature being biennial till the constitutional reform of 1878, that assembly did not " meet in that year; and that he was sure it was not approved on the following years, " during which he had the honor of presiding over the diplomatic committee of Con- AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 81 "gress, at which such negotiation would necessarily have had to be discussed. But "nevertheless, as since his arrival in Chili he had heard the existence of this treaty "spoken of, he had asked instructions from his government, which he would comniii- " nicate immediately they were received." Respecting the belligerent attitude which Peru commenced to assume, its represent- ative attributed it to the special condition of its territory, and to the necessity of preventing its violation by the operations of the belligerents, which it was reasonable to anticipate, as the Bolivians had invaded it even in the cases of internal commotion. These explanations were not tranquilizing, because they were not conclusive, and confirmed my government in the conviction that it would be necessary to resolve so equivocal a situation before the cabinet of Lima itself; and even without knowing its antecedents, instructions were sent at the first moment to our minister at that cap- ital, to ask for a prompt declaration of neutrality. The cabinet of Lima, as I have already had the honor of stating to your excellency declared to our representative in verbal conference that it would be neutral in the conflict with Bolivia, and that such resolution would remain in suspense until the declaration of war were notified to it. On March 14 our minister in Lima announced to my government that the charge' d'affaires of Bolivia. had made known to the diplomatic corps there resident that his country was at war with Chili, and on the same day orders were sent Sefior Godoy to demand the declaration of neutrality. It was asked for in moderate terms on the 17th of the same month, and the Peruvian chancellery, replying on the 21st, referred to instructions that would be transmitted to its envoy extraordinary in Chili, without explaining the reasons which induced it to delay the solution of a legitimate right which gave no margin for further explanations. The disloyal evasion of Peru was unacceptable even to the least suspicious judgment, and for this reason my govern- ment informed Senor Godoy on the same day that it did not admit of such a tardy course being adopted ; that it insisted on claiming its right in Lima itself; and that it now not only asked Peru to define its attitude, but demanded a frank explanation as to the object of its armament, and substantial guarantees for the future, in the event of any probable contingency. Such a demand was fully justified. The extraordinary mission of Senor Lavalle, at such a critical moment, only served to satisfy us as to his ignorance of subjects of im- mense importance ; and at the same time the Government of Lima had to be reminded that it had confessed itself impotent to fulfill its duty, and that an explosion of hate as profound as unreasonable against this republic had burst forth among the people of the pretended mediator. The moment had therefore arrived to dissipate all doubt. My government, sensible of the responsibility weighing upon it, and being aware of the extent of the right of self-defense before an ill-defined neutrality that was arming in every haste, did not hesitate to give its demands the pressing nature that the gravity of the situation demanded. On the said 21st of March Senor Godoy communicated to my government the result of that step, but the defective telegraphic transmission necessitated the rectification of the dispatch, which from various causes could not be effected before the night of the 24th. His note had not been replied to in writing, but in verbal conference he was given clearly to understand by the Government of Peru that it was impossible for it to assume a neutral attitude, owing to the existence Of a treaty of alliance with Bolivia. In spite of the importance of this declaration, that government insisted on Chili abiding by the explanations of the Peruvian envoy ; and exhibited, with an impassiveness at variance with the simplest demands of honor, the desire of postpon- ing the solution of the problem. Notwithstanding, my government, obedient to the respect which it has always pro- fessed toward the opinions of other nations, and desirous of avoiding the reproach of hastiness by the omission of any essential requisite to establish clearly the situation of Peru, endeavored to obtain explicit and exact explanations. On the said 24th of March peremptory instructions were sent to our minister at Lima. According to them he was to insist that the question of neutrality should not be discussed in Chili ; that we demanded the immediate and guaranteed suspension of the armament, and the production of the secrect treaty, inquiring if it was ap- proved in due form, and if Peru was disposed to abrogate it immediately and give ns the requisite explanations for having negotiated in secret, while on terms of friend- ship with us, a treaty showing want of confidence in and even of hostility toward Chili. Such were our last demands and their just foundations. Our representative in Lima, putting them into prompt execution, conferred verbally with the head of the Peruvian Government and. the members of his cabinet. The result of those conferences was the following declarations, which suffice with- out any comment to show the international policy of a government allied till then S. Ex. 79 6 82 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEEU, AND BOLIVIA. ■with us by a treaty of friendship offered by Chili when the ancient masters of Pern, imposed on it a humiliating vassalage. The cabinet of Lima, without a tinge of shame, undeterred by recent events, with- out even the frankness which occasionally excuses great faults, tranquilly answered our minister : 1. That it would not declare nor assume an attitude of neutrality, though with an incomprehensible logic it offered, nevertheless, on its already violated word, to sus- pend its warlike preparations. 2. That the secret treaty with Bolivia — a shameful net spread for our friendship — was duly completed for a long time past. 3. That that treaty, whose hidden existence was the best proof of its bastard na- ture, had to be kept' secret, in accordance with one of its articles, calculated cunningly against the friend of many years, the ally in trouble, the savior in the two great crises of the nation, that jrith such a monument testified its gratitude ; and 4. That a copy of this singular treaty had been remitted to Senor Lavalle ; hut on the understanding that it should only be read to us, doubtless to satisfy our curiosity to know a negotiation whose like can scarcely be found in the darkest records of diplomacy. It is not surprising that the cabinet of Lima had the assurance- to insist, with all the appearance of seriousness, on the possibility of the continuance of the pending negotiations. If all this was not war, such as it is understood by civilized nations, it signified the same thing, under the transparent disguise of a mediator who assumed the double part of a friend when he was an interested belligerent. The secret treaty of February 6, 1873, needs no lengthy examination to ascertain its object ; and the reserve in which it has been maintained confirms in the least sus- picious mind the conviction that it was entered iuto solely as a means of security for the fiscal egotism of Peru in ite pecuniary troubles and to aid the schemes of the Government of Bolivia, a perpetual conspirator against the treaty of 1866. In 1873, neither Peru nor Bolivia was threatened by the remotest danger of territorial dis- memberment ; and much less could it be foreseen that Chili cherished such idea, seeing that it had granted to Bolivia whatever that republic demanded in the convention of 1866— applauded by the Bolivian people as a splendid manifestation of Chilian gener- osity. The treaty of 1873 owed its origin — hidden as a shameful act — to the measures adopted by Peru at that epoch to justify one of the most audacious and cruel spoliations witnessed by countries submitted to a regime of common respect toward the industry of all nations. Peru desired to monopolize and appropriate the nitrate works ; and in order to sus- tain its daily diminishing credit, adopted the supreme measure of ruining an industry to satisfy a fiscal voracity that could not satisfy itself with the ordinary resources of a country that has lived, thanks to its territorial wealth, in complete obliviousness of economy and labor. Your excellency cannot be ignorant of the situation of these three republics in Feb- ruary, 1873 ; and in fact only by the cause I have just indicated can be explained the existence of the treaty of that year, entered into in prevision of acts that nobody threatened to realize ; that could not be realized while the treaty of 1866 existed ; and when in no case was it possible to anticipate that Chili or any other nation would threaten the integrity of Bolivian territory, or the never-disputed, sovereignty of Peru within its recognized limits. It is evident that Peru sought in the treaty of 1873 to protect the financial measures it meditated against an industry that in any commonly scrupulous country would have had the right to develop itself freely. What it desired was to strengthen the nitrate monopoly without considering the sums invested in that industry ; for in vain are antecedents of any kind scraped up to justify the belief, not probable, but even possible, of any aggression against the independence or dominion of the contracting powers. Knowing the respective situation Of these countries, the secret treaty of which I have spoken was either wholly useless, or it possessed an ulterior design that events have shown to be the real one. Neither Bolivia nor Peru could fear the perturbation of their sovereignty by any of the surrounding nations ; so that the alliance is explain- able by much less elevated motives, and which decidedly were intended to embarrass the action of ray government in exacting the due fulfillment of the treaty we had cele- brated with Bolivia, and provide against the consequences of the indignant clamor of Chilian citizens, despoiled by the despotic hand of the monopoly established in Tara- As a last analysis, the Peru-Bolivian convention was for Peru the cold calculation of a trader ; and for Bolivia a vote of indemnity which covered the previous viola- tions and future infractions of the agreement of 1866. The monopolizing interest of the former republic and the international ill faith of the second found their faithful AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 83 expression in that document, whose celebrity will he as lasting as the condemnation which the honest conscience of every civilized people will attach to it. And this, you excellency will observe as an orignal lesson of diplomatic loyalty, was on the eve of adjusting the treaty of 1874, when Chili, withoat necessity, and only in homage to peace, being able to exact the fulfillment of the treaty of 1866, agreed to renounce its recognized right to the territory between 24° and 23°. There is even yet something more worthy of observation. Article 3 of the secret ' convention reserves to each party the qualification of the casus fcederis. The 8th es- tablishes, as a solemn pledge, to avert war as far as possible, employing conciliatory means to avoid a rupture, aiid among them arbitration. Peru therefore possessed the fullest liberty of action for deciding if the time for an alliance had arrived. It could and ought to have considered the object and character of the operations undertaken by my government ; and more than one opportunity pre- sented itself for offering its mediation, when it assisted as a mute witness to the nego- tiations whose logical results it could not otherwise than forsee. It is not therefore unwarranted to impute to the cabinet of Lima the deliberate intention, formed long before, of assuming the character of a belligerent. For this reason it manifested a decided inclination for neutrality even whilst it armed with unusual rapidity ; for this it sent us a legation which claimed to be without instructions on the cardinal points of its mission ; for this, whilst it delayed the replies asked by our representative, it sent urgent orders to Europe for new war material. All this would merit, on the part of any power disinterested in the conflict, qualifi- cations too severe for my government to repeat here out of respect for that of your excellency. The nations whose worthy representatives I have the honor to address will observe by the accompanying documents, that even accepting as obligatory the secret treaty of 1873, the Peruvian Government was free from any pledge. That of Bolivia refused the arbitration referred to in article 8 of the secret treaty, as it did in the treaties celebrated with Chili; and the casus fcederis had not occurred, inasmuch as Chili stated, and repeated frequently, that it did not intend to conquer a hand's breadth of Bolivian territory. Peru not only could but should observe the strictest neutrality, even observing the secret stipulations binding it with Bolivia; because these are founded on the existence of a threat against territorial integrity, which was never thought of on our part ; and because they also fix as an indispensable precedent to the casus fcederis the previous recourse to arbitration. The explanations given by Senor Lavalle, far from attenuating, strengthened more clearly, if that be possible, the terminant spirit of the treaty of 1873. How accept the trifling excuse that it contained a generic stipulation, not directed at Chili, whilst it is carefully hidden from her knowledge? If the treaty meant a general guarantee against any advance of a foreign power, why was the co-operation of Chili not sought, which has given more than one example of being the first to contribute, with its men, and its wealth, toward the maintenance of the sovereignty of nations of a common origin? ' It was still more inconceivable that Pern should inform us by its envoy that the reserve of the treaty arose from one of its conditions, fearing our susceptibilities might be wounded if it proceeded to act as mediator while informing us of its relations with one of the belligerents. To discuss such allegations would be merely to tire your patience, and is doubly unnecessary, inasmuch as Peru from the beginning of the conflict has done every- thing in its power to elude any explanation relating to the secret treaty. My government needed no extraordinary effort to ascertain, from the acts and dec- larations related, what was the position that Pera preferred to assume, what were the rights, and, more than all, what were the duties that were consequently imposed. The mediator offered himself, backed by an army, whose rapid reunion testified to the prevision of proximate conflicts, manned his navy, and, whilst uncertainly stam- mering words of impartiality, allowed to transpire the engagement of a belligerent duly sealed. It was Peru which, if it did not declare war first, with the frankness of a noble resolution, commenced it first ; and, what is worse, a war hidden and sheltered under false protestations of friendship. Chili has never forgotten the course marked out by the patriotism of its sons, the energy strengthened by the conviction of violated justice, and its historic name among civilized nations. It is Peru that has plotted and desired war; let Peru, therefore, be charged with the responsibility, whilst Chili delivers its future to the protection of God, to the stout hearts of its citizens, and to the just opinion of enlight- ened nations. I have, &c, ALEJANDRO FIERRO. 84 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. Kb. 59. Mr. Osbom to Mr. Evarts. So. 98.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, May 10, 1879. (Received Juue 16.) Sir: I herewith inclose an English translation of the secret treaty be- tween Peru and Bolivia, of which I have heretofore written. It will be observed that the alliance is a defensive one, each agreeing to defend the other from all foreign aggression. While the treaty is general in its terms there can be no doubt that its purpose was to consolidate the remaining South American Eepublics against Chili. Article 4, it will be seen, provides for the extension of the alliance to one or more of these states. I have it from reliable authority that the Argentine Gov- ernment was some time since urged to become a party to the arrange- ment. I also inclose a "map of the theater of the war," first issued here. The 24th degree south has heretofore been the north line of Chili. The ter- ritory comprised in the degree lying north of this line' is that in dispute between Chili and Bolivia, and the Bolivian jurisdiction extended thence north to the river Loa. The purposes of the Chili Government are, in my judgment, outlined in this map. The plan contemplates an exten- sion of the northern frontier to .the river Camerones, and a compro- mise with Bolivia by guaranteeing to her the possession of the territory on the coast embracing Arica and Taena. It is believed here very gen- erally that Bolivia would much rather have the territory mentioned than that hitherto possessed by her embracing Antofagasta, and that as soon as a favorable opportunity shall offer she will be found ready to break with her present ally. When it is remembered that the imports and exports of Bolivia nearly all pass through the Peruvian custom- houses at Arica and Mollendo, this faith of the Chilians does not seem extravagantly wild. The military situation now is about this : Antofagasta is occupied by about 10,000 Chilian troops.- Iquique is occupied by Peruvian troops, about 5,000 strong. This place is still under blockade, and the people and soldiers are suffering much for want of healthy provisions and water. Arica is occupied by a combined army consisting of about 6,000 Bolivians and the same number of Peruvians. The Chilian campaign seems now to contemplate a movement by the forces at Antofagasta upon Iquique. If they should be successful in this they believe that the time will have arrived for an arrangement with Bolivia. If this should be consummated the new allies would un- questionably have Peru at their feet. President Daza, of Bolivia, is understood to be with his troops in the neighborhood of Arica, and I do not doubt that with the assistance of the Chilian navy he would be able to overcome the Peruvian force there with but little difficulty. It may perhaps be said that this course ou the part of Bolivia would be highly dishonorable, and that, therefore, she is not likely to pursue it. She may not, but it will be for other reasons than this if she does not. I have been disappointed in the faint resistance which Peru has thus lar made upon the sea. The Chilian naval force is traversing the Peru- vian coast with impunity, destroying the moles and launches in the various ports, and occasionally, by way of diversion, destroying a town. I have, &c, ' THOMAS A. OSBOEX. AFFAIES IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 85 [Inclosure linNo. 98.] > The secret treaty 'between Peru and Bolivia. The Peruvian minister of foreign affairs, Sefior Manuel Irigoyen, and the envoy ex- traordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Bolivia, Senor Serapio Reyes Ortiz, hav- ing agreed to publish the secret treaty of defensive alliance celebrated between their repective governments on the 6th of February, 1873, in accordance with the terms of the additional article appended to the said treaty, the same has now appeared in print, and the following is a translation : Adolfo Baixivian, constitutional President of the Republic of Bolivia: Inasmuch as, between the republics of Bolivia and Peru, represented by the respect- ive plenipotentiaries, there has been celebrated in the city of Lima on the sixth day of the month of February of the present year the following treaty of defensive alli- ance: The republics of Bolivia and Peru, desirous to cement in a solemn manner the bonds that unite them, to increase thus their strength and mutually guarantee one another certain rights, have drawn up the present treaty of defensive alliance, to which end the President of Bolivia has invested with ample powers to conduct the said negotia- tion, Juan de la Cruz Benevente, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary in Peru, and the President of Peru has conferred the same upon Jose' de la Riva Aguero, minister of foreign affairs, who have agreed upon the following stipulations: Article I. The contracting parties will unite and Join to mutually guarantee their independence, sovereignty, and the integrity of their respective territories, binding themselves by the terms of the present treaty to defend themselves against all foreign aggression, whether proceeding from another or other independent states, or from a force without a flag owing obedience to no recognized power. Art. II. The alliance will become effective to protect the rights expressed in the preceding article, and particularly in cases of offense consisting, first, iu acts tend- ing to deprive either of the contracting parties of a portion of their territory, in order to assume dominion over it, or to yield it to another power ; second, in acts tending to oblige either of the contracting parties to submit to a protectorate, sale or cession of territory, or to establish over it any superiority, right, or pre-eminence whatso- ever, which may injure or offend the full and ample exercise of its sovereignty and independence ; third, in acts tending to do away with or change the form of govern- ment, the political constitution or the laws that the contracting parties have made, or may in future make, in the exercise of the sovereignty. Art. III. As both the contracting parties admit that every legitimate act of alliance is based upon justice, for each of them, respectively, the right is established of decid- ing whether the offense inferred to the other is comprised amongst those mentioned in the preceding article. Art. IV. The cams foederis once declared, the contracting parties bind them- selves to cease immediately their relations with the offending state, to hand their pass- ports to its diplomatic ministers, to cancel the appointments of the consular agents, to forbid the importation of its natural and industrial products, and to close their ports against its ships. Art. V. The same parties will also appoint plenipotentiaries to adjust by pro- tocol the arrangements necessary to determine upon the subsidies, the contingents of either sea or land forces, or the aid of whatever kind that must be lent to the re- public which has received the offense, the manner in which the forces are to act and the assistance to be lent, and whatever else may be convenient for the defense. The meet- ing of the plenipotentiaries will take place in the place assigned by the offended party for that purpose. Art. VI. The contracting parties bind themselves to provide the one offended with the means of defense of which each may consider it can dispose, though the arrange- ments pointed out in the preceding article may not have taken place, provided that they consider the case urgent. Art. VII. The casus foederis once declared, the offended party will not be able to make arrangements for peace, truce, or armistice, without the concurrence of the ally who may have taken part in the war. Art. VIII. The contracting parties bind themselves in addition — 1st. To employ with preference, whenever it is possible, every conciliatory measure in order to avoid a rupture, or to put an end to the war, holding as the most effective the arbitration of a third power. 2d. Not to admit nor accept from any nation or government, protectorate or super- iority that may injure and lessen their independence or sovereignty, and not to yield up nor transfer in favor of any nation or government any part whatsoever of their territories excepting in the cases of better demarkation of limits. 86 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEEU, AND BOLIVIA. 3d. Not to celebrate treaties of limits or of other territorial arrangements, without the other contracting party first knowing of same. Art. IX. The stipulations of the present treaty do not extend to acts performed by political parties or the result of internal disturbances independent of the intervention of foreign governments ; inasmuch as the principal object of the present treaty of al- liance being the mutual guarantee of the sovereign rights of both nations, none of its clauses must be interpreted in opposition to its primary end. Art. X. The contracting parties will, separately or collectively, when by a subse- quent agreement they may consider it convenient, solicit the adhesion of another or other American states to the present treaty of defensive alliance. Art. XI. The present treaty will be exchanged in Lima or in L a Pa^i as soon as it is legally perfected, and will remain in full force on the twentieth day after said ex- change takes place. Its duration shall be for an indefinite period, each party reserv- ing to itself the right of considering it as no longer existing when such shall be thought convenient. In such a case the party desiring to annul the treaty must notify the other party of the same, and the treaty will no longer have effect on the elapse of forty months from such notification. In testimony whereof, the respective plenipotentiaries signed it in .duplicate and sealed it with their private seals. Done in Lima on the sixth day of the month of February, one thousand eight hun- dred and seventy-three. JUAN DE LA CRUZ BENATENTE. J. DE LA EIVA AGUERO. Here follows an additional article which provides that the treaty shall be kept se- cret as long as both parties by common accord shall not deem its publication neces- sary. The treaty having received the approbation of the extraordinary assembly of Bolivia and been confirmed and ratified by the then President of that country, Senor Adolfo Ballivian, was formally exchanged between the two parties, represented by their respective ministers, in the city of Ea Paz, on the 16th day of June, 1873. The Peruvian Congress gave its approbation to the treaty on the 22d of April of the same year, and notified Senor Pardo, at the time President of Peru, of same on the 30th of the same month and year, who thereupon ratified it. Xo. 60. Mr. Seward to Mr. Osborn. [Extract.] 2so. 63.] Department of State, Washington, May 29, 1S79. Sir : I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of the 19th ultimo (92), in which you send me a copy and a translation of the mani- festo of the government of Chili, in justification of its war with Peru. Whatever may have been the causes leading to this war, its commence- ment and continuance cannot but be regretted by the United States ; and it is hardly necessary to add that the announcement of an early peace between the two- governments, a* also with Bolivia, would be news most welcome to the Government of the United States. I a"in, &c, F. W. SEWAED, Acting Secretary. 87 No. 61. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Hvarts. No. 100.J Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, June 5, 1879. (Received July 8.) Sir : I have the honor to inclose a copy of the President's message, delivered, to Congress at its opening on the 1st instant. The message treats almost exclusively of the international difficulties in which the country is involved, but I discover little in it worthy of note which has not been already adverted to in my dispatches. Its re- view of the origin of the Avar with Bolivia and with Peru is but a repetition of the arguments presented by the foreign office in documents with which you have been furnished. The President speaks with a pardonable pride of the valor displayed by the Chilians in the combat of the 21st ultimo at Iquique between the Chilian wooden ships Esmeralda and Covodonga and the powerful Peruvian iron-clads Huascar and Independencia. In this battle the Esmeralda, with no possible hope of escape from destruction except through a surrender, continued for four long hours the desperate en- counter, and then went down with her colors still at the mast. The Covodonga, more fortunate than her companion, managed to get out of the bay closely pursued by the Independencia, and being a ship of light draught, by running close to the shore she led the large ironclad upon the rocks and witnessed its total destruction. The enthusiasm of the people in consequence of this battle is beyond my power of description. Chili has had other heroes, but I doubt if any were ever so honored as is. now the memory of Arturo Prat, the late com- mander of the Esmeralda. At the time of this battle the Chilian fleet, except the two ships men- tioned, was in the neighborhood of Callao, where it still remained at last advices received here. The Huascar in the mean time has continued in the vicinity of Iquique. The loss of the Independencia must prove to be a severe blow to the Peruvian cause, and I doubt if it can be repaired in the present condition of the Peruvian credit. The two Chilian iron-clads are powerful vessels, and ought to be able to destroy the Huascar if they can succeed in bringing her under their guns. The government is exceedingly reticent as to the future movements of the fleet, but I infer that the blockade of Iquique will soon be re-estab- lished, if it has not already been done. You will have learned ere this, doubtless, through our legation in Lima, of the tender made by Great Britain to Peru and Chili of its good offices in the capacity of a mediator, and of the refusal thereof by Peru. The President states in his message, as you will observe, that the offer was accepted by his government. I cannot speak positively, but I am strongly impressed with the belief that the action of Great Britain was the result of a suggestion from their legation here, and that this sug- gestion was inspired by the Chili government. I see by the newspapers that the Queen's ministers have assured the British Parliament, in response to questions propounded to them, that their government would take the proper steps to protect the interests of British citizens on this coast pending the war. This declaration caused considerable uneasiness here. The large Peruvian debt is principally held in England, and it was feared by the friends of Chili that the contemplated action meant an 88 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. interference in behalf of the holders to the extent of insisting that the ■ niter and guano in the Tarapaca district should be applied to the liqui- dation of this debt, regardless of the result of the war in that section. The British minister called on me a few days since, and in the course of conversation, referring to this subject, said that the commander of the British naval forces in the Pacific had been instructed from home, by telegraph to exercise due diligence in protecting British interests here, and that that was all that was meant by the assurance given by Her ^Majesty's ministers to Parliament. I do not doubt that such a dispatch was received, but you are better able to judge than I am whether the promises of the British cabinet contemplated this and no more, or not. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOEN. P. S., June 6. — A dispatch received this morning announces that the Chilian fleet had returned to Iquique. On the 31st ultimo the Huascar was at anchor in a small inlet a short distance this side of Antofagasta. OSBOEN. Xo. 62. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Uvarts. ZSTo. 101.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, June 11, 1879. (Received July 24.) Sir : I inclose an English translation of what I find published in the newspapers purporting to be a decree of the Bolivian government con- cerning privateers, and beg leave to direct your especial attention to sections 5 and 6 thereof. I assume that the treaty of the United States with Bolivia, proclaimed January 8, 1863, is still in force. This treaty fully recognizes the doctrine of " free ships, free goods," and unequivo- cally defines which shall be regarded as contraband of war. On these points the decree is in direct conflict with the provisions of the treaty. This decree has caused quite a flutter in diplomatic circles here. The British representative has been especially exercised concerning it. He informed me a few days since that he purposed telegraphing the sub- stance of it to London, and I conclude that if his government shall agree with him privateers under the Bolivian flag will be treated by Great Britain as pirates. Bolivia is not, I understand, a party to the treaty of Paris, and I know of no maritime power, except that of the United States, which has stipulated with her for the recognition of the principle that the flag protects the cargo. I have taken the liberty of mentioning this matter to my friend Judge Pettis, in a personal note which I forward to him at La Paz to- day. The decree is dated prior to his arrival at La Paz, and it may have escaped his notice. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOEN. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 89 [luclosure.J Translation of Bolivian decree concerning privateering. Whereas, the Republic of Chili having declared itself in a state of warfare against Bolivia, and having taken armed^and forcible possession of a portion of the coast, thereby breaking former well-defined treaties, it has become necessary to make use of all legitimate means of maritime warfare; and to such effect, having the right and believing in the necessity of sending forth vessels carrying letters of marque against any other vessels sailing under the enemy's flag, or against any Chilian merchandise, whether or not contraband of war which they may meet under a neutral flag, or for the taking or confiscation of the saltpeter works, guano deposits, or other products' of the Bolivian coast which may be worked and exported, such acts being considered as robbery and piracy committed by the Chilian Government on the national property, I hereby issue the following decree for the guidance of all captains of privateers hold- ing letters of marque from this republic in the present war against Chili. 1st. It is hereby authorized to auy Bolivian privateer to c^hase and capture any Chilian vessel, whether she be a ship of war, privateer, a merchantman, whether she be at sea, or in the waters or harbors of the republic, waters or ports of the enemy. 2d. It is forbidden to privateers of the republic to make any attack or hostile act within the limits of any waters or ports belonging to neutral nations, it being under- stood that national waters are such as ar.e within the reach of a cannon shot from low water mark. 3d. The privateers of the republic may take possession of the cargoes of Chilian merchant vessels, provided that such cargoes do not belong to any neutral, except in the case that the articles of which the same is composed may be contraband of war, destined to the enemy, the which will be always seizable. If one portion of the cargo is contraband of war and the other not, the first only shall be seizable. 4th. The privateers shall be authorized to stop or seize any neutral vessel which may carry official dispatches from or to the enemy, or troops for land or marine serv- ice, or supplies for the enemy. , 5th. The privateers of the republic may seize any cargo being Chilian property, which they may find on board of any neutral vessel, whether or not the same may be contraband of war. 6th. Contraband of war is composed of the following matters: cannons, muskets, mortars, and all description of arms, and also all kinds of projectiles, gun carriages, fusees, fulminants, percussion caps, gunpowder, saltpetre, sulphur, articles of military clothing, harness, horse saddles and bridles, field tents, coal intended for the war ships of the enemy or their privateers, or other such, and all instruments and appli- ances destined for warfare, including food and victuals, gold and silver coined, and the correspondence addressed to the enemy ; also military contingeiits or individuals belonging to the service of the enemy, are contraband of war. 7th. Also any vessel which cannot prove her neutrality may be seized, and in like manner those which may fail to produce the necessary documents, namely, the reg- ister, the bills of lading for the cargo, or other such documents as may -^.mch for the neutral ownership of the ship and cargo, and shall be deemed lawful prize unless there shall be proof that the said documents have been lost by inevitable accident. All the papers presented must be properly accredited in order to be accepted. 8th. Vessels which shall hoist any other flag than that of their true nationality, or which may throw their papers overboard into the sea, or which may offer resistance or attempt to escape from the privateer, shall be considered as enemies. 9th. The privateers of the republic are authorized to seize any vessels of whatever nationality which may carry on board produce exported from the ports of Mejillones or Autofagasta, and minerals from Caracoles, such as saltpeter, guano, silver or cop- per, unless they can prove that the same have been shipped through the intervention of the Bolivian authorities. 10th. The declaration of lawful prize shall be given by the courts established by the laws of the republic. If, on account of distance or other cause, the prize cannot be brought before such court, judgment shall be delivered by the diplomatic or consular agents of the republic in the ports of any friendly nation which may consent to the sale of such prize. If by chance the privateer, being embarrassed by extraordinary cir- cumstances, may be unable to send the prize for proper judgment, she may act accord- ing to the circumstances, consulting her own safety, and keeping the necessary docu- ments, which shall be presented in due course before the competent authorities. 11th. The privateers of the republic shall hold the right of visit which belongs to all belligerents, and in the exercise of the same comply with the following regulations : The privateer shall display the national flag, firing a blank shot towards the vessel which is to be visited, and which shall atop and hoist her ensign. If she do not do so the privateer will take the necessary means to oblige her to comply. 80 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 12th. If the merchant vessel stops and displays her ensign, the commander of the privateer shall send a visit on hoard, with all necessary precautions to examine the papers, and ascertain the nationality of the ship and cargo, and that she is engaged in legitimate trade. 13th. If on such visit it results that the vessel is seizable, the privateer shall take an inventory of the cargo, and all the effects which shall be found on board, and shall keep such documents as may prove the legality of the prize, to present the same be- fore the respective tribunal (court). 14th. If it results from the visit, that the vessel is not seizable, nor may be de- tained, and that the cargo is altogether neutral property, and not contraband of war, a certificate shall be given to the captain of such vessel, in which these facts shall be set down, and the captain of the privateer shall keep a duplicate of the said docu- ment. 15th. Any vessels captured by Bolivian privateers, and also the cargo of the same, shall be free of all fiscal dues in the ports or harbors of the republic. 16th. The commander, officers, and crew of such privateers shall be under the pro- tection of the government and law of the republic, and shall be considered Bolivian citizens, with all the rights and warranties thereunto annexed, even though they may be foreigners, from the time of the arming of the privateer, or that they may belong to her. Given in the city of La Paz this twenty-sixth day of March, 1879. H. DAZA. EULOGIO D. MEDINA. No. 63. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Uvarts. No. 107.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, July 21, 1879. (Keceived September 4.) Sir : General Urbina, an ex-president of Ecuador, has been here a few weeks on a special mission from his government in the interest of peace, and left this morning for Lima. On his way down the coast General Urbina had an interview with Presidents Prado of Peru, and Daza of Bolivia, at Arica, which resulted in his being informed that Peru and Bolivia would consent to a cessation of hostilities and an ar- bitration of the matters in dispute upon the condition that the status quo ante oellum should be restored, and should continue pending the arbitration. In an informal interview which I had with the minister of foreign relations yesterday, he informed me that this condition would not be ageeed to by this government. Said he, and truly, I believe, "a ministry which would consent to this now could not stand a day." He added, however, that Chili would consent to arbitrate, leaving the statits quo as at present, and with an understanding that if the dominion of the country in dispute should be determined to belong rightfully to Bolivia, Chili would pay therefor the price which the arbitrator might fix. I judge that this is the proposition with which General Urbina goes to Lima to-day. What the other governments will say to it now is more than I dare to venture an opinion upon. Since the first interview of General Urbina with Presidents Prado and Daza, the allies have met with quite a severe loss in the destruction of the " Independencia,'' one of the Peruvian ironclads, and it is possible that their demands touching the status quo may be somewhat modified. Prom the beginning I have believed that, if the Chili troops should succeed in capturing Iquique before an arrangement could be reached, it would be difficult to induce Chili to consent to withdraw therefrom until she should be indemnified for expenses in the war; and this opinion I still entertain. The proposition which I assume General Urbina car- AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEKU, AND BOLIVIA. 91 ries, is, I doubt not, made in good faith, but it is made with the sur- roundings of to-day. There is here a strong party urging upon the government greater energy in the prosecution of the war, and one of the movements demanded is the capture of Iquique. President Pinto is exceedingly conservative and disposed to "make haste slowly," but public sentiment is pressing him forward, and has just made it neces- sary for him to change the commander-in-chief of the army. There is a very general demand for an aggressive campaign, and I think I venture little in predicting that before the receipt of this dispatch a part of the army now at Autofagasta will have effected a landing north of Iquique. I know that a forward movement has been determined upon, and the government anticipates a severe and bloody battle. . In the conversation referred to, the foreign minister volunteered some expressions touching the choice of an arbitrator, if that point -shall be reached. While the Emperor of Brazil would be satisfactory to Chili, the government expects, I am led to believe, that the President of the United States will be requested to assist the belligerents in the arrangement of their difficulties. Business in all its branches is at a standstill, and I can see nothing but universal bankruptcy in a long continuance of the war. i Some few months since the government, after failing in all efforts to secure a loan, issued six millions of paper notes. This is about ex- hausted, and I apprehend that ere long a new issue will be made. The extraordinary expenses growing out of the. war are not much short of two millions a month. To provide the necessary funds for expenditures abroad, a decree has just been issued by the Executive requiring that all import duties shall be paid in silver or its equivalent in bills on Europe. This was made necessary by the great decline in the value of paper money exchange on London, which, rated at about 40d for the dollar at the commencement of the war, has advanced to 28d. ; or, putting it in another way, the American gold dollar, which was worth a few months since a dollar and a quarter in this money, now commands a dollar and three-quarters. By the New York papers which came to hand by the last mail, I see that there has been some newspaper discussion growing out of a tele- graphic dispatch from Berlin indicating an intention on the part of the German Government to interfere in this controversy. These articles have been generally copied and commented upon by the Chili press, and I have yet to see an expression of dissent from the views entertained by our leading journals regarding the ability of America to arrange her difficulties without assistance from the other side of the Atlantic. The Ferro-canil, the leading newspaper of the country, has quite an able editorial on the subject this morning, in .which it rejoices that the opportunity occurred for an expression of opinion upon the part of the American press regarding the " Monroe doctrine." Public sentiment here now seems to be decidedly averse to European interference in any contingency. It may not be inappropriate for me to remark in this connection that several months since Baron von Gulich, the German minister here, informed me that he had just received a dis- patch from his government directing him in the most positive manner to have nothing to say concerning matters which are purely American. I did not see the dispatch, nor am I sure now that he said that it in terms mentioned the " Monroe doctrine," but in our conversation I know he regarded it as conforming fully to this principle. The dispatch was received prior to the commencement of the present war, and was oc- 92 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. casioned, I think, by some suggestions made by von Gulich concerning the Argentine dispute. The British representative informs me that his colleague in Lima is especially anxious that Great Britain shall be permitted to mediate, and is suggesting that the good offices of the government shall be urged upon the belligerents. In my dispatch, No. 100, speaking of the tender by Great Britain of its good offices I intimated a belief on my part that this action had been inspired by the government here. Further developments lead me to conclude that my suspicions were groundless. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. No. 64. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn. No. 70. | Department of State, Washington, August 8, 1879. Sir: I transmit herewith for your information copy of a dispatch from Mr. Ernest Dichman,* United States minister resident at Bogota, reciting the causes which have prompted Colombia to proffer mediation for the settlement of the war between Chili and Peru and Bolivia, and announcing the appointment of Br. Arosemena, the former secretary of foreign relations of Colombia, to visit Santiago, Lima, and La Paz on a special mission for the purpose of tendering such mediation. Although abstaining from any direct indorsement of, or co-operation in, this apparrently laudable effort of Colombia in the interest of peace and reconciliation, this government, which feels lively solicitude for the prosperity and tranquility of the South American states, cannot but watch Dr. Arosemena's mission with especial attention. In personal intercourse with the doctor, when he visits Santiago, you will probably find a fitting occasion to express to him the warm interest taken by the United States in this tentative step, and the friendly solici- tude of this government as to the result. I am, sir, your obedient servant, WM. M. EVARTS. No. -65. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts. No. 110.] Legation of the United States. Santiago, Chili, August 9, 1879 {September 16). Sir : Since the arrival of Judge Pettis on this coast, in April last, we have exchanged many letters, some of a personal and others of a public character. Quite naturally the distressing war in which these countries are engaged has been a subject of comment. Realizing the sincere re- gret of the United States at this sad conflict we have endeavored, by careful inquiry into the real cause of the difficulty and a comparison of views .thereon, to find some fair basis upon which an honorable and a lasting peace might possibly be consummated. * For inclosure see inclosure to document No. 5. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 93 It is unnecessary that I should recapitulate in detail our correspond- ence. Suffice it to say that all parties seemed willing to* arbitrate, and all appeared desirous that some branch of the Government of the United States should officiate as arbitrator, but the difficulty which blocked the way was the status quo. Peru and Bolivia insisted that the status quo ante helium should prevail, while Chili contended for it, as at present. Judge Pettis seemed to think, however, that this difficulty might be re- moved if a fair opportunity should be afforded the belligerents for a comparison of their views. On the 29th ultimo I received a telegraphic message from Judge Pet- tis on board the steamer at Coquimbo, on his way to Valparaiso, notify- ing me of his coming to Chili. In an unofficial interview with Minister Hunaeus, in charge of the foreign office, I informed him of the receipt by me of this message, whereupon he requested me to urge Judge Pet- tis to continue his voyage to Santiago. On the arrival of Judge Pettis here I introduced him to Minister Hunaeus, and several extended con- versations, all having in view a peaceable solution of the difficulties, have followed. In the outset Mr. Hunaeus was informed that Judge Pettis was here without instructions from his government. Mr. Hunaeus ex- pressed a belief that his government would be glad to arbitrate the questions in dispute and would accept as arbitrator either the President of the United States, the Supreme Court of the United States, or the United States ministers at Santiago, Lima, and La Paz, but that it would not recede from its position regarding the status quo. Many suggestions were made, when finally Judge Pettis expressed a belief that a status quo would be consented to by Peru and Bolivia which would provide for the immediate withdrawal of the Chilian forces from the territory north of the 23d parallel of south latitude, and for a con- cession to Bolivia of the coast as far south as, and including the port of, Majillones. Mr. Hunaeus seemed to think that this would be satisfac- tory to Chili if it were coupled with an understanding that if the arbi- trator should determine that the territory between the 23d and 24th parallels was a part of Bolivia, Chili should pay Bolivia therefor a price to be by the arbitrator fixed. In support of this demand he urged the fact that the population and interests in the territory spoken of were almost exclusively Chilian. Judge Pettis replied that he did not know that there would be any serious objection to this, whereupon Mr. Hu- naeus requested that an informal written memorandum should he made of the suggestions presented for submission to the President and cabi- net. Judge Pettis desired an opportunity to confer with me privately on the subject, and in an hour I forwarded to Mr. Hunaeus the memo- randum of Judge Pettis, written in pencil, under cover of a personal letter from me. I will forward hereafter a copy of the memorandum. I am not in possession of it now, but having stipulated for a return of the original when it was sent to the minister, it will, I presume, be returned to me in a day or two. The cabinet is in earnest consultation on this matter to-day, but I will not be able to give you the result thereof by this mail. 1 must close my dispatch in an hour. I may say, how- ever, that notwithstanding the cheerful opinion expressed by Minister Hunaeus, my hopes of a peaceable solution of the dispute between Chili and Peru at present are not unbounded. There is a deep-seated feeling of enmity between the two countries, and I doubt if either is yet ready for peace. They are jealous of each other, and are engaged in a terrible struggle for supremacy in the Pacific. It is different with Bolivia. Chili would settle with Bolivia on the basis suggested in a 94 AFFAIKS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. moment. That such a settlement would, by removing the original cause of the war, tend to simplify the road to peace with Peru, is probably true. It is proper that I should say that the presence of Judge Pettis here has, in my judgment, materially improved the prospect for an amicable arrangement of the difficulties. The advance of the army predicted in my No. 107 has been, by reason of the capture by Peru of one of the Chilian transports, indefinitely postponed. The blockade at Iquique has been raised. I am not advised whether the government intends to re-establish it or not. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. No. 66. Mr. Osborn to Mr. JEvarts. No. 112.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, August 16, 1879. (Received September 17.) Sir : In my dispatch No. 110 I spoke of the arrival here of Judge Pettis and of the informal submission to the minister of foreign rela- tions of his memorandum regarding peace. I now have the honor to inclose a copy of the memorandum, together with an English transla- tion of the response sent me by Minister Hunaeus. It will be observed that they are both without date and signature. The memorandum of Judge Pettis was inclosed to the minister in a personal letter from me, a copy of whichjJL forward, as I do also a copy of the personal letter to me from Minister Hunaeus accompanying the response. It will be seen that the fears expressed in my No. 110 regarding the prospect for an immediate peace with Peru were well founded, as was also my belief that Chili would consent to submit to arbitration its questions with Bolivia on the basis proposed in the memorandum. In my judgment the President would gladly conclude a peace with Peru ou the terms suggested, if he could. But he is powerless m that direc- tion. The war spirit is in the ascendency, and it is likely so to remain until a trial of strength has been had. President-making is now the order of the day, and I very much fear that this spirit will soon develop into one of President-breaking. The cabinet is being repeatedly called before Congress for explanations con- cerning the conduct of the war, and it is now understood that there is soon to be another change in the ministry. The mass of the people, urged on by the politicians, clamor for more activity, while the admin- istration hesitates. The government doubtless fears that a serious reverse would, in the present condition, produce a revolution. I se- riously fear that Chili is being threatened by an enemy far more dan- gerous than the armies of Peru and Bolivia. Her internal political con- dition is that of confusion, and as each day succeeds the other it becomes more so. A rumor obtained currency a few days since that the United States Government had determined upon intervention in the controversy, and the newspapers of the clerical party, accepting the rumor as well founded, proceeded to inform the President as to his duties in the premises. Circumstances, among which I may mention the "arrival of Mr. Fisher, AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. "95 of Boston, with dispatches for the legation, and the visit of Mr. Pettis, conspired to give credence to the report. It was freely stated that Mr. Fisher had announced on the steamer that he was the bearer of impor- tant dispatches to this legation concerning the war, and an article was copied by the press from a Lima paper, announcing the arrival there of Mr. Fisher with important dispatches from the government at Wash- ington for our legations at Lima and Santiago. The excited condition of public opinion gave to these incidents an important coloring and afforded the sensational newspaper man a fair field for operations. Of course the rumor was of short duration, but the discussion which it pro- ' duced developed the existence of a strong public sentiment in opposi- tion to dictation from without. I may have more to say hereafter re- garding the source of this rumor. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. [Inclosures.] 1. Memorandum of basis for peace. 2. Eesponse sent by Minister Hunaeus. 3. Personal letter to Minister Hunaeus, inclosing memorandum. 4. Personal letter from Minister Hunaeus, inclosing response. [Tnclosure 1 of No. 112.] Memorandum of basis for peace. Whereas, it has been suggested through a friendly medium that even now the path- way to an early, honorable, and profitable peace leads in the direction of arbitration at the hands of some known and acknowledged power alike friendly to Peru, Bolivia, and Chili ; And desiring in the spirit of conciliation and compromise, and in the interest of peace and humanity, to transfer and elevate the contest of principle from the theater of force to that of reason and conscience : It is agreed that all differences and all matters in dispute between Peru and Bolivia upon one side, and Chili upon the otherside, of whatever character, class, kind, descrip- tion, or extent, be submitted to , who shall be requested to meet upon the day of September, 1879, for the purpose of receiving and considering the state- ments of the proper representatives of each of the three republics in support of their respective views and claims; and after such presentation, hearing, and considera- tion, to determine and decide upon all matters concerning which Peru, Bolivia and Chili are now at variance, and the same being reduced to writing and signed by a majority of the arbitrators, to be final, binding, and conclusive upon the said repub- lics and the governments thereof; and in the event that the arbitrators should be of opinion that Bolivia is justly and equitably entitled to any territory south of the twenty-third parallel south latitude, it is understood that the arbitrators, or a majority of them, shall ascertain and fix the amount that Chili shall pay to Bolivia and the manner of payment for such territory, provided the respective legally-consti- tuted representatives before the arbitrators cannot agree upon such amount as com- pensation therefor, and the divisory line between Chili and Bolivia shall thereupon be by such arbitrators established upon the said parallel 23d south latitude. There- fore, It is stipulated : That from this day of August, 1879, hostilities of every character shall cease, and neither party augment its forces on land or sea ; that Chili at once disoccupy all territory south of the 23d degree of south latitude, withdrawing all her forces by land and sea south of said 23d degree, leaving clear to Bolivia as well the coast south of said degree ten minutes below said 23d parallel, but in all other respects the status quo to remain as at present. This instrument to have no force or validity until signed by the proper authorities of the three republics. 96 • AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. [iDclosnre 2 in No. 112.] Response sent by Mr. Sunaeus. 1. The government has no objection to submit the questions between it and Bolivia to the arbitration of the United States upon the terms proposed, inasmuch as such terms cover the purpose of the war and express the spirit by which Chili has been governed in the question of boundaries with Bolivia, as also because it believes that such agreement would be cheerfully accepted by Congress, and meet the approval of the country. 2. With regard to the questions with Peru, although the conditions proposed meet, to a great extent, the purpose of the war, the disloyal conduct of Peru or its govern- ment in preparing for war while at the same time it was outwardly manifesting towards Chili pacific and friendly feelings ; in offering herself as a mediator, while at the same time she was bound by a secret treaty of alliance with Bolivia, which, for the time being, was our enemy, affords this country and its government just grounds for not accepting a solution of our existing difficulties by means of an arbitration, and for demanding that in future Peru shall enter into no treaties such as the one of February of 1873, and which she kept secret for six years, doubtless waiting her oppor- tunity to take the aggressive when the advantage might be on her side under a treaty which did not render war upon her side obligatory, unless we desire to expose our- selves to the serious danger of a standing menace against peaceful relations abroad, and to be always ready to resist. Such are the grave considerations which deter the government from accepting the arbitration upon the terms proposed, and make it incumbent on it, before accepting them, of informing itself of the views of Congress with regard to the proposed condi- tions, and also to ascertain how far they would meet the exigencies of the country. For, although the government recognizes it as a duty, suggested as well by reason as by the practice of all civilized nations, to put an end to war by pacific means, it also feels it to be a- duty to consider well whether such pacific solution of the difficul- ties would really bring a lasting peace to Chili and shield her from the machinations of which she has been the object and by which she has been unwittingly dragged into a war for which she was not prepared. [Inclosure 3 in Xo. 112.] Mr. Osborn to Mr. Hunaeus. Santiago, Chili, August 7, 1?79. My Dear Friend Hunaeus: Judge Pettis, my colleague, accredited to Bolivia, has handed me the inclosed " memorandum" of a proposed arbitration of the dispute between Chili, Bolivia, and Peru, which I transmit for your information. With due consideration, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. [Inclosure 4 in Xo. 112.— Translation.] Mr. Hunaeus to Mr. Osborn. Santiago, August 11, 1879. Esteemed Sir and Friend: Acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 5th instant, and of the memorandum of proposed arbitration that the Hon. Newton Pettis, your colleague in Bolivia, had delivered to you, and that you had the goodness to remit to me, I have, in return, the pleasure of inclosing to you a copy of that which I read to you and to Mr. Pettis at 5 p.m. yesterday, thus acceding to the desire which you manifested of having it. With all consideration, &c, JORJE HUNAEUS. The Hon. Thomas A. Osborn. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 97 No. 67. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts. No. 118.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, October 17, 1879. (Eeceived Nov. 24.) Sir : Under date of September 24, 1879, Mr. Christiancy wrote me a somewhat lengthy letter from Lima upon the subject of the war, and made some suggestions regarding an effort to bring it to a termination. A copy of his letter was, he informs me, forwarded to the State Depart- ment. I have the honor to forward, under cover of this dispatch, a copy of my reply. I have, &c, &c, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOBN. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Christiancy. Private.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, October 17, 1879. Sir : I have your communication of the 24th ultimo concerning the unfortunate war in which these republics are ongaged, and suggesting propositions looking to peace, and have given it a very careful consideration. You are right in concluding that, personally, I would he glad to see this conflict at an end. I see no good in it, hut, on the contrary, much injury to all the governments, concerned, and such influence as I may have had here with this government has been on all proper occasions thrown into the scale in behalf of peace. I have been careful, however, to avoid making myself offensive by tendering advice where it did not seem to be welcome. I have endeavored to keep in mind the fact that the convict is one in which we are quite remotely, if at all, concerned, and the policy which has governed, the United States would scarcely warrant her agents in meddling obtrusively in it. As to mediation by the United States, my own judgment is against any movement in that direction, as the matter now stands, except upon a positive assurance that the good offices of our government would not only be accepted, but that they are desired. Contingencies might arise in the future which Vould justify our government, per- haps, in urging its good offices, but I see nothing in the present aspect to warrant any such action. H it should hereafter appear manifest that some of the European powers were on. the eve of armed intervention, the aspect would doubtless be changed. It is a mistake to suppose that this government is anxious to end the war and only seeks a way to let herself down easily. The war spirit here is quite as strong now as it has been at any time, and there seems to be the most perfect confidence in Chili's ability to conquer its enemies. Such being the case, it is useless to talk to them of mediation. They regard themselves as capable of settling their affairs without the assistance of a mediator. Mr. Arosemena, of the Colombian Government, whom you met in Lima, assured me last evening that he should leave in a few days without formally tendering the good offices of his government, as he has been privately made to understand that such good offices are not desired. I still regard it as probable that in the end some of the questions in dispute will have to be submitted to arbitration, but the manner in which they are to be submitted will depend much upon the result of the war. When that point shall be reached I feel confident Chili will be content with the United States as arbitrator. I cannot, however, concur in your suggestion ihat the other governments mentioned should be associated with ours. I see many objections to it, and you will on reflection, I think, conclude that it would be impracticable. Regarding your suggestion as to a division of the territory between the twenty- third and twenty-fourth parallels, I am confident that if Peru and Bolivia were to send here a direct proposition to that end it would not be accepted. Nothing short of utter defeat in the war will induce Chili to give up any considerable part of the territory south of the twenty-third parallel. She is willing, I judge, to arbitrate it,, hut only on condition that if the title should be determined to he in Bolivia, Chili should retain it by paying an equivalent therefor. I suppose that Judge Pettis has furnished yon with a copy of the memorandum which was sent me by the minister of foreign relations. That memorandum was quite as moderate as public sentiment here wouldjustify, and now that the depression which then prevailed over the loss of the S. Ex. 79 7 98 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. "Rimae" has given way to universal joy and renewed confidence because of the capture of the "Hua8car," you can judge how utterly useless it would be to suggest to them a division of the territory referred to. I have written you quite hurriedly in my anxiety to get my letter into the mail which leaves to-day, but have endeavored to speak plainly, and trust I have made myself understood. I am as anxious for peace as any one can be, and will go as far in the eifort to bring it about as my sense of propriety will permit. My chief regret is that I am unable to see how, in the present condition of affairs, I can be of any service in that direction. I trust, however, that our correspondence shall be con- tinued, and if events shall place it in our power hereafter to aid in extrica+ing these republics from their difficulties, I feel confident that we will both be found equal to the occasion. I will write you further on the subject as circumstances may seem to require. I have the honor to subscribe myself, truly your friend, THOMAS A. OSBORN. Xo. 68. Mr. Osborn to 2Ir. Hearts. Xo. 120.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, October 28, 1879. (Eeceived December 18.) Sir : Keferring to your instruction, Xo. 70, regarding the mission of Dr. Arosemena, special ambassador of the United States of Colombia to the belligerents in the existing war in this section, I have the honor to inform yon that I have discharged, to the best of my ability, the duty therein imposed upon me. Soon after the arrival of Dr. A. at this cap- ital we were made acquainted with each other, and circumstances have since brought us together quite frequently. On more than one occasion before the arrival of your instruction he had mentioned to me the pur- poses of his mission, and had intimated a hope that possibly the United States Government might join the United States of Colombia in its ef- forts for peace. I said to him in substance that I was without instruc- tions touching the matter suggested by him, but that, while I knew that the United States Government felt a deep concern for the welfare of all the American republics, and that it regretted very much the present con- flict and would rejoice at its termination, still I did not believe that it would, in the absence of knowledge that its good offices were desired by all the belligerents, or until it should have some good reason for believ- ing that an effort by it in behalf of peace would" be crowned with suc- cess, propose to meddle in the controversy in any manner. Subsequently, when your instruction came to hand, I was more than gratified to observe that my expressions were in harmony with the views of the State Department in so far as the Department had seen fit to make them known. Dr. Arosemena is not hopeful of accomplishing anything now, and will leave here in a few days for Lima without formally tender- ing the good offices of his government. He has private assurances that the services of his government are not desired by Chili at present. Upon this subject of mediation by the United States, I had occasion to write at some length a few days since to my colleague Judge Pettis in answer to some letters from him. Tn the course of my communication I took occasion to say that I was u fully convinced that our diplomatic agents should be careful to avoid any action which could possibly be tortured into an effort to urge the mediation of our government upon the belligerents." " This rule," I continued, " I have adopted for myself, and it shall be adhered to unless a change of circumstances shall render another course necessary or until advised otherwise by the government AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 99' at home." I informed him that Chili seemed perfectly confident of its ability to conquer its enemies, and that I had no reason to'believe that it desired the good offices of our government at present. This country was never more confident of siiccess in the war, appar- ently, than it is now. The government, as now organized, with Senor Santa Maria at the head of the cabinet, represents tally the aggressive war spiiit of the country. The government has the confidence of the- people in so far as the conduct of the war is concerned, and all are san- guine regarding the result. And 1 judge, from the tone of the Pe- ruvian press, that the allies are quite aw confident that they will ulti- mately triumph. While matters continue in this condition 1 am at a loss to understand how our government can possibly make itself useful in the direction of peace. I am sure that no proposition which would admit of the reoccnpation by Bolivia of the territory between the 23d and 24th parallels, or any considerable part thereof, would be accepted by Chili, no matter where the proposition should come from. It will also be re- membered that in the unofficial "memorandum" sent to me by Mr. Hunaeus, late minister of foreign affairs, a copy of which was inclosed in my No. 112, it is claimed that, as between Peru and Chili, the latter must have some" guarantee that its peace shall not be disturbed in the future before there can be a cessation of hostilities. At the time of the delivery of the memorandum T asked Mr. Hunaeus if he was prepared to say what guarantee would be required, but he did not answer. The principal cause for the declaration of war against Peru was the secret treaty between Peru and Bolivia. Chili understands this compact to have originated in Peru's hostility to her, and I am led to infer that the "security for the future'' mentioned contemplated an abrogation of the treaty and an assurance that a like one would not be entered into here- after. If Chili should, however, get possession of the Tarapaca district, I apprehend that it would be interpreted to mean mucb more. There can be no peace until at least one of the parties to the conflict shall show a disposition to abate some of its pretensions. I am confident that Chili is not so disposed now. If the allies are, I do not know it. The fact is, the belligerents have not sufficiently felt the horrors of war „to incline them in the direction of peace. Up to this time the conflict has been confined to the sea. There has been no engagement worthy the name of battle by the army, and there must be, in my judgment, at least one serious, bloody engagement by the land forces ere they will be found ready to listen to friendly suggestions from outsiders. The Chilian laud forces now number about twenty-five thousand men. They have been supplied with new arms of the most approved patterns, purchased in Europe. The men are regarded as good soldiers, and there will be much disappointment here if they fail to render a good account of themselves in the engagements which must, sooner or later, take place. The capture of the famous turreted monitor "Huascar" by the Chilian navy has produced here the most unbounded enthusiasm. This vessel is now in the Valparaiso harbor undergoing repairs. This naval victory leaves Chili undisputed master of the sea. It remains to be seen whether she is to be as fortunate on land. Her position is undoubtedly much stronger than it was prior to this naval engagement. The government is anxiously watching the course of events in the Argentine Eepublic. There is much hostility there to Chili, and it is feared that that country may yet drift into an alliance with Peru and Bolivia. I have, &c, ' THOMAS A. OSBOBK 100 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. No. 69. 2Ir. Osborn to Mr. Uvarts. No. 123.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, December 5, 1879. (Received January 22, 1880.) Sir : I am this day in receipt of a note from the minister of foreign relations, containing' information to the effect that on the 27th ultimo the Peruvian port of Arica was placed in blockade by the Chilian squadron. The ports of Iquique and Pisagua are now in the possession of the Chilenos, and are open to commerce. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBCmX. No. 70. Mr. Asta-Buruaga to Mr. Urarts. [Translation.] Legation of Chili, Washington. December 15, 1879. Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to address your excellency for the purpose of calling your attention to the case of a torpedo-boat, which it is proposed to ship from Bristol, E. I., so that it may be used against Chili in its present war with Bolivia and Peru. This legation has received reliable private information confirming the intelligence published on the 12th instant in the Evening Telegram (a slip containing the intelligence in question will be found on the margin of my letter), to the effect that this terrible agent of destruction has been in process of construction for some time, in pursuance of an order given by Peruvian commissioners or agents with the object above stated. "Without considering the question whether in legitimate warfare the use of an instrument of hostility would be admissible which uselessly endangers and sacrifices many lives, it may be asserted that a torpedo- boat comes under the head of armed vessels, as does any other of larger dimensions belonging to a navy, the fitting out of which violates the neutrabty of the country in which it takes place. These boats are managed and operated by their own independent force, or as auxilia- ries of other vessels forming part of a squadron. In such capacity they go to form, in my judgment, armed expeditions, whose preparation is in evident violation of the laws of thecountryin which it occurs, andfrom which they are conveyed for the purpose of carrying on hostilities against another with which that one is at perfect peace. I do not con- sider that this torpedo-boat is included in the right which is allowed to- belligerents to purchase arms or other articles contraband of war in a neutral country. Consequently, and in virtue of the stipulations of the treaty of 1S32 between this country and Chili, which is still in full force as regards peace and sincere friendship, and of the neutrality law, I would request your excellency to adopt suitable measures to prevent the said torpedo- AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 101 boat from leaving any port of these United States, it being evidently- intended for hostile use against Chili. I avail myself of this occasion to repeat to your excellency the assur- ances of the very high consideration with which I am, Your excellency's, &c, F. S. ASTA-BUEUAGA. 71. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts. No. 125.] Legation op the United States, Santiago, Chili, January 13, 1880. (Received Feb. 25, 1880.) Sir : I am this day in receipt of a note from the minister of foreign relations, dated yesterday, by which I am informed that the Peruvian ports Ho and Mollendo have been placed in blockade by the Chilian squadron. The blockade of the first-named port was established on the 12th of December, and of the last named on the 29th of the same month. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. No. 72. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Asta-Buruaga. Department op State, Washington, February 10, 1880. Sir : Tour note of the 15th of December last, in relation to a rumor that a torpedo-boat was about to be shipped from Bristol, R. I., for the use of the Allies in the present war with Chili, was duly received. In reply I have the honor to observe that the facts, as now within the knowledge of this Department, do not constitute any sufficient ground of criminal action against the builders of the craft, such as would nec- essarily follow the preliminary measures prescribed in our neutrality statutes. I have the honor, however, to add that I have requested my colleague of the Treasury to cause a watch to be kept on the movements of the suspicious craft to which your note refers, in order that any evident in- tent to violate the neutrality laws may be at once reported and acted upon. Accept, &c. WM. M. EVARTS. No. 73. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn. No. 83.] Department op State, Washington, February 19, 1880. .. Sir : I have received a dispatch from the minister of the United States at Lima, with a copy of a letter from the consul at Lambayeque, Mr. 102 AFFAIRS IX CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. MoDtjoy, from which it appears that certain property of the American Oil Company, at Talara, which is described as "exclusively American property," and other like effects at the Lobos Islands, have been de- stroyed' by the fleet of Chili ; also that " a launch belonging to an Ameri- can steam tug-boat was captured and taken away by the Chilian vessels, although made fast to the steamer and flying the American ensign." It is understood that these facts are already within your cognizance. You will bring these acts to the early attention of the Chilian Govern- ment, and so represent the matter as may distinctly show, without how- ever any appearance of captious opposition to the legitimate processes and needs of war, that the United States expect the equitable rights of their citizens under treaty and the law of nations to be respected to the full, as befits the relations between two such friendly powers. I am, iSrc, WM. M. EVARTS. No. 71. Mr. Osbom to Mr. Hvarts. Xo. 131.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, February 25, 1880. (Received April 10.) Sir : Under date of the 3d instant, the minister, of war and marine is- sued an order to the chief officer of the Chili squadron regarding the course to be pursued in the further prosecution of the war, an extract from which, with a translation in English, I herewith inclose. The re- mainder of the order I have not deemed it necessary to forward, as it treats only of the magnanimity of Chili heretofore, in dealing with the enemy, and is of no consequence. It will be seen that this government proposes to adopt more vigorous measures than it has heretofore had recourse to in the prosecution of the war, and that to that end it directs the bombardment and destruc- tion of all towns on the Peruvian coast which have prepared cannons for defense, and the destruction of all moles and other property in the vari- ous ports of the enemy used in the loading and discharging of cargo. To say nothing of the misery and suffering which woidd necessarily ensue from a rigid execution of this instruction, it occurred to me that neutral rights and interests were liable to become very seriously jeopar- dized by it, and 1 therefore suggested to my colleagues of the diplo- matic corps that it might be well to consider the propriety of address- ing the Chilian Government on the subject. The result was a meeting of the corps, and, after a full discussion, an understanding that each rep- resentative should address the Chilian Government concerning the in- terpretation to be placed on the order in question. A copy of my note is herewith inclosed. You will observe that I have urged that bombardment should only be resorted to as against towns which possess some importance in a mili- tary sense, and that even then sufficient notice should be given to enable non-combatants and neutrals to remove themselves and their property from danger. You will also have observed that I have protested against the right of Chili to destroy the moles and other means of loading and discharging cargo on the enemy's coast except where such destruction appears to be necessary in view of the military situation. An important fact in connection with this subject is that a very large AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 103 proportion of the population, and even alarger proportion of the property, in the various towns on this coast, whether in Chili or Peru, is foreign ; and it is upon these people and upon these interests that the severity of this measure must, in a great degree, fall, if its execution is insisted up- on. Many of these people are Americans. If the government should listen to my suggestions, much ruin would be avoided, and I am not without hope of such a result. My note is now under consideration at the foreign office, as are also those of the other ministers, and I anticipate a reply soon. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOEK [Inclosure 1 in No. 131.— Translation.] Extract from order of minister of rear and marine, February 3, 1880. So, then, noiv that it is manifest that the 'enemy did not duly appreciate the hu- manity of our conduct, I believe that our hostilities must he conducted with greater severity. In virtue of this, all towns on the coast that are protected by cannons should be bombarded and destroyed ; all railroads that are serviDg the enemy in the transportation of troops and elements of war should be fired upon ; and all moles and boats employed in the ports of the enemy in loading or discharging cargo should be destroyed. In a word, our standard of conduct hereafter must be to do the enemy all possible injury, without neglecting anything that is authorized by the law of nations, until it is made to feel the necessity of obtaining peace. Any other course will re- sult in prolonging the war without limit, and will greatly increase the sacrifices which the country is making to sustain it. If heretofore it was believed that great severity in conducting our hostilities was, until a certain point, unnecessary ; now we have sufficient data to believe that we shall not oblige Peru to lay down her arms except by reducing her to absolute want, and making her feel, in the property and interests of her inhabitants, all the burden of the war. [Inclosure 2.inXo. 131.] Mr. Osborn to Stnor Amundtegui. Legation of the Uxited States, Santiago, Chili, February 21, 1880. Sir: I find published in the Diario Oficial an order from the minister of war and marine of your excellency's government issued on the 3d instant to the commander- in-chief of the Chilian squadron, regarding the course to be pursued in the prosecution of the present war, touching the purport of which I deem it my duty to address your excellency. The very cordial relations which exist between our respective governments en- courage me to believe that the motives which impel me cannot be misconstrued, and that my suggestions will be received by your excellency as they are offered, in a spirit of the utmost sincerity and friendship. I understand the order mentioned to direct the bombardment and destruction of all Peruvian towns which have made preparations for defense, and the destruction of all -launches and other property, whether public or private, used for loading and discharg- ing cargo in the various ports of the enemy. The instruction to bombard is, I under- stand, unrestricted, except as stated above. The importance of the place in a military point of view is not to be taken into consideration. It is enough to know that it has in place some cannons for defense. Nor is there any requirement for the notice now so generally recognized as necessary by the civilized governments in such cases. The right of bombardment is a cruel one in any aspect, and the public opinion of the world very iuftly demands that it should be sparingly exercised, and when ex- ercised that the horrors attending it should be mitigated in the greatest degree pos- sible. It is a relic of the barbarism of the dark ages, against which civilization has for several centuries steadily and unceasingly directed its fire, and while the progress which has been made may not be as great as good men everywhere could wish for still much has been accomplished for humanity. The limits which circumscribed it 104 AFFAIRS IN. CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA- exereise in the ages which are past have heeu, through the expansion of an enlight- ened public sentiment, gradually reduced, until, I respectfully submit to your excel- lency, the law of nations recognizes it only as pertaining to ports which possess some importance, strategic or otherwise, in a military sense, and that even then sufficient notice of the proposed bombardment should be given to enable non-combatants and neutrals to remove themselves and their property from danger. And so, too, regard- ing the destruction of the launches and moles. It will hardly be seriously contended that such destruction could be justified exec pt when the necessities of the military situation might seem to require ic. These observations are of a general character, but it is in its bearing upon the in- terests and rights of neutrals that I desire more especially to direct your excellency's attention to the order in question. These rights are liable to be seriously compro- mised by a rigid execution of the order, if I correctly understand its purport. The destruction of all the moles and launches on the Peruvian coast, for instance, involves the destruction of all neutral commerce with that country without the necessity of a blockade. I trust to be informed that my interpretation of the order in this respect is a mistaken one. Without, however, particularizing further, I feel that my duty has been performed in bringing the matter to the consideration of your excellency, and I shall rest in the hope that whatever may appear to be wrong in the order referred toy in so far at least as it affects the righ'j cf neutrals, win be duly righted. With sentiments of the highest consideration, I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. Hon. Miguel Luis Amunategui, Minister of Foreign Eolations. No. 75. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts. No. 132. | Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, February 27, 1880. (Eeceived April 10.) Sir: The minister of foreign relations has addressed me a note solic- iting the friendly aid of our legations at Santiago and La Paz in securing an exchange with Bolivia of prisoners of war, in answer to which I have assured him that I would very cheerfully render his government all the aid in my power, and that I would communicate at as early a day as possible with my colleague in La Paz on the subject. I further informed the minister that Judge Pettis had been absent from his post, and that I was uninformed touching the time fixed for his return, but that I judged that the legation, had been left in the hands of some person who would give due consideration to my communication if Judge P. should not be there to receive it. I have this day written to the legation in La Paz, as promised in my note. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. No. 70. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts. No. 133.] Legation of the' United States, Santiago, Chili, March 5, 1880. (Eeceived April 10.) Sir : In several of my dispatches upon the subject of the existing war in this section, I have expressed the conviction that if Chili should AFFAIKS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 105 succeed in placing her army in possession of the rich niter and guano deposits of the Tarapaca district she would insist upon holding them, regardless of any declaration which she may have made touching the pur- poses of the war. Prior to her occupation of this district her authorized officials here strenuously insisted that great injustice was done her if it was believed that her purpose was one of conquest. In a conversation with Judge Pettis and myself, in August last, Mr. Hunaeus, the acting minister of foreign relations, expressed "himself quite emphatically on the subject, asserting that there was no responsible public opinion in Chili in favor of the conquest of a part of Peru, and he appealed to me to bear him out in this statement. I do not doubt that Mr. H. was sin- cere; nevertheless it was apparent to me then, as it had been before and has been since, that if Chili should succeed in conquering the district of Tarapaca she would eventually annex it to her dominion. The drift of public opinion has constantly.been in the direction indi- cated, and now I doubt if any responsible citizen would have the temerity to suggest a contrary course. There has been, and is now, doubtless, a difference of opinion as to the manner in which the annexa- tion should take place, but that Tarapaca is to be annexed, now that it is in the possession of the Chilian army, is an acknowledged fact which no one presumes to question. A proposition for peace which should ex- clude the possibility of such a consummation would not, in my opinion, be seriously considered by this government. Just prior to the adjournment of the late session of Congress a resolution proposing an immediate an- nexation was offered by a very prominent and influential member, but the minister of the interior urged that its adoption then would be inop- portune, and at his request it was laid aside. I judge that the govern- ment would prefer to accept Tarapaca as a reimbursement for expenses in the war to any other form of annexation. The management of the niter and guano interests in the conquered territory is presenting some difficult questions to the Chilian Govern- ment. By military order an export duty upon niter of one dollar and fifty cents per hundred pounds was established some three months since, but from various causes comparatively little has been shipped, and the revenue derived therefrom is quite small. Of the principal causes for the meager shipment may be mentioned the excessive duty and the fear upon the part of the individual owners of a confiscation of their interests if Peru should recover her lost possessions. The government is sadly in need of money, and is making every effort to bring about a shipment of the niter, but I incline to the belief that before much is accomplished in that direction a reduction of the duty will be found necessary. The average value of niter in the European markets during the year 1878 was thirteen shillings per hundred pounds. At this figure it would hardly pay to engage in its production, with the export duty as fixed. In 1878 the amount exported from the Pacific coast was 313,000 tons. Assuming this to be an average year, it will be seen that upwards of seven millions of dollars per annum could be realized from this source with the duty at one dollar per hundred pounds. I inclose a military order recently issued regarding the exportation of guano from the districts mentioned. These guano deposits are, it is un- derstood, all mortgaged to secure the payment of the Peruvian foreign debt. An agent of a part of the Peruvian bondholders has been here for about five months endeavoring to secure an arrangement with the government by which the guano in question should be appropriated to the payment of the debt for which it was mortgaged, and the inclosed 106 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. order is the result. In diplomatic circles here this action of the Chilian Government in permitting the foreign bondholders of Peru to pay them- selves from the conquered territory is very highly spoken of. It occurs to me that there may be some question touching the owner- ship of guano shipped under this order in the absence of further action by the Chilian Government. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOEK [Inclosare -with Ko. 133.J Military order touching exports of guano from the occupied district of Peru. JOSE A. VlLLAGRAN, GeXERAL-IX-ChiEF OF THE AliMY OF RESERVE, &C. The province of Tarapac^ being occupied by the Chilian army, and in virtue of the powers conferred upon me by the Supreme Government, I decree : That as" the foreign holders of Peruvian bonds have solicited due permission from the Supreme Government to ship guano from the Peruvian deposits occupied by the arms of the republic, and there being no impediment to granting this permission, I decree : Article 1. The foreign holders of Peruvian bonds are hereby allowed to extract guano from the Peruvian, deposits occupied by the arms of the republic, under the fol- lowing conditions : 1st. The bondholders shall name a committee or responsible.business house to direct the operations; 2d. The Chilian Government reserves the power of intervention aud of naming one or more functionaries to inspect, and if it be thought opportune, to direct the operations of extraction and shipment. 3d. The functionaries referred to in the foregoing paragraph shall dispatch the loaded ships to Valparaiso, whence they cannot sail to a foreign port until the sum of 30s. per ton of guano on board has been paid into the custom-house. 4th. This payment shall be made in bills of exchange upon London, in favor of the Chilian Government and to its satisfaction; this payment shall be lowered to 20s. per ton, in case that the price of guano falls below £6 per ton. Art. 2. The papers of the ships sent off shall be made out to the order of the firm of Messrs. Baring Bros. & Co., or to some other equally respectable firm, in case con- signation is not arranged with them. Until a contract of consignation be signed, the ships' papers shall be made out in favor of the Chilian minister and plenipotentiary in Europe, and of James Croyle, esq., and Sir Charles Russell. Art. 3. The consignee or consignees of the guano shall proceed to sell the cargoes, and, after deducting the sums expended, be it in the obtaining of this permission, be it in payment of the debts referred to in article 1, or be it to repay the shipping ex- penses, or in other similar objects, the remainder shall be divided between the foreign holders of Peruvian bonds, in whose favor the guano deposits have been mortgaged. Provisional article. Until the committee, mentioned in article 1, be named, Mr. John Proctor is authorized to arrange provisionally the mode of shipment, he. being empowered to use for that purpose the material in possession of the government. Let this be published, noted, and communicated. J. A. VILLAGRAN. Xo. 77. Mr. Ei-arts to Mr. Osborn. [Confidential.] No. 85.] Department of State, Washington, March 9, 1880. Sir : The indications which reach this government from trustworthy sources, and among others from the legation at Lima, point to uneasi- AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 107 ness on the part of the governments of Great Britain, France, and Ger- many, with respect to the duration and tendency of the existing South American war, and to the exertion of considerable pressure by them on the contestants, and especially on Pern, to induce a speedy termination of the struggle. It is not thought that this movement looks to a removal of the pro- jected intervention in settlement of the quarrel, which was in contem- plation last year. It is rather more probable that the almost continuous successes of Chili hitherto, and the distracted internal condition of her principal opponent, may induce the European powers to use effective arguments to bring about a practical surrender on the part of Peru and _ Bolivia. On the other hand, it is possible that the pressure in favor of " a settlement, of mutual advantage to the commerce of those countries with the three States at war, may be exerted at Santiago as well as at Lima and La Paz, and that such arguments may be supported by sug- gestion of intervention if not accepted. If, however, any renewal of the idea of European joint intervention should take shape, it is conceived that its application would encounter resistance on the part of all three of the belligerent governments, and that in such a contingency they would more naturally turn to the United States for counsel and arbitration. Chili, as well as Peru and Bolivia, is already aware of the disposition of this government with regard to mediation, and its willingness to act as peacemaker if assured by all the parties to the struggle that its peace- able intervention would be acceptable and unhampered by any conditions in disparagement of belligerent rights. It is, therefore, at the present time unnecessary to again instruct you on this point, further than to observe that should the pressure of foreign governments upon the com- batants tend to assume a coercive character, your attitude should be such as to facilitate a joint and friendly resort to the good offices of the United States. In such an event, requiring prompt action, perhaps, before the instructions of this government could be asked and received, the Department would place much reliance upon your own good judg- ment. An instruction identical with the present is sent by to-day's mail to Mr. Christiancy, at Lima, and Mr. Pettis, at La Paz, with whom you are counseled to continue the friendly conferences and consultations by let- ter which have heretofore been so beneficial to the conduct of the inti- mately related affairs of your respective legations. I am, &c, WM. M. EVARTS. Same to United States minister, Peru. No. 78. Mr. Eccirts to Mr. Osborn. No. 87.] Department of State, Washington, April 13, 1880. Sir : I have to acknowledge the receipt of your No. 132, in which you inclose a copy of a note from the Chilian minister of foreign affairs, soliciting the friendly offices of the legations of the United States at La Paz and Santiago, in securing an exchange of prisoners of war between 108 AFFAIKS IN CHILI, PEKU, AND BOLIVIA. Chili and Bolivia, and to say in reply that Mr. Adams, who succeeds Mr. Pettis in the mission to Bolivia, presently departs for his post at La Paz and will be instructed in the direction desired. The person in charge of the archives of the legation at La Paz is not authorized to act in a diplomatic sense. I am, &c, WM. M. BVAETS. No. 79. 2Ir. Evarts to Mr. Osborn. ]STo. 88.] Department op State, "Washington, April 14, 1880. Sir : I have to acknowledge the receipt of your ~So. 131, communi- cating information of the order made by the Chilian minister of war and marine to the chief officer of the navy to bombard all cities and towns and destroy all moles and launches of the enemy, where practicable, and in reply to approve the spirit and purpose of your note (a copy of which you inclose) to the minister of foreign relations of Chili on the subject of that order. Commending the method you employed of expressing your views iu the premises by a separate note rather than in connection with your colleagues, I conclude by observing that this government desires you to make every proper effort to restrict to collisions of a military charac- ter the cruelties and destruction of life and property involved in the prosecution of this deplorable war. I am, &c, WM. M. EYAKTS. No. 80. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn. Xo. 89.] Department op State, Washington, April 23, 1880. Sir : I transmit herein for your information a copy of a late instruc- tion* sent to Mr. Adams, the newly appointed minister of the United States to Bolivia, respecting a proposition of Chili, touching an ex- change between those countries of prisoners of war. I am, &c, WM. M. EVAETS. See Mr. Evartb's instruction to Mr. Adams, ante, document No. 22. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 109 NO. 81. Mr. Asta-J3uruaga to Mr. Uvarts. [Translation.] Legation of Chili in the United States, Washington, April 24, 1880. (Received April 26.) Sik : Iu the conference which I yesterday had the honor to have with your excellency, in relation to the war in Avhich my country is involved with Peru and Bolivia, you informed me that you had received official advices from the former of those republics, to which, in view of their gravity, you deemed it indispen sable to call my attention. By those advices 5 r our excellency was informed that the corvette Chacabuco and the transport Loa had appeared, on the 10th of March last, off the island of Lobos de Afuera, and that after notifying the gov- ernor of the island of the object of their visit, they had proceeded to burn and destroy the wharf, platforms, cars, boats, and other appurte- nances of the port, and to .take on board everything movable that they could find on the island, including mules, horses, cattle, and provisions, belonging both to the company which is engaged in taking guano there, and to the store of the parties who supply it with provisions (over which the flag of the English consul was floating), without leaving anything on the island for the inhabitants to eat, save a quantity of rice and jerked beef sufficient to last them for eight days ; that the commander of the Chilian vessels had declared, on performing these acts, that he had positive orders to take whatever he could find, to await re-enforce- ments, and then to destroy all the ports of Peru between Paita and Cal- lao. Finally, that without any provocation on the part of the inhabit- ants, and without any warning to them, shots had been fired at their dwellings. Your excellency further informed me that you had also received offi- cial advices that instructions had recently been issued by the ministry of war and marine to the Chilian squadron in the sense stated by the afore- said commander, and that you were likewise informed that, as regarded those orders, representations had been addressed to the Government of Chili by the diplomatic ministers accredited to it, in behalf of neutral interests in Peru and Bolivia ; your excellency observing that, in view of this intelligence, and since it was proposed to destroy property in those ports, ninety per cent, of which was understood to belong to for- eigners, a large proportion belonging to North American citizens was thereby endangered, for which reason you requested me to give you some satisfactory explanation concerning the nature of these proceedings, and the reasons which had led to the adoption of such extreme war meas- ure?, since such acts of hostility affected not only the combatants and other inhabitants, but also neutrals, whose property and commerce thereby received injuries for which it was the duty of their respective governments to demand reparation, in the interest of their citizens. Your excellency remarked that you referred to this state of things in order that I might call the attention of my government to it, as like- wise to the view which was taken of its action, reminding me that dur- ing the course of this war, the government of this country had uniformly maintained strict neutrality, notwithstanding the fact that it had been urged, in various quarters, to assume a different attitude. To all the above statements made by your excellency in the aforesaid 110 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEEU, AND BOLIVIA. coDference, I had the honor to reply that I had no knowledge of the facts alleged, hut that I would refer them to my government, together with your excellency's observations, feeling confident that it would hasten to rectify the inaccuracy with which I thought that those facts had reached your excellency, and to manifest the legitimacy with which hostilities are adopted, even to a rigorous degree, under the present circumstances of the war, for the purpose of completely subduing the enemy. I nevertheless think it proper for me, in the mean time, to give you an idea of the line of conduct that has been followed in this war, in which Chili was forced to engage in defense of her rights. In the early part of the war, Chili carried on hostilities against the two allied republics with extreme mildness, respecting the property of her enemies even to excess. Sire made war, arms against arms, without the rigor which is authorized by a state of war, or by the necessity of putting a speedy end to a deplorable and ruinous struggle, in order to reestablish peace on a solid and permanent basis. The prevalence of a state of war allowed her, however, within the sphere recognized by civilized nations, to disable and destroy her armed enemies, and who- ever in any way, even incidentally, took part in warlike operations against her; to render useless or destroy any property belonging to her enemies, and any means of communication and traffic; to deprive the enemy of all resources, provisions, and means of subsistence, and. it' military necessity required it, to extend her action with the same legiti- macy to all inhabitants and property in the hostile country, so as to render it unable to continue hostilities. A precedent for this course is found in the war in this country in 1861-65. and in the recent European wars. Chili did not do so. She now, however, finds herself obliged to com- ply with the demands of a military necessity, although she is careful not to disregard the dictates of humanity and the precepts of interna- tional law; she is obliged to do so by the conduct of her enemies, who t as is shown by Peruvian official documents, conduct hostilities on land by illicit means, and carry on an irregular warfare with armed prowlers. Nothing, therefore, remains for my government but to adopt severe re- pressive measures against hostilities of that character, iu order not to prolong the contest indefinitely, at an immense sacrifice of blood and treasure, and to the great detriment of even foreign commerce. Under these circumstances, it is not strange if Chili has ordered the bom- bardment of armed ports whence resources are procured for the enemy, or that she should cripple the activity of railways and other means of communication which enable him to transport troops and munitions of war; nor is it strange, that she should order the destruction of wharves, apparatus, and material intended to facilitate the loading and unloading of vessels, and to serve to maintain establishments like that of the island of Lobos, from the working of which the Government of Peru de- rives means to continue the war. Those establishments, moreover, in several of the ports, even if controlled by neutrals residing there or as- sociated with enemies, partake of the same hostile character. If, through hostilities which are performed through military necessity, the property or, interests of foreigners residing in the enemy's country are injured, it is an evil similar to many others which emanate from the exceptional condition of a state of war. My government, however, has endeavored to avoid, as far as possible, doing injury to neutrals residing in the territory of the enemy, and I make bold to assert that it cannot be justly charged with doing anything detrimental to those interests without imperious necessity. Nevertheless, it is a recognized rule of AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. Ill international law that if a neutral suffers injury through the unavoid- able hostile acts of a belligerent, he does not thereby acquire a claim to indemnity '; because, if he has preferred to continue or comes to re- side in a belligerent country after the commencement of hostilities, it has been his intention to submit to all the contingencies consequent upon a, state of war. There is still another circumstance to which I will take the liberty of calling your excellency's attention, and it is that the bulk of the property in the ports of Peru has been transferred, perhaps surreptitiously, to foreign hands, since the beginning of the war, with a view to investing it with a neutral character, which explains why so large a proportion of that property has been represented to you as belonging to foreigners. Yet, in spite of all, I can likewise assure your excellency that the Gov- ernment of Chili, with the fairness and justice that characterize it in its dealings with friendly nations, will not refuse to make such reparation as may be called for by sound reason and the recognized principles of international law, and it hopes that the claims which it may prefer on account of the acts of foreign citizens during the war will be considered in the same spirit of reciprocity. Hoping, sir, that the contents of this note will be satisfactory upon some of the points which formed the subject of our yesterday's conver- sation, until I shall have reported them to my government, so that it may explain them more fully, I have the honor, to avail myself of this occasion to reiterate to your excellency the assurances of my most dis- tinguished consideration. F. S. ASTA-BURUAGA. No. 82. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts. •No. 143.1 Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, April 30, 1880. (Received June 5, 1880.) Sir: Referring to your dispatch No. 83, concerning the destruction by the Chilian fleet of certain property of the American Oil Company at Talara, Peru, and the seizure at the Lobos Islands of a launch at- tached to an American tug-boat, I have to inform you that the instruc- tions therein contained have been duly observed. 1 The information which I have been enabled to obtain, bearing upou ' this subject, is exceedingly meager, yet I judge that I am sufficiently ac- quainted with the facts to warrant the conclusion that the destruction of the property at Talara, at least, was without justification. Talara is far removed from the field of actual military and naval operations, and if the property destroyed had been used, or if it was in condition to be used, to further the prospects of Peru in the war, I am not advised thereof. My information in regard to these matters is limited to a copy of the letter of Consul Mountjoy written to Mr. Christiancy, under date of January 3. By referring to your copy of this letter you will see that the information furnished, touching the affairs at Lobos Islands, is based entirely upon a conversation with a Peruvian official at that point, and while it may be correct in every particular, I am as yet with- out testimony confirming it. It is true, however, that this government 112 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AXD BOLIVIA. has asserted from the beginning of the war that Peru should not be per- mitted to export guano or nitre, and to that end has insisted upon the right to destroy in the various ports used for these purposes the means by which these articles have been loaded. Early in the war her navy destroyed the moles and launches at the guano deposits of Pabellon de Pica and Huanillos. The loss was very great, and the owners, who were British subjects residing in Great Britain, had the earnest sup- port of their government in an effort to obtain assurances from Chili that they should not be again molested if they should repair their moles and launches. The note of Lerd Saulsbury was, I am credibly in- formed, somewhat dictatorial in its tone, but it accomplished nothing. The guano deposits are, it will be borne in mind, the property of the Peruvian government, and it was contended here.that Peru relied upon the exportations froih them for means with which to carry on the war. That Peru has been very materially crippled in the finances by Chin's course in this matter will not admit of a doubt. The Lobos Islands contain large beds of guano, and I infer that the launch referred to was seized to prevent its being used in loading that article. I may add that the naval officer under whose immediate direction the acts complained of were committed was a rash man,, and that he has since paid with his life for his excessive temerity. I have reason to believe that the government has cautioned its naval officers against a repetition of such scenes as that at Talara. But while the war lasts I feel confident that Chili will endeavor to maintain her position regarding the exportation of guano. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOBK Xo. S3. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts. ~So. 148.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, May 20, 1880. (Eeceived June 26.) Sir : For your information I inclose a copy of a communication writ- ten by me to Mr. Christiancy, regarding the war between these repub- lics, in which 1 have discussed somewhat briefly the prospects of peace, the probabilities of intervention by the European powers, and the methods by which our government could make its good offices available if our friendly mediation should be desired by the belligerents, and I wish especially to direct your attention to what is said on the latter branch of the subject, beginning on page 4. It seems to me plain that if friendly mediation should be agreed upon, an early conference of duly empowered representatives of the belligerent governments would be a necessity. A discussionof the questions at issue could hardly be carried on in any other manner. The distance inter- vening, and the difficulties in the way of communicating by mail, would, in my judgment, render impracticable the holding of such conference at Washington, and I conclude that some point on this coast would be fixed for its sessions. You will observe my suggestions as to the course which should be observed by our diplomatic representatives in connec- tion with such conference if it should take place. We could not expect to be of much service to the belligerents in arranging their difficulties APPAIES IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 113 unless some authorized representative of our government could be pres- ent at the conference and assist therein, and the course suggested seemed to me the most practicable in the absence of instructions from the De- partment on that point. If peace could be secured without resorting to the conference, of course it should be done, but I do not regard such a result as probable. Should my views on this subject be in harmony with those of the State Department it might be well, I respectfully submit, that the aid of the Navy Department should be solicited in carrying them into effect. In the contingency referred to it seems to me that the representatives of the Government of the United States having in charge this business should have at their disposal a naval vessel. My suggestions are all made, of course, in contemplation of the con- tingency spoken of — a contingency which is liable to happen at any time, and which may, on the other hand, never occur. I fail to discover any evidence here of a disposition on the part of the European powers to dictate to this government regarding the settlement of this controversy. Should such disposition manifest itself, however, and should it tend in the direction of armed intervention, I do not doubt that this government would solicit counsel and advice from the United States. It is unnecessary, I judge, that I should assure you that your instructions on this subject, embraced in your No. 85, shall be care- fully observed. It may be added that the Government of Chili is fully informed as to the willingness of that of t-he United States to use its good offices in the way of friendly mediation for the purpose of bringing about a peace when it shall be assured that its services to that end would be accepta- ble to all the belligerents. I have, &c., THOMAS A. OSBOEN. [Inclosnre 1 in No. 148.] Mr. Osborn to Mr. Chfiaiiancy. Legation of the United States. Santiago, Chili, May 13, 1880. Sir : There prevails here to some extent among well-informed people an impression that following the battle which will probably be fought in a few days at Taona, if its result should be favorable to Chili, negotiations between the belligerents will be opened, having in view the accomplishment of peace. The government officials have not discouraged the growth of this sentiment, and I am credibly informed that the President has stated that after this battle a proposition will be submitted to Peru for its consideration. I have no special means of knowing the terms of the contemplated proposition, but judge that it will include a relinquishment by Peru in some form of the province of Tarapaca\ It could not do less and meet wiih the popular approval. Possibly, it may in substance contemplate an acknowledgment by Peru of an obliga- tion to pay Chili's expenses in the war, and the right of the latter to occupy TarapacS until such payment shall be made. It is possible, however, if not; probable, that the government may change its mind, and that no proposition whatever will be made. If the allies should be successful in the battle, an event which is not regarded as possible here, of course the idea would be abandoned. You best know how the terms suggested would be received by Peru, but my impressions incline me to the belief that they would not be acoepted. It occurs to me, however, that perhaps an arrangement might be made which would acknowl- edge the obligation of Peru as above stated, but should leave the settlement of the amount of the expenses, together with the determination of all rights and equities in the nitre and guano in the district referred to, to arbitration. I merely suggest this that you may give it thought, if you think it worthy of consideration. Such a project would, I judge, receive the moral support of the European powers, and I know of no S. Ex. 79 8 ili AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. reason why it should not be favorably looked upon by our government. The arbi- trator would, I assume, be the United States, in ease a resort to arbitration should he had upon auy basis. Now as to mediation. As I have written you heretofore, there is no evidence here, in so far as I can observe, of a contemplated intervention by the European powers, and but for the instruction from the State Department, of which I have spoken in a former communication, I should regard the probability of such a proceeding; at this time as exceedingly doubtful. In view of this instruction, however, I feel constrained to regard the contingency as liable to occur. I assume that, in such an event, the good offices of our government would be very acceptable to all of the belligerents. It occurs to me, then, that we should endeavor to arrive at some understanding regard- ing the means by which the friendly mediation of our government can be made avail- able. Prompt action would doubtless be required, and it Is therefore important, in my judgment, that we should by comparison of views labor to comprehend each other fully, and to place ourselves in perfect accord. Upon the tender and acceptance of the good offices of our government it strikes me that the first thing to be done is to bring about a conference at some suitable point of duly empowered representatives of the belligerent governments. At this conference the United States ministers in the belligerent countries should attend and assist, and it might be convenient and proper to hold it on an American man-of-war. Our naval commanders would doubtless accede to any proper request which might be made of them in this connection. It may become very important that communications between our respective legations should be transmitted at a more rapid rate than the mails are carried. In such a contingency I do not doubt that our naval officers would afford us all proper assistance. You are in the vicinity of the seat of war, and will probably be informed of any movement in the direction indi- cated before knowledge of it can reach me. If at any time it shall appear that the Government of Pern is ready to accept friendly mediation by the United States on the basis suggested by the State Department, I trust you will not fail to cause me to be promptly informed thereof ; and I will thank you also for any information which you may give me" concerning the disposition of Bolivia in this regard. As I understand it, neither of them has as yet signified its de- sire to that end. This is true also of Chili, but. I feel quite confident that if I could positively assure this government that Peru and Bolivia were desirous of our good offices, an expression of its willingness to accept would not long be withheld. I beg that you will write me generally ou the matters herein discussed. I shall send a copy of this communication to the State Department for its information. Very respectfullv, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. P. S. — I observe that a new minister has been appointed for Bolivia. The difficul- ties attending the transmission of communications from here to La Paz are very great, and it appears to me that the burden of conducting the correspondence with that lega- tion on this subject will necessarily fall upon you. Yours, OSBORN. Xo. 84. Mr. Osborn to Mr. JBvarts. No. 149.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, May 21, 1880. (Beceived June 26.) Sir: Pursuant to an invitation from the minister of foreign relatioas, I to-day had an interview with him concerning our consulate at lquique. The Chilian military governor at that point, Captain Lynch, has re- peatedly charged that Dr. Merriam was unfaithful to his obligations aa a neutral, and that his consulate was being used in the interest of Peru in the present war. In a conversation which we had some six weeks ago, Captain L. stated that he was quite confident that Merriam had taken advantage of his position to afford thePeruvian Government means of communicating with its southern army at Arica. Merriam, knowing of the suspicions concerning him, addressed me a letter denying that he had been guilty of any impropriety. There the matter rested until to- day, when the foreign minister told me that he had positive evidence AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 115 that our consulate at Iquique was being used as had been charged by Captain Lynch. I replied that I did not doubt that Merriam's sympathies were on the side of Peru, for his wife and children were Peruvians; but if he was at liberty to give me the evidence upon which he based his conclusion I would be obliged to him. In reply, he said there was no doubt of the facts, and he then sent for and exhibited to me an official envelope ad- dressed to the minister of war at Lima, in which was contained an official letter, signed by General Montero, the Peruvian director-general of the war at Arica. "This," said he, " was in transit to Consul Merriam for the purpose of having it forwarded to Lima by the mail steamer;" bat just how the government got possession of it he did not tell me. The minis- ter says the government is much displeased with the conduct of Consul Merriam, and he thinks he should be promptly removed from his posi- tion. In this opinion, in view of the evidence submitted to me to-day, I fully concur, and it seems to me that his displacement cannot be too soon brought about. There are several Americans in Iquique who are com- petent for the position, either one of whom would, I judge, take tempo- rary charge of the consulate if asked. By this mail I write to Mr. Christiancy on the subject. If the Iquique consulate were recognized as being within the supervision of this lega- tion, I would not hesitate a moment to place it in temporary charge of another person, as the minister politely requested I should, but under the circumstances I have deemed it prudent to confer with my colleague at Lima. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. No. 85. Mr. Hay to Mr. Osborn. No. 98.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, July 15, 1880. Sir: Referring to your No. 131, touching your action with respect to the order of the Government of Chili as to the prosecution of the war with Peru and Bolivia, I have to observe that no reply to your note to the foreign office at that juncture has yet been communicated to the Department, and to inquire if any has been received by you, or if any of your colleagues have been since addressed on the subject, so far as you are aware. 1 am, &c. JOHN HAY, Acting Secretary. 116 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. No. 86. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn. [Telegram.] Washington, July 29, 1880. Osborn, Minister, Santiago, Chili : Press upon Chilian Government our desire to aid in restoring peace on honorable terms between nations to which we are sincerely and equally friendly. A like instruction is sent to-day to Lima. EVAETS, Secretary. No. 87. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn. No. 101.] Department of State, Washington, July 30, 1880, Sir : I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch, No. 148, of the 20th May last, in which you inclose a copy of a letter addressed by you to Mr. Christiancy in reference to the. prospects of peace between the contending powers on the Pacific coast, and suggesting a method by which the Government of the United States might make its good of- fices available in the way of mediation. On the 29th instant I tele- graphed you as follows : Press upon Chilian Government our desire to aid in restoring peace on honorable terms between nations to which we are sincerely and equally friendly. A like in- struction is sent to-day to Lima. The Department approves the tenor of your letter to Mr. Christiancy, above referred to, and will so inform that minister by to-day's mail. I am, sir, &c, WM. M. EVAETS. No. 88. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts. No. 155.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, August i, 1880. (Eeceived September 17.) Sir: I inclose a copy of a letter which I have written to Mr. Chris- tiancy regarding some movements made here by a portion of the Euro- pean legations, with a view of removing the obstacles to peace, and I beg of you to regard it as a part of this dispatch. The legations which took part in the movement were those of France, Italy, and Great Britain, but the minister of the latter took but little interest in it and seemed to regard it as futile. There was nothing which indicated even in the remotest degree a disposition on the part of the European powers to dictate terms to Chili, nor was there the slight- est evidence of an intention to urge a peace except with the full and free consent of the belligerents. In answer to a suggestion from me, the AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 117 Italian minister said quite emphatically that European intervention with force was not to be thought of. I am not aware that the German minister, Baron von Gtilich, was con- sulted in this matter. He is about to depart for his home in Europe on leave of absence, and I therefore conclude that the German Government has in contemplation no movement of an extraordinary character in this part of the world. I see no reason to hope for an early conclusion of the war. Public opinion here emphatically demands Tarapaca, and I fear that Peru is determined to continue the desperate and apparently hopeless struggle rather than cede it. This fear is based, in part, upon the fact that my suggestions to Mr. Christiancy, under date of May 13, have met with no response from him. There are some- men of influence here who would welcome a peace without exacting the district of territory mentioned, but they see fit to reserve their views to this effect from the public. A successor to Presi- dent Pinto is to be elected in April next, and the desire of the party in power to continue in control has tended to make of an exceedingly care- ful administration a timid one. The government is inclined to follow public opinion rather than to attempt to lead it. The army has been remitted to its strength prior to the late battles in Southern Peru, and I judge that it now contains about 25,000 effective men. Much discontent pervades it at the delay of the government in giving the order to march on Lima. The government is, for obvious reasons, exceedingly desirous of avoiding a campaign against Lima, and will, I judge, for the present occupy the army with expeditions to Northern Peru. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOEN. [Inclosure in No. 155. ] Mr. Osborn to Mr. Christiancy. Legation of the United States, Santiagc, Chill, July 31, 1880. Sir: During the present week there has been considerable discussion here among members of the diplomatic corps, and between some of them and the President and his advisers, regarding the difficulties which stand in the way of a peace between these countries. The discussion seems to have originated in the receipt of advices, by some of the European ministers, from their colleagues in Lima, from which it is inferred that President Pierola is desirous of peace, and that he would be willing to enter into negotiations for its accomplishment, even though he might know that it would cost him the province .of Tarapaca\ I need not say to you that'I was not of those who so presented the matter to the government here. The fact that the suggestions upon this subject, contained in my letter to you of May 13, have elicited no response, was strong evidence to my mind that, however much I might wish it otherwise, my friends in the European legations had been misled touching the disposition of Peru. How- ever, be the information well founded or otherwise, by means of the conferences re- ferred to a definite understanding has been reached regarding the basis upon which Chili will consent to enter into negotiations. President Pinto directed that the details of the' conferences should be laid before me, and I am, therefore, able to put you in possession of the conclusions reached. I will state them as briefly as possible. President Pinto is anxious to conclude a peace, and will appoint ambassadors for that purpose, with full powers, when he shall be assured from an authoritative source that President Pierola is alike, anxious and that he is desirous of entering into nego- tiations. Before arriving at a definite conclusion in the affirmative, however, President Pierola should be fully advised of the conditions which Chili will impose. In consideration of the injuries sustained by Chili, by reason of the war, she will insist upon retaining the province of Tarapaca\ No other conditions will be imposed, but she will with- draw from the country now occupied by her army in the neighborhood of Arica, mak- 118 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. jug the river Camarones the line of division between the two countries, She will respect private rights in the province mentioned as the same are defined by the authorities on international law regarding territory similarly acquired. Antofagasta, and the ports to the north thereof will be made, for the purposes of Bolivian com- merce, free ports. That is all. There is, it is true, quite a sentiment here demanding that other and, more severe conditions should be imposed, and I am quite sure that the government will subject itself to much censure if it shall conclude the war on the basis suggested. It is possible that these terms are quite as liberal as the government would dare to- subscribe to in the condition in which we fiijd public opinion. President Pinto ex- presses himself quite averse to the imposition upon Peru of humiliating conditions,, and I am convinced that he is disposed to exact no more than the circumstances seem to require. Nothing was said regarding Bolivia, except that she could have free com- merce as stated. The disposition of her government does not seem to have been con- sidered. Now, as to the assurances demanded as to Peru's purposes. What the government here requires, before proceeding with the appointment of ambassadors, is a positive assurance from one or more of the foreign legations to the effect that the Peruvian Government is sincerely desirous of peace and is ready to negotiate as before stated. The authority to give such assurance must be derived, of course, from the conference of their colleagues in Lima with the government there. If there should be a conference of ambassadors. Chili would not object to its taking place on board a neutral man-of-war at any point on the coast, but Arica would seem to be the mostdesirable point. If such conference should include all the belligerents, by all means it should take place on an American ship. Some of the European min- isters here, who have more faith in this movement than I have, would, I am informed, be pleased to appoint the conference on a European man-of-war. I still think that mediation suggests the most feasible way out of this difficulty- Now that the allies are to be informed of the terms which Chili will impose, they will be able the more intelligently to consider whether they can be served by mediation or not. I think it highly probable that, through mediation, other andmore satisfactory terms, perhaps, could be obtained for Bolivia. On this point, however, I do not speak by authority. * * * Public sentiment here is quite the reverse of hostile to- Bolivia, and I infer that the government would welcome a settlement on terms which should promise a lasting peace. Simultaneously with this will go forward letters from the European ministers to their colleagues in Lima, touching the matters herein discussed. The Italian and French representatives seem to have been the most active in the matter, but I hear the opinion of Mr. St. John, of the British legation in Lima, quoted as a reason for the hope that the Peruvian Government will be found ready to treat on the terms pro- posed. Tarapaca has been the bane of Peru, as it will be also, I fear, of Chili if she shall con- tinue to retain it. Congress and the press are already almost exclusively occupied in the discussion of subjects pertaining to it, and it threatens to beeome a source of se- rious trouble to the country. Chili makes a great mistake in reaching out for it, in my judgment, on more accounts than one. Peru without it is infinitely better off than with it. It strikes me that Peru has a grand future before her if she can but have peace. She has had many difficulties to contend with in the past, the most of which were the outgrowth of Tarapaca. With that cause removed , she only needs peace to insure her prosperity and greatness. Very respectfully, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. ¥0. 89. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts. [Telegram.] Santiago, August 11, 1880. (Keceived August 13.) Evarts, Washington: Chili will accept mediation in form suggested my dispatch May- twentieth. OSBOHN, Santiago* AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 119 No. 90. Mr. Osborn to Mr. JSvarts. No. 156.] Legation of the United Seates, Santiago, Chili, August 12, 1880. (Received September 25.) Sir : On the 6th instant I received the following telegraphic message, without date, to wit : Osborn, Minister, Santiago : Press upon Chilian Government our desire to aid in restoring peace on honorable terms between nations to which we are sincerely and equally friendly. A like instruc- tion is sent to-day to Lima. EVARTS, Secretary. Later in the day I had an interview with President Pinto and Mr. Valderama, the foreign minister, regarding the subject of your message, in the course of which I urged in as strong terms as seemed prudent the propriety of the belligerents calling to their aid in the present emer- gency the friendly efforts of our government. The President expressed his gratitude for the generous and friendly manifestations by the United States, but spoke of the long distance intervening and the difficulties in the way of communicating between Santiago and Washington, as serious obstacles in the way of mediation. After considerable discussion the President expressed himself satisfied, personally, with the form of mediation suggested by me to the Department in my dispatch No. 148, of the 20th of May last, and said that he would consult his advisers, and inform me as soon as possible if mediation on that basis would be accepted. I was careful to inform him that I was not prepared to say positively that the mode proposed would receive the sanction of my government, but that I trusted soon to hear that my suggestions to that end. had been favorably considered. On the 10th instant I had a further interview with Minister Valde- rama, and received from him the assurance that mediation in the form 1 suggested would be accepted by Chili. We therefore agreed upon a memorandum of the interviews referred to, a copy of which I inclose. The minister concurred in my suggestion to the effect that a formal tender of mediation should be deferred until I could be further informed regarding the purposes of the other belligerents, and until advices should be received from Washington touching the proposed manner of proceeding. If, therefore, you have not already instructed me in this matter, it might be well, upon the receipt of this, to do so briefly by telegraph. On the 11th instant I telegraphed you as follows : Evarts, Washington: Chili will accept mediation in form suggested my dispatch May 20. OSBORN. I have also written to Mr. Christiancy and to Mr. Adams, informing them of the result of my efforts. If mediation should take place in the manner suggested, you will. not fail to see the importance of having the hearty co-operation of the Navy Department. A source of some embarrassment to me in this exigency is my seem- ing lack of reliable information from Peru and Bolivia. I have noth- ing upon this subject from the legation in Lima later than May 7. The fact that Mr. Christiancy has not deemed it necessary to communicate 120 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. •with, me would seem to indicate that the situation there has remained unchanged. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. P. S.— August 13. I am just in receipt of a letter from Mr. Chris- tiancy, under date of July 14. He thinks Chili should take the initia- tive in a movement toward peace. This she has now done in accepting our mediation. The movement suggested might prove a failure, but I believe that if the door to negotiation can once be thrown wide open under the influence of our mediation, eventually a peaceful solution will be reached. Respectfully, &c, OSBORN. [Inclosure in TSo. 156. J Memorandum of conferences. On the 6th of August, 1880, Mr. Osbom visited President Pinto and Minister Val- derama touching the subject of mediation by the United States in the present war, and after some general conversation in which thejPresident expressed himself as desir- ous of arriving at an early peace, Mr. Osborn read from a telegraphic message which he had received from Mr. Evarts, Secretary of State of the United States, instructing him to press upon the Chilian Government the desire of the United States to aid in* restoring peace. The President expressed his gratitude to the Government of the United States for its kindness, but thought that the great distance intervening and the difficulties in the way of mail communication presented obstacles to prompt action, if mediation should mean a reference of all matters to Washington. Mr. Osborn replied that he understood that the United States Government was de- sirous of serving the belligerents in whatever way might seem best calculated to pro- duce the desired result and as might to them seem advisable, but that, anticipating the force of the suggestions of President Pinto in May last, he had written to the gov- ernment at Washington and to his colleague in Lima suggesting that, if the United States should be called upon to mediate, in his judgment, the best mode of proceeding would be to request the belligerent governments to appoint duly empowered ambas- sadors to meet at some point on their coast, on board an American man-of-war, and there to confer regarding the settlement of their difficulties in the presence of and with the advice and assistance of such ambassador or ambassadors as the United States Government might designate for that purpose. To his dispatch to the foregoing effect Mr. Osborn stated that he had not yet received an answer, but that he believed his suggestions would prove acceptable to his government. President Pinto and Minister Valderama expressed themselves as satisfied with the form suggested for mediation, and the President, after a conference with his advisers, caused Mr. Osborn to be in- formed, in another conference with Minister Valderama, on the 10th of August, that the Chilian Government would be pleased to accept the services of the United States Government in the capacity of a mediator in the form by Mr. Osborn suggested. Santiago, August 10, 1880. No. 91. Mr. Hay to Mr. Osborn. [Telegram.] Washington, August 17, 1880. Osborn, Minister, Santiago, Chili: Tour telegram received. Instruction sent to Christiancy, asking views of Peru. Your action approved and your earnest attention to the matter urged. HAY. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 121 No. 92. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts. No. 160.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, August 26, 1880. (Received October 11.) Sir : Referring to your instruction No. 83, concerning the destruction by Chilian naval vessels of property belonging to American citizens at Talara, Peru, and at the Lobos Islands, and to my dispatch No. 143 on the same subject, I have the honor herewith to inclose an English trans- lation of a note, with accompanying documents, from the Chilian minis- ter of foreign relations, in answer to one from me dated April 30 last, a copy of which was transmitted to the Department with my No. 152. It will be seen that the subject of my note was referred to the minis- ter of marine for explanation, and that that officer in turn directed the commanding officer of the Chilian fleet to report touching the matters complained of. The note of the minister of marine embraces a report from the admiral, and is accompanied with a statement from the second officer of the cruiser Amazonas, touching the affair at Talara. It is alleged in justification of the burning of the launch at Talara that it was entirely abandoned; that it bore evidences of having been used as a coal-hulk, and that the circumstances were such as to war- rant the Chilian officials in concluding that it was being used for such purpose by the enemy. Regarding the affair at Lobos Islands, the admiral says that only such launches were destroyed as belonged to the company engaged in loading guano, and that no indignity was offered to any neutral flag. No proofs have been received at the legation in support of any claim for damages on account of those affairs, and I have not therefore deemed it necessary to present anything further to the government here on the subject. I judge that the main purpose of your instruction has been accom- plished in the very observable growth of respect for neutral interests in this section. My note of the 30th of April, referred to, also called the attention of the government to some alleged outrages upon one Campbell, an Ameri- can citizen, by the Chilian soldiery, at Mollendo, of which subject your instruction No. 90 treated. I am assured by the foreign office that the commanding general of the Army has been directed to make inquiry regarding this affair, but I have no information yet of his having re- ported thereon. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. flnclosure 1 in No.- 160. — Translation. 1 Mr. Valderama 1o Mr. Osbwn. Republic of Chili, Department of Foreign Relations, Santiago, July 27, 1880. Sir : Referring to your note of the 30th of April last, relative to the destruction by the Chilian squadron, at the Lobos Islands and in the inlet of Talara, of certain prop- erty belonging to American citizens, I have the honor to place in your hands a copy of a note, with an accompanying document, which the minister of marine has remitted to me. I approve, &c.,&c. * MELQUIADES VALDERAMA. 122 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. [In closure 2 in No. 160. — Translation.] Mr. de la Buerta to Mr. Valderama. Republic of Chili, Department of Marine, Santiago, June 28. Sir : In answer to your note of the 8th ultimo, I herewith transcribe the report which the commander-in-chief of the squadron has given upon the subject thereof. " Mr. Minister: In compliance with the orders contained in your note of the 14th of May, in which you ask for information regarding some incidents which occurred on the coast of the north of Peru, which have caused a protest from the representative of the United States in Chili, I proceed to give you the explanations of the case. "The facts to which the honorable minister refers took place in the expedition of the Blanco, the Amazonas, and the Loa, in search of a torpedo-launch belonging to the enemy. On the Peruvian coast, between Paita and Tumbes, was found hidden in a small inlet a launch in very bad condition, completely abandoned, and without any cargo or crew on board. It contained only a few empty barrels, which were considered useless. It was believed that that old and dismantled vessel was being used as a coal hulk by the enemy in their frequent voyages to Panama for the purpose of procuring war material, for which reason its destruction was deemed expedient. I have asked for a report from the second officer of the Amazonas, who destroyed the launch, and he has forwarded me the inclosed, which I herewith transmit. It would be very easy to direct an official investigation of this occurrence, and it will be made if you should deem it necessary. "Having received orders to destroy the guano-loading appliances at the Lobos Is- lands as a measure necessary to deprive the enemy of his resources, this measure was carried into effect on the 27th of December, 1879. The only property destroyed were the large launches belonging to the loading company at the islands, the wharves, and platforms. It is, however, true that one or two of the captains of the merchant ves- sels at first alleged that the launches belonged to them. Subsequently they ackowl- edged that this was merely a subterfuge on their part to prevent the stoppage of their taking cargo on board. The same attempt was made at Pubellon tie Pica, when the Chilian squadron carried into effect the same necessary operation. No act of violence or lack of consideration was perpetrated against neutral flags at the Lobos Islands. Only such launches were destroyed as from their size and condition showed conclu- sively that they did not belong to vessels. "It has been a matter of regret to me during the present war that certain captains of neutral merchant vessels, whether from interest or sympathy with the enemies of Chili, in endeavoring to favor them, have sought to ignore the lawful rights of our navy in its hostile operations. " I think that the foregoing will comply with your excellency's orders as far as I myself am concerned." All of which I communicate to yon for the purposes for which it may serve, inclos- ing you copy of the report of the second officer of the Amazonas, before referred to. God protect your excellency. GARCIA DE LA HUERTA. [Inclosure 3 in So. 160.— Translation. 1 Mr. Valverde to Mr. de la ffuerta. Blockading Squadron off Callao, June 13, 1880. Sir : In compliance with your excellency's orders to report upon the destruction of a launch, which was burned by the cruiser Amazonas on her return voyage from Panama in December of last year, the undersigned, who was executive officer on board at that time, has to say : That on the 24th of December of last year, at 10.30 a. m., upon doubling a point four miles north of Talara, in latitude 4.26 south, longitnde 81.16 west, a launch was dis- covered concealed in a small cove. It was wholly abandoned, and showed no signs of having had a crew on board for a long time previous. It was half full of water, with no cabin on deck or below, without masts or spars, in very bad condition, and had some 50 old empty barrels in the hold. It showed signs of having been used for a coal-hulk, the deck being in very bad condition. The locality where the launch was discovered is some four or five miles to the north of some petroleum wells, which are at Talara. There were no indications of any inhabitants on shore. We discovered AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 12£ this establishment while steeling south at a distance of some iive miles, and about an hour after having set fire to the launch, hence there was nobody on the spot who> could have explained the fact of this launch being concealed and abandoned at that place, andser ving as a coalingstationfor the enemy's transports in passing by thatplace on their voyages from Panama while engaged in the transport of arms. Furthermore,, the torpedo-launch, which was coming for the enemy, was expected about that time, and it was to. be supposed, for the reasons given, that the launch burned was in- tended for the service of the enemy. From inquiries which we made of one of the English steamers, and of some Italian fishermen who were on board at the time we passed Paita on our voyage to Panama, we knew that the Peruvian Government had no stock of coal at the former place. The foregoing is all that I have to communicate in compliance with your excellency's- instructions. God protect your excelleuc} 7 . ERNESTIO VALVERDE. No. 03. Mr. Osbom to Mr. Hvarts. No. 161.] Legation oe the United States, Santiago, Chili, August 27, 1880. (Eeceived October 11.) Sie : On the 20th instant I received the following telegram : Washington, August 17. Osborn, Minister, Santiago, Chili : Your telegram received. Instruction sent to Christiancy, asking views of Peru. Your action approved, and vour earnest attention to the matter urged. HAY. That the government here might know that my course upon the sub- ject of mediation by the United States in this war had been approved by the government at Washington, and as well for the purpose of still further impressing them regarding your desires in this matter, I imme- diately caused the President to be informed of the contents of your dis- patch. He was in Valparaiso at the time, but it was telegraphed to Mm in cipher, and he expressed himself in reply as much pleased there- with. It now only needs the consent of the allies to place our move- ment in active operation. Upon the receipt of the above message I wrote to Mr. Christiancy at Lima, and to Mr. Adams at La Paz. My communications went north on the steamer which left Valparaiso on the 22d instant, that for Mr. Adams going under cover to the Chilian commanding general at Arica, who was instructed from here to forward it to La Paz by messenger. I have nothing from either Lima or La Paz since I last wrote you on this subject, but am just now in receipt of a telegram from Consul Poote, at Valparaiso, informing me that Mr. Christiancy arrived there yester- day in the Wachusett, and that he is now on his way to Santiago by rail. I doubt if I shall be able to inform you by the mail steamer which takes this communication of the purposes or results of his visit. A joint dispatch has been received here by the English, French, and Italian ministers from their colleagues in Lima, dated subsequent to the departure of the Wachusett, forwarded by French corvette to Arica, and thence by cable here, announcing the willingness of the Peruvian Government to appoint an ambassador to confer with one from Chili upon the request of the signers of the dispatch. This is in response to communications to the purport of the inclosure of my No. 155. I am assured that this government would prefer the mediation suggested by 124 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. us, and I judge that time will be given us to secure a response from Peru regarding the same. This dispatch may, however, cause us some embarrassment. I have, &c. THOMAS A. OSBORN. No. 94. Mr. Osbom to Mr. Evarts. [Extract.] No. 163.] Legation of the United States. Santiago, Chili, September 2, 1880. (Received October 11.) Sir : Mr. Christiancy has come and gone. The Wachusett, with him on board, sailed from Valparaiso on the 31st ultimo. I shall not pre- sume to deal with his purposes in coming here. His own explanations thereof will doubtless be more satisfactory to the Department than any- thing that I might be able to offer. He undoubtedly hoped to further the prospects for peace, but I am not sure that his coming has not had a contrary effect. Yon can well understand that in the present excited condition of the public mind such an event could not occur without causing much commotion. The wildest of speculations have been indulged in regarding it. The politicians have taken hold of it, and if we are to judge from the tone of the press, what seemed easy ten days since regarding the settlement of terms, may yet present some difficulties. " To Lima ! " is the popular cry now. Many influential men insist that a peace without going to Lima would prove an empty one, and I fear that this sentiment may gather sufficient strength to force the governmeut to yield. Personally, I was exceedingly pleased to meet Mr. Christiancy, and his visit was made as agreeable for him as possible. By the President and cabinet, as well as by other distinguished citizens, he was treated with much consideration. He left Lima before the arrival of my letters in reference to the action of Chili concerning mediation, or your tele- grams on the same subject, and he was not, therefore, prepared to say what Peru would do. His impressions were, however, that the media- tion already agreed to by Chili would be accepted by the belligerents, and he so told President Pinto. Soon after his return to his post I hope to hear that in this his judgment was correct, in which event the confer- ence would be fixed for as early a day as possible, most likely about the middle of October ; and it will probably be held on board an American man-of-war at Arica. This point is satisfactory to Chili, and Mr. Chris- tiancy agrees with me in regarding it as the most suitable place. Anticipating the assent of the other belligerents, this government has already determined upon the appointment of three ambassadors. Unless you shall instruct otherwise, our three ministers will attend as suggested in my dispatch of May 20. If this dispatch should not be delayed in its transmission, a telegram forwarded soon after its receipt would, I judge, reach me here before my departure for Arica, or such other point as may be determined. upon for the conference; but I will arrange for the prompt forwarding of all telegraphic dispatches that may arrive during my absence. Upon the completion of the arrange- AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 125 ments for the conference I will telegraph you briefly, giving time and place thereof. Arica is in telegraphic communication with this point, and messages can be sent there direct from Washington when the con- necting lines are in order. Now, in conclusion, I venture to express the hope that during the continuance of the war in this section we shall have no more of these visits from our representatives accredited to other belligerent powers. We have had quite as many already as can prove beneficial to a proper understanding of the purposes of our government, and even more, I regret to say, than the preservation of the good name of our diplomatic service has demanded. My letters to Mr. Ghristiancy have been fre- quent, and he has had all needed information regarding the situation here. My communication to him of the 13th of May, of which you have a copy, and which constitutes the initiation of the proposed mediation, has elicited no further response than a mere acknowledgment of its receipt. What he could have expected to accomplish in coming here passes my comprehension. I have, &c, ' THOMAS A. OSBORN. No. 95. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Uvarts. No. 164.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, September 9, 1880. (Received October 22.) Sir: Responding to your instruction No. 98, 1 have the honor to in- close an English translation of a note received by me from the minister of foreign relations on the day of its date. You will observe that it is simply an acknowledgment of the receipt of my note to which your in- struction refers concerning the course to be observed by Chili in the prosecution of the war in this section, and an assurance that it should be laid before the President. A similar note was received at the Euro- pean legations, but no further response has been deemed necessary by this government. I am assured, however, that our respective notes have received that consideration which the gravity of the subject of which they treat demanded, and I am led to believe that they have ex- ercised no small influence in the subsequent conduct of the war. In so far as the naval operations are concerned, I have heard of no cause of complaint since about the first of last January. Unfortunately their land forces are not so easily controlled. I judge that the reports which have gone to the world from Peruvian sources regarding the behavior of the Chilian soldiery at Pisagua, Mollendo, Tacna, and Arica are more or less exaggerated ; still it is undoubtedly true that they are not wholly without foundation. The common Chilian soldier is a strong and reckless man, paying but little regard to discipline, and, in battle, a stranger, alike, to fear and to instincts of mercy. He is impatient Under restraint, and is too apt to turn a deaf ear to commands which do not conform to his liking. This is the one great fault with the Chilian army — its want of respect for the commands of its officers in battle. The authorities here understand that perfectly, and to this knowledge, in a great degree, is due the hesitation of the government in entering upon the Lima campaign. There is not the slightest doubt entertained here as to the ability of the Chilian army to enter Lima, but it is feared 126 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. by the more considerate ones, that once there, the soldiers might be guilty of excesses which would not redound to the credit of their coun try. The Chilian peon hates the Peruvian as if by instinct, and his ha- tred is as bitter as it is natural. To this common feeling add the flame which stories of torpedoes and of hidden mines laid for his destruction necessarily produce, and you will be able to comprehend, perhaps, in a modified degree, the spirit which animates the common Chilian soldier in this war. Preparations for an extensive campaign continue, and unless peace shall come soon, the government will undoubtedly be driven into the movement against Lima. They hope, however, that while satisfying the popular clamor by the preparations which are making, peace may come through the movement which we have been instrumental in ini- tiating, and that they may be saved from the obloquy which the taking of the Peruvian capital might entail. The government have informed the European ministers that they can- not entertain any proposition regarding peace until they can be informed of the conclusions reached by the allies touching our proposed mediation. I shall expect to hear from Mr. Christiancy and Mr. Adams on this sub- ject in the course of two or three weeks. I think I see some slight evidences here of apprehensiou upon the part of the government of armed intervention by the European powers, to the extent of preventing the Chilian army from entering Lima, if that campaign should be undertaken, but my inquiries among my colleagues have failed to develop anything in justification of this fear, further than can be implied from the uncommon interest iu behalf of peace now being manifested by the representatives of Great Britain, France, and Italy. I have, &c, ■ THOMAS A. OSBOEN. [Inclosure in ilr. Osbora's No. 164. — Translation.] J/r. Amundtegui to Mr. Osborn. Republic of Chili, Department of Foreigx Relations, Valparaiso, February 26, 1880. Sir : I liaTe had the honor to receive the note which you directed to me, dated the 21st instant, calling the attention of my government to the contents of the communi- cations which the minister of war, in the field, sent on the 28th of January and the 3d of February to the chiefs of the army and of the Chilian squadron with regard to the course to be, by them, pursued in their belligere,nt operations. To-day I will lay before his excellency, the President of the Republic, the observa- tions that you were pleased to make concerning said communications. Limiting myself for the present to an acknowledgment of the receipt of your esti- mable note, I improve with pleasure the occasion to reiterate to you the sentiments of high consideration with which I am, Your obedient servant, MIGUEL LUIS AMUNATEGUI. No. 96. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts. No. 165.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, September 13, 1880. (Received November 4.) Sir : Eesponding to your instruction No. 100, 1 have the honor here- with to inclose an English translation of the note received by me in AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 127 February last from the minister of foreign relations regarding an ex- change of prisoners with Bolivia, as also a copy of my reply thereto. My letter upon this subject to the legation in La Paz has not been answered, and no further steps have been taken in the matter either by the Chili Government or by this legation. I have, &c. THOMAS A. OSBOEN. [Inclosure 1 in No. 165. — Translation-] Mr. Amundtegui to Mr. Osborn. Republic of Chili, Department op Foreign Relations, ' Valparaiso, February 20,' 1480. Sir: The Government of Chili is desirous of ransoming some soldiers -which Bolivia lias made prisoners in unimportant encounters that have taken place between the scouts of our respective armies. At present we have many Bolivian prisoners from which we would give the number necessary to ransom those which they have belonging to us. Convinced of the benevolent sentiments that animate you, my government has be- lieved that perhaps it could_ count upon your friendly assistance in bringing about an exchange of all the Chihan prisoners which are in Bolivia for a corresponding number of those which we have in Chili. In case there should be no objection on your part to assist in carrying into effect this proposition, I would venture to request that you should be pleased to solicit in our name the co-operation of your worthy colleague in La Paz. As soon as a favorable response shall be received from you, I will be careful to send to you the list of Bolivian prisoners that we now have, so that the exchange can be perfected in La Paz. I improve the occasion, &,c. MIGUEL LUIS AMUNATEGUI. [Inclosure 2 in No. 165.] Mr. Osborn to Mr. Amundtegui. Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, February 23, 1880. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your esteemed note of the 20th instant, wherein your excellency is pleased to solicit the aid of this legation, as also that of my colleague in La Paz, in securing an exchange of prisoners of war with Bolivia. Your excellency can rest assured that such aid as it may be in my power to render to your excellency's government in this connection will be most cheerfully given, and I shall avail myself of the first mail which leaves for the north to communicate with the United States legation in La Paz on the subject, pursuant to the suggestion con- tained in your note. It is possible, and I fear even probable, that my colleague in La Paz, Judge Pettis, Las not yet returned from his home in the United States, whence he went in Novem- ber last. He expected to return about this time, but I am as yet unadvised of his having reached his post. Nor have I, since his departure ,had any correspondence with his legation, and I am quite ignorant regarding the person in whose hands it has been left. I judge, however, that the legation was placed in charge of some compe- tent person, and that even though my colleague shall not have returned, my com- munication, upon its arrival in La Paz, will receive proper attention. With sentiments of the highest consideration, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOBN. 128 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA No. 97. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Uvarts. No. 167.] Legation, of the United States, Santiago, Chili, September 17, 1880. (Received November L\ Sir: The commotion which was produced by the coming of Mr. Christiancy finally culminated in the formal introduction into the house of deputies of interrogatories to the ministry on the 13th instant, and the subsequent presentation of resolutions expressing a want of confi- dence in the government. The debate which followed has continued through two sessions, and has been exceedingly acrimonious. I inclose two copies of the Ferrocarril containing the discussion. Tou will observe that the ministry has found it difficult to convince some of the members of th£ house that Mr. Christiancy's visit had no official»charaeter. There seemed to be danger at one time that the resolution expressing a want of confidence in the ministry would be adopted, but I now re- gard that as improbable. The intervening holidays will prevent a fur- ther discussion of the subject until the latter part of next week. The developments are not as yet sufficient to warrant a conclusion as to whether the progress hitherto made in the direction of peace may or may not have been entirely undone by the coming of my Lima col- league, but it is quite evident that the accomplishment of the end de- sired has been rendered far more problematical. I trust you will not fail to observe the statements made in the house on the 14th instant by the Hon. Mr. Huneens, of which an English translation is attached to the paper. Mr. H. was formerly minister of foreign relations, and has especially represented the President in sev- eral interviews with me on this subject. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOEN. [Inclosure in No. 167 — Translation. | Statement made to the Chilian chamber of deputies by Mr. Huneens. In view or the participation, which as a private citizen I have had the honor to take in the matter now occupying the attention of the house, I feel it to be my duty to correct some of the statements made by the Hon. Mr. Rodriguez with regard to the visit of the Hon. Mr. Christiancy, minister plenipotentiary and envoy extraordinary of the United States at Lima. I feel myself authorized to do so by my distinguished friend, Hon. T. A. Osborn, minister plenipotentiary and envoy extraordinary of the United States. I now, therefore, state in the most emphatic and unequivocal manner — 1st. That Mr. Christiancy came to Chili with no mission whatever from Mr. Pierola, and that he has submitted no proposals whatever for peace on behalf of the Govern- - ment of Peru. 2d. That Mr. Christiancy has not asked for any proposals for peace from our gov- ernment. 3d. That Mr. Christiancy came to Chili simply for the purpose of conferring with Mr. Osborn, in obedience to instructions from his government, with regard to certain questions that have occupied the attention of the Cabjnet at Washington. In view of what may hereafter occur, I ask that the foregoing statement be placed on the minutes. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 129 No. 98. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn. [Telegram.] Washington, September 28, 1880. Osborn, Minister, Santiago, Chili: Proceed as proposed, if belligerents accede. Instructions to our ves- sels when you telegraph for them. EVAETS, Secretary. No. 99. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts. No. 169.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, September 30, 1880. (Eeceived November 16.) Sir : I send you by to-day's mail an extra copy of each- of the news- papers inclosed with my No. 167, containing a part of the debate in the house of deputies which grew out of the visit of Mr. Christiancy, and also two copies each of three dates of the same publication containing the remainder of the discussion. You wUl see that on the 25th instant, after a full and explict statement by Mr. Recabarren, the minister of the interior, regarding the purposes of the government in conducting the war, the resolution of censure was withdrawn' and the house passed to the order of the day. It will also be noticed that the government stands committed to the country to a vigorous prosecution of the war. This is understood here to mean that a more aggressive policy has been resolved upon, and that unless Peru shall exhibit a disposition to arrive at peace the war is to be prosecuted with all possible energy, to the end that terms may be dictated to her at her capital. The minister, however, did not place the government in a position of direct antagonism with its former attitude regarding our proposed mediation, and I still hope for a good result therefrom. Mr. Christiancy has telegraphed me by way of Arica that the allies have accepted our proposed mediation, but I have found it necessary to communicate with him further before addressing this government for- mally on the subject, because of the various conditions which appear to attach to such consent. In his last message Mr. Christiancy intimates that Peru may possibly withdraw its consent unless Chili shall agree to an armistice. He adds that if the campaign against Lima should be prosecuted during the negotiations our government would be placed in an "ignominious posi- tion," and says in effect that the conference would have to be abandoned. Six weeks ago there would have been little difficulty in obtaining Chili's consent to at least a qualified armistice during the sitting of the conference, but I much doubt if the government will be prepared to agree to this now. The campaign against Lima cannot, however, be undertaken before the middle of November, but of this I could not speak to Mr. Christiancy by telegraph, and have simply advised him that the conference ought to be held as hitherto contemplated. If the allies are S. Ex. 79 9 130 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. sincerely desirous of availing themselves of our suggested movement for the purpose of closing the war, there is abundant time in which to ac- complish that result ere the Lima expedition is ready to move. By what sort of reasoning Mr. Christiancy has reached the conclusion that the prosecution of hostilities, pending negotiations, would tend to render the position of our government "ignominious" I fail to com- prehend. An armistice would be desirable, doubtless, but a refusal to agree to it certainly would not bear the construction which my colleague seems disposed to give it. If our assistance had been solicited by the belligerents there might, perhaps, be some ground for his conclusion, but in the actual situation it seems to me plain that there is none. The opinion here is quite gen- eral that the Pierola government will not yield to the demands of Chili until it shall be absolutely driven thereto, and there are some high in official position who regard its so-called consent to mediation as a sub- terfuge for the purpose of obtaining time. In view of this, you will not be surprised, I am confident, if all efforts to secure an armistice shall prove abortive. The destruction of Chimbote and other places in Northern Peru may be accepted as an indication of the character of the change in the policy of the government. It is claimed in justification of this expedition that the resources of the Peruvian Government are being derived from the rich sugar plantations north of Oallao, and that the destruction of these estates has therefore become a necessity. It is further urged that the men of wealth in Peru must be made to experience some of the horrors of war, to the end that the government may be forced to sue for peace. I judge that the instructions to Captain Lynch, the commander of the expedition, have been quite explicit in requiring that the property of neutrals should not be mqlested, and the information which reaches me from the north induces the belief that he has been careful in this regard. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOBN. No. 100. Mr. Osborn to Mr. JEvarts. [Extract.] No. 171.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, October 6, 1880. (Beceived November 16.) Sir : I inclose two copies of a newspaper containing a discussion in the house of deputies yesterday, concerning the note of the Peruvian minister of foreign relations, of September 14,* to Mr. Christiancy, upon the subject of mediation. Tou have undoubtedly been furnished with a copy of the note by the legation at Lima, and it is therefore unnec- essary that I should here include it. You have not failed to notice, I judge, that the minister, in the first lines of his note, says that Mr. Christiancy has informed him that he (Mr. Christiancy) had visited Chili for the purpose of proposing to this •For note of minister for foreign affairs of Peru, see inclosure Mr. Christiancy's No. 194, September 17, 1880, document No. 279. The debate in the house of deputies being quite lengthy, and in the Spanish language, is omitted, but will be submitted if deemed necessary. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 131 government the mediation of the United States, and that such tender had been accepted. I cannot doubt that the minister misunderstood Mr. Christiancy, but I beg you to read the remarks of Mr. Balinaceda and Mr. Alemparte in this connection. You will bear in mind that on the very day of the date of the note referred to, the government here, in justifying themselves before Congress, were engaged in asserting that Mr. Ohristiancy's visit had no official significance. See my No. 167, with inclosure. In view of the embarrassment which this affair has caused this gov- ernment, I am more than astonished that I have not been advised that this government has deemed it prudent to proceed no further in the matter of the mediation. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. No. 101. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Uvarts. No. 172.] Legation op the United States, Santiago, Chili, October 8, 1880. (Received November 16.) Sir : I inclose my final note to the minister of foreign relations ten- dering formally the good offices of the United States, and also his reply thereto. You will observe that the minister has. deemed it prudent to remove all doubts touching the effect which the acceptance of mediation is to have upon the prosecution of hostilities. Mr. Christiancy is at Arica, and I shall probably leave for that point to-morrow, in company with the Chilian ministers. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. [Incloaure 1 in No. 172.] Mr. Osborn to Mr. Valderrama. Legation op the UAtted States, Santiago, Chili, October 6, 1880. Sir : Your excellency is aware that on the 6th of August last, I approached the hon- orable President of the Republic of Chili, for the purpose of learning if the Govern- ment of Chili would be disposed to enter into a conference with ministers from the other belligerent republics in the present war with a view of- arriving at an honorable peace, under the mediation, in the form of good offices, of the United States. Your excellency was pleased to inform me, in our interview of the 10th of August, that the Government of Chili would accept the good offices of the United States, as suggested, if Peru and Bolivia should upon their part signify their acceptance of the same. , The conditions indicated by your excellency, in the interview referred to, having been complied with, I now have the honor to offer formally to the government of your excellency, the mediation of the Government of the United States to be exercised in the manner proposed. The form suggested by me in the interview referred to, contemplates the holding of a conference of duly empowered ministers of the three belligerent republics on board an American man-of-war at Arica, in the presence and with the friendly aid and assistance of the representatives of the United States to the belligerent republics. With sentiments, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. 132 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. [Inclosure 2 in No. 172. — Translation.] Mr. Valderrama to Mr. Osborn. Republic of Chlli, Department of State, Santiago, October 7, 1880. Sih : I have received your excellency's note under date of yesterday. In it your excellency, after recalling the steps taken for the purpose of ascertaining whether my government was disposed to enter into a conference of peace with the other bellige- rents, through the mediation of the kindly offices of the United States, and also further recalling the favorable disposition manifested by my government in case Peru and Bolivia should accept on their part a similar suggestion, your excellency notifies me that, this having been done, the time has now arrived to make a formal tender of the mediation of the Uuited States to the Government of Chili, as you now do. Having laid your excellency's note before the President, he directs me to transmit to your excellency the expression of his gratitude for the great interest which the United States has shown in its endeavors to restore peace between Chili andthe allied republics. My government accepts the formal mediation and kindly offices that your excellency offers on behalf of the United States, and also further accepts the suggestions made by your excellency as to the manner of carrying it into effect. It is nevertheless my duty here again to repeat, in order to avoid all ambiguity or doubt, that this acceptation does not imply a suspension of hostilities. I avail myself, &c. MELQUlADES VALDERRAMA. No. 102. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn. No. 109.] Department of State, Washington, October 14, 1880. Sir : Your dispatch, No. 163, of the 2d ultimo has been received. You therein report the visit of Mr. Christiancy to Santiago, on board the Wachusett, and the steps taken by him and you in favor of bringing about a conference at Arica, in the interests of an honorable termination of the present disastrous war. Dispatches subsequently received, through the Navy Department, from the commanding officer of the "Wachusett, under date of September 18, indicate the partial success, at least, of your and Mr. Christiancy's efforts to this laudable end, and these reports are further confirmed by a telegraphic dispatch received from you on the 12th, in the following words : Evarts, Washington : Sail for Arica to-day, 9th. OSBORN, Valparaiso. The proposed conference being, so far as the Department can perceive at this distance of time and place and from the information before it, in conformity with its views and with previous instructions, it has not been thought necessary to send you any modificatory telegraphic orders, snch as you seem to suggest in your present dispatch. The full advices of yourself and Mr. Christiancy with respect to the conference are nec- essarily awaited before the Department can be in a position to judge how far its instructions have been correctly and successfully carried out. I am, &c, WM. M. EVARTS. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 133 No. 102£. Mr. Osbom to Mr. Evarts. [Telegram.] • Legation of the United States, Santiago, October 28, 1880. (Eeceived October 31.) Evarts, Washington: Conference closed without result. OSBOEN. (Sent from Arica.) No. 103. Mr. Osbom to Mr. Evarts. No. 173.] Legation of the United States in Chili, On board the United States Ship Lackawanna, In the bay of Arica, October 28, 1880. (Eeceived December 6.) Sir : On the 9th instant, as I was about to take the steamer for this place, I telegraphed you from Valparaiso that fact. My reason for not being more explicit in reference to the meeting of the conference was that I had received a telegraphic message from Judge Christiancy an- nouncing that Peru had determined that a change in the place of hold- ing the same was necessary. I had already, as you are aware, formally invited the Chilian Government to send its ministers to Arica, and when I consulted them regarding a change of place as demanded by Peru I found them determined to insist upon the point already named. I in- formed Judge Christiancy by telegraph of this fact, and on receiving his reply urging me, notwithstanding this difficulty, to come to Arica with the Chilian ministers, took passage on the mail steamer for this place. Upon my arrival, on the 17th instant, I went on board the United States ship Lackawanna anchored in the bay, where I found Ministers Christiancy and Adams. The Peruvian ministers were still at Mollendo, but they were finally prevailed upon to extend their voy- age to Arica, and on the 22d the conference was opened on board the Lackawanna. At the first session Chili presented, through her ministers, a memo- randum* indicating the basis upon which she would consent to termi- nate the war. It is unnecessary that I should here include a copy of this paper, as it will be found with the official proceedings of the conference. For the present purpose it is sufficient to state that, among other con- ditions, it demanded from Peru the cession of the province of Tarapaca. The allied ministers took the memorandum with them for considera- tion; and in the conference, which was held on the 25th instant, Mr. Arenas, in behalf of Peru, replied at some length, in the course of which he said that the demand which had been made concerning Tarapaca presented an insurmountable obstacle to the conclusion of a peace. The Chilian ministers replied that their instructions made this demand nec- essary, and that it would be useless to talk of peace upon any other * For memorandum, see inclosnre with Mr. Christiancy's No. 198 of October 24, 1680, document No. 282. 134 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. basis. This practically put an end to the conference. The allies pro- posed arbitration, it is true, but, in view of the situation, it could hardly have been expected that the suggestion would meet with a favorable reception. As you know from my dispatches, the only basis upon which Chili was disposed to negotiate involved the cession by Peru of Tarapaca, and my fear latterly has been that the government might even be, forced to recede from its position in this respect. When Mr. Christiancy was in Santiago he was quite confldentthat Peru would be found ready to con- clude a peace upon this basis, and he so told President Pinto. It was with some surprise, therefore, that I listened to the emphatic declaration of Mr. Arenas that this condition presented an "insurmountable obstacle" to a happy termination of the negotiations. Every effort was made to induce the Peruvian ministers to present a counter-proposition, in the hope that finally an acceptable basis might be reached; but without avail. They saw fit to rest with the declaration already made, and with this, as before stated, the negotiations were practically ended. The unhappy termination of these attempts is deeply to be deplored, the more so in that it leaves no ground to hope for peace until either Peru or Chili shall acknowledge its defeat and sue for terms. This, at least, is the present aspect of the situation as it appears to me. I have telegraphed you to-day as follows, to wit: Etakts, Washington : Conference closed without result. OSBORN. Preparations for the expedition to Lima are being carried forward with all possible haste, and I judge that ere the receipt of this the Chilian army «nll have landed in the vicinity of Callao. I shall leave here to-morrow on the mail steamer for Santiago, and upon reaching my post shall probably have some further observations to make concerning our efforts, and the effect thereof. I can see noth- ing, at present, to warrant an apprehension of armed intervention by the European powers, but I will be able, perhaps, to express myself more intelligently upon this point from Santiago. Very respectfully, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOEN. No. 104. (Copy handed to Mr. Evarts by Mr. Asta-Buruaga, January 6, 1881.) Mr. Valderrama to Mr. Asta-Buruaga. [Translation.] Bepublic of Chili, Ministry of Foreign Eelations, Santiago, November 11, 1880. In a separate note I acquaint you with the result of a conference held at Arica by reason of the mediation which the Government of the United States of North America was pleased to offer to the belligerents. Although the result of those conferences has not borne out the noble object which the Government of the United States had in view, the sentiment of sincere gratitude which its fraternal and elevated policy AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 135 has awakened in the Government and the people of Chili is none the less lively. I must likewise add that its noble policy has been faithfully and ably interpreted by the Hon. Mr. Osborn in all this negotiation, and that the delicate tact, rectitude of views, and elevated spirit of which he has given unmistakable proof, have strengthened the confidence and esteem with which from the first he has inspired this government and country. You will take an early opportunity of signifying these sentiments to the Government of the United States, leaving a copy of this dispatch if any suggestion be made in that sense. May God guard you. MBLQUlADBS VALDEEEAMA. To Don Francisco S. Asta-Burttaga, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Chili in the United States. No. 105. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn. [Telegram. ] Washington, November 19, 1880. You are authorized to unite with your colleagues in pressing upon Chili the adoption of the measures agreed upon in a diplomatic confer- ence at Lima for securing the lives and property of neutrals when Lima is attacked. This authority is to be used only in case these measures are approved by Christiancy and yourself as within neutral policy, and this concurrent representation seems to you useful. You are also authorized to join in asking a direct answer from Chili, if in your judgment the requirement is justified by the situation. Tele- graph your action. EVAETS, Secretary. No. 106. Mr. Valderrama to Mr. Asta-Buruaga. ["Translation.;]' Confidential, No. 29.] Eeptjblic of Chili, Ministry of Foreign Eblations, November 22, 1880. Sir : In a separate note I acquaint you with the result of the con- ference of Arica, which took place through the medium of the friendly co-operation of the Government of the United States. This result cannot have been satisfactory, I am convinced, to that gov- ernment, which had desired, as that of Chili desired, that its interven- tion in this delicate matter should have been accompanied by the most complete results. For this reason I consider it necessary to set forth to you, in all frank- ness, the causes which induced the Government of Chili to accept the good offices of the United States, in the conviction that its noble efforts would not be barren of result. 136 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. My government very well realizes the important part which the policy, of the United States justly plays in the international movements of the whole world. But before accepting its high mediation in the affairs of the Pacific, it was thought proper that the necessary precautions should be taken, in order to feel assured that its good offices would reach the desired result. With this purpose in view, my government was careful to express, with all frankness, that it could not for its part arrive at a peace without the cession by Peru and Bolivia of the territories which extend to the south of Camarones as an equitable compensation for the enormous expenses and sacrifices which have been demanded of it by the present war. This same declaration was made by his excellency the President of the Republic, to Mr. Christiancy, in the presence of Mr. Osborn, when the former came from Lima, toward the end of August last. His excel- lency the President stated moreover to Mr. Christiancy, on that occa- sion, that his demand in this respect was absolute and final, so that it would be futile to take any steps in the direction of realizing the pro- jected conference suggested by the Government of the United States without first obtaining the assurance that the allied governments would accept the prior condition proposed. Mr. Christiancy, who came from Lima, and who, it was natural to sup- pose, would be impressed by the views of the Peruvian Government, declares in the most unmistakable and positive manner that he was per- suaded that the Government of Peru would agree to the cession of terri- tory which Chili demanded, and that therefore the conference would yield the peaceful results which the United States aimed at. Although Mr. Christiancy was not accredited to my government, he did not for that reason cease to be a representative of the United States, in whose affirmations faith should be reposed, in view especially of the great importance of the affair which gave rise to them. In namimg its plenipotentiaries, my government confided in the assur- ances given by Mr. Christiancy, and cherished well-founded hope that the conference would give a happy result. You are already aware that Peru refused absolutely any cession of territory, and that the result of the conference did not correspond to the assurances of Mr. Christiancy. My government considers that it could not better respond to the fraternal spirit of which the United States have given it such proofs than by declaring with sincerity, as it now does, that the failure of this conference is in no wise to be imputed to any action on the part of Chili. I desire that you will seek a fitting occasion to give to the Govern- ment of the United States confidential knowledge of this dispatch. May God guard you. MELQUIADBS VALDEERAMA. No. 107. Mr. Valderrama to Mr. Asta-Buruaga. [Translation.] Confidential No. 30.] Republic of Chili, Ministry of Foreign Relations, Santiago, November 22, 1880. Sir: Referring to the dispatch of this date, No. 29, 1 think it oppor- tune to make mention of other facts connected with the strange attitude AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 137 assumed by Mr. Christiancy during the preliminary negotiations which preceded the holding of the conference of, Arica. You know that in our country, as in Peru and Bolivia, the national sentiment is extremely susceptible, and is profoundly affected by any act or demonstration which is capable of being regarded as a disregard, even though involuntary, of the considerations due to the national dignity. Knowing these sentiments, the Government of the United States endeavored with great delicacy to learn privately, and through the medium of its respective diplomatic agents, what would be the disposi- tion of the belligerents respecting the acceptance of the mediation of the United States. The spirit which led it to proceed in this manner was most obvious ; on the one hand, a desire to be assured of the success of its conciliatory attempts, and, on the other hand, to find itself in a condition to make simultaneously to the belligerents the formal offer of its mediation. In this way it perfectly safe-guarded the natural delicacy of the three coun- tries. In the high character of mediator and common friend which the United States proposed to assume, it became an object of especial attention to treat the belligerents with identical consideration. It was therefore indispensable that the necessary precautions should be taken so that no one of them should appear as taking the first step toward asking or seeking for peace. Mr. Osborn seconded most faithfully, in our judgment, the noble policy of his government. The 5th of August last, he began by inquiring pri- vately, in an interview, what would be the disposition of my govern- ment with respect to the mediation which the United States proposed to offer. The reply given on the 10th of the same month informs Mr. Osborn that Chili would have no objection to accepting it, provided that it had the assurances of equal acceptance on the part of the allies. Two months later, that is to say, on the 6th of October, Mr. Osborn, for the first time, offered to my government, as you may see by the ac- companying copy No. 1, the formal mediation of the United States, and on the 7th, as appears in copy Ho. 2, he received the reply in which the Government of Chili informed him that his offer of mediation was ac- cepted on our part. Meanwhile, in the time which elapsed between the conversation held with Mr. Osborn, in the early part of August, and the formal offer of meditation which was made in the beginning of October, Mr. Christiancy thought it proper to come from Lima to Santiago, where he remained several days, toward the end of August, in order to be able to return in safety to that capital. The unexpected appearance of Mr. Christiancy in Chili could not fail, however, to attract attention, causing the very general impression that the sudden voyage ot the American minister was intimately related to the question of mediation. The disquietude which was occasioned expressed itself in Congress, wherein my government was interpolated touching this matter, about the middle of September. The government responded, stating what had theretofore occurred in- the premises, that is to say, that there did not exist any formal proposal of meditation, since there had merely been exchanged with the minister of the United States, Mr. Osborn, certain views in a private form con- cerning the projected office of mediation. A few days later the journals of Lima published a note from the for- 138 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEEU, AND BOLIVIA. eign minister of Peru, dated the 14th September, and addressed to Mr. Ohristiancy. In this note occurred the following : Informed by you concerning your voyage to Santiago de Chili, to which place yon had gone with the object of proposing to the government of that republic the media- tion of the United States of America, in order to negotiate a peace with Pern and Bo- livia, a mediation which had been accepted by Chili, in virtue whereof you proposed it to my government, the latter resolved, after conferring with the minister plenipo- tentiary of the republic of Bolivia, to accept the offered mediation, &c. It is seen, therefore, by the paragraph I have quoted, that at the same time that my government declared, toward the middle of September, in the chamber of deputies, that up to that time the mediation in question had not been formally accepted, nor even officially offered, Mr. Ohris- tiancy was affirming, in his turn, to the Government of Peru, that he had come to our country for the purpose of offering it to my government, and that in view of the acceptance given by this government, he made a like offer to the government of that republic. The affirmations made by my government before one of the branches of the legislative body, and the affirmations of Mr. Ohristiancy to the Government of Peru, are altogether irreconcilable. It does not appertain to me to qualify herein the motives which Mr. Ohristiancy may have obeyed in making such a declaration. My pur- pose is simply limited to setting upon record that the affirmations of my government rested faithfully upon the truth. Mr. Ohristiancy did not present to my government credentials author- izing him to act either in respect of the projected mediation or in respect of any negotiation whatever. He was, therefore, in our country simply as a distinguished guest, and in no wise as the authorized organ of the Government. If Mr. Ohristiancy had made, as he affirms, the offer of mediation, my government would have found itself under the painful necessity of rejecting such offer, because it did not conform to the usual practices between two nations; neither would it have been natural for the Government of the United States which, with such delicate tact, had put forth its conciliatory efforts, to have set aside its official representative in Ohili, Mr. Osborn, in order to confide the continuation of this delicate business to a simple visitor, worthy of all respect, but lacking towards us the representative character. These well founded considerations led my government to think that perhaps the note of the foreign minister of Peru might not faithfully express the ideas of Mr. Ohristiancy, and it has awaited until now, but in vain, a correction on the part of that high functionary, which would re-establish the truth of the facts. Subsequently there came to the hands of my government a note which the same Mr. Ohristiancy deemed it proper to address to Mr. Lynch, chief of the Chilian expedition operating upon the north of Peru, and that note has confirmed, to a certain extent, the ideas which the minister of Peru attributes to Mr. Ohristiancy with respect to the form in which the mediation was offered. I inclose herewith, in copies designated as numbers 3, 4, and 5, the note of the minister of Peru to which I have made reference, and also the dispatches exchanged between Mr. Ohris- tiancy and Mr. Lynch. It is not for the present a part of my purpose to take note of the proceeding employed by the minister of the United States in addressing himself to a military employe" of Chili, for the pur- pose of making representations to him, which, from the high source from which they emanated, might induce the chief of our forces to deviate from the instructions of his government. My purpose at this time is AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 139 • simply to inform you with precision of the various steps which preceded the conference of Arica. You will take an opportunity to express these facts to the Govern- ment of the United States in confidential form. . May God guard you. MELQTTIADES VALDBREAMA. [Inclosure Ho. 1.— Translation.] Mr. Osborn to Mr. Valderrama.* X Legation or the United States, Santiago de Chili, October 6, 1880. Sir: Your excellency is aware that on the 6th of August last I approached the hon- orable President of the Republic of Chili with a view of learning whether the Govern- ment of Chili was disposed to enter into a conference with the ministers of the other belligerent republics in the present war, in order to reach an honorable peace under the mediation in the shape of good offices Of the United States. Your excellency was pleased to inform me, in our interview of the 10th of August, that the government of Chili would accept the good offices of the United States in the suggested form, if Pero and Bolivia signified on their part their acceptance of this idea. The conditions indicated by your excellency in this interview having been complied with, I now have the honor to offer formally to the government of your excellency the mediation of the Government of the United States, in order that it may be exercised in the proposed manner. The form which I suggested in the interview alluded to had in view the celebration of a conference of the ministers duly authorized of the three belligerent republics on board of an American vessel of war, at Arica, in the presence and with the friendly aid and assistance of the representatives of the United States near the belligerent government. With sentiments of high consideration I have the honor to be, sir, your excellency's most respectful and obedient servant, THOMAS A. OSBORN. [Inclosure No. 2.] Mr. Valderrama to Mr. Osborn. Ministry of Foreign Relations, Santiago, October 7, 1880. Sir : I have received the note which you were pleased to address to me under date of yesterday. After recalling therein the steps you have taken with a view to ascer- taining if my government were disposed to enter upon the peace conference with the other belligerents under the mediation in the form of good offices of the United States, and recalling, also, the favorable disposition shown by my government provided that those of Peru and Bolivia should accept on their part a like suggestion, you inform me that this condition having been already complied with, the time has come to offer formally to the Government of Chili, as you now do, the mediation of the United States. His Excellency the President of the Republic, to whose knowledge I have brought your dispatch, has charged me to convey to you the expression of his gratitude for the noble interest with which the Government of the United States endeavors to bring about the restoration of peace between Chili and the allied republics. My government accepts the mediation in the form of good offices which you offer to me in the name of the United States, likewise the proceeding, which you suggest to carry it into effect. I must before all, repeat here, in order to avoid doubts and ambiguities, that this acceptance does not involve the suspension of all hostilities. I improve this opportunity to renew to you the sentiments of high consideration with which I have the Honor to subscribe myself. MELQUIADES VALDE RRAMA ^ * For the original English version of this note see inclosure to Mr. Osborn's dis- patch No. 172, dated October 8, 1880, document 101. 140 AFFAIRS in CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. [Inclosure No. 3.— Translation.] Mr. Barinaga to Mr. Christiana/. Department of Foreign Relations and Worship, Lima, September 14, 1880. Mr. Minister: Informed by your excellency respecting your voyage to Santiago de Chili, to which place you went for the purpose of proposing to the government of that republic the mediation of the United States of America, in order to negotiate peace with Peru and Bolivia, which mediation had been accepted by Chili, and in virtue of which you proposed the same to my government, the latter decided, after conferring with the minister plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bolivia, to accept the offered mediation solely in deference to the Government of the United States, aud notwithstanding that the motives of the war declared by Chili, which took Peru by surprise, and the man- ner in which it has been conducted from the first had convinced us how far Chili was from the path of moderation and justice, the sole path in which peace is possible, as t had the honor to say to you in a verbal conference on this business. The acts which the Chilian forces have, notwithstanding, done at more than 100 leagues from our army, and from any objective military point, acts of pillage, incen- diarism, devastation, and all manner of outrages against private property of natives and foreigners, especially after having accepted the mediation of the government of yonr excellency, if not compatible with the consideration which is due to the friendly mediator, cannot but confirm that presumption, awakening a spirit of indignation difficult to control. My government confines itself to expressing that sentiment, leav- ing to that of your excellency and to your excellency yourself the due appreciation of such conduct. My government thinks that if the love of peace and the consideration which it feels for the government and people of the United States can decide it, not- withstanding the evident justice of its cause and its complete confidence in the final result of the war, and the injuries and losses sustained, to enter upon negotiations for peace, it is natural that snch motives should be entirely destroyed by the actual and melancholy evidence that we are contending with those -who in such manner violate the laws of civilization and the respect which cultured people owe to themselves. It is pleasing to me to avail myself of this opportunity to offer to your excellency my considerations of especial esteem. MANUEL A. BARINAGA. [Inclosure No. 4. — Translation.] Mr. Christiancy to the commander of the Chilian forces* Legation of the United States, Lima, Peru, September 13, 1S80. Sir : I have just arrived from Santiago, where, in company with the American Min- ister, Mr. Osborn, I had a full and free conference with the government of Chili, which has accepted the mediation of the United States, in order to negotiatepeace with Peru and Bolivia. I am now authorized to say that Peru accepts such mediation and that the negotiations for peace will be immediately undertaken. When I conferred with the government of Chili I was not authorized to say that Peru would accept the media- tion of the United States, but now I am authorized to say that Peru accepts it and that the ambassadors of all the belligerents will meet for this purpose in the early days of the coming month of October. I do not interfere, nor can I pretend to interfere, with the instructions which you may have from your government concerning the steps which yon have been ordered to take, but I hope that you will appreciate my representations, and those of the fovernment which I represent, which is equally the friend of all the belligerents, if suggest to you that, in so far as your orders permit, it would be prudent and would contribute to obtain a speedy peace and avoid all destruction and causes of irri- tation which may not be rendered obligatory by the orders you have ; and I permit myself to add that there is a very marked sentiment, as I know, among the minis- ters of the foreign governments, both here and in Santiago, against the destruc- tion of pnrely private property which is not demanded by the military necessity of attacking the armed forces of the enemy and against accepting contributions from them, and especially because such destructions may be committed or such contribu- tions imposed upon the private property which is known to helong to the citizens of friendly and neutral nations, and from which proceedings, as you will readily com- prehend, may arise many complications and complaints. The government of Chili * For the original English version of this note see inclosure to Mr. Christiancy's dis- patch No. 194, dated September 17, 1880, Document 279. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 141 will be immediately informed that Peru has accepted the friendly mediation of the United States, and' of its readiness to enter upon negotiation upon such auspices. If I had been able, when I was in Santiago, to assure the government of Chili of the readiness of Peru to enter upon negotiations in which Chili should take part, I would feel inclined to believe that if the Chilian expedition had been about to depart it would have been under orders somewhat modified and less severe than those which you now probably have, but I' cannot ask you to adopt my opinion, and recognize entirely the fact that you must act in view of your own j udgment of the circum- stances and as the orders of your government demand. Permit me to conclude by expressing to your excellency the respect and high con- sideration with whioh I subscribe myself your excellency's friend and. obedient ser- vant, I. P. CHRISTIANCT. [Inclosure No. 5. — Translation. 1 Mr. Lynch to Mr. Christiancy. Headquarters of the Chilian Division in the North of Peru, On board the Itata, September 17, 1880. Sir : I have had the honor to receive your polite notes of the 13th and 14th instant, in which your excellency is pleased to bring to my knowledge the laudable efforts which have been made towards the belligerent governments for the purpose of bringing about an honorable peace between them, through the medium of the mediation of the Government of the United States, of which your excellency is the worthy represen- tative at Lima. Your excellekcy, in making known to me whftt has been done to that end, and what is hbped for from the good offices (of the United States) has been pleased to indicate to me the conduct, which in your judgment, I should follow in the military operations which my government has confided to me, in view of the good will with which the belligerent governments have accepted the mediation of that of your excellency. It would have been very gratifying to me, Mr. Minister, to accept your manner of thinking if I had not been informed to-day by the commanding officer of our squad- ron, that the government of Peru is continuing its operations against the vessels of the Chilian navy. The repetition of such insidious attempts on the part of that government, at the time when your excellency assures me of the desire it expresses to negotiate for peace, convinces me that its purpose is not genuine. For this reason I see no well-founded motive for suspending the military operations which have been confided to me in the absence of a special instruction from my government. So far as concerns respect for the property of neutrals which, your excellency is pleased to recommend to me in the notes, which I have the honor to answer, your ex- cellency may rest assured that I will proceed in conformity with the prescriptions of international law. In conclusion, I beg your excellency to accept the high esteem with which I sub- scribe myself your obedient servant, PATRICIO lynch: NO. 108. Mr. Osborn to Mr. JEvarts. No. 181.] Legation op the United States, Santiago, Chili, November 23, 1880. (Received January 3, 1881.) Sir: I have the honor to inclose a copy of a circular note addressed by this government to the diplomatic representatives in Santiago, ex- planatory of Chili's purposes in the war in which she is engaged, as also an English translation thereof. The government evidently fears that the discussion in the Arica con- ference may have left an impression that in exacting Tarapaca as a con- 142 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEEU, AND BOLIVIA. dition for peace, Chili has proclaimed the right of conquest, and the minister's note seems to be directed mainly to the removal of any such belief. It is insisted, as you will observe, that the territory mentioned was demanded as indemnity for damages sustained by Chili because of the war-damages which, it is claimed, Peru is powerless to liquidate in any other way. The minister also touches upon the proposition made by the allies in the conference to submit the questions in dispute tq the arbitration of the United States, justifying the action of his government upon the ground that the results of the war have given to Chili certain rights which cannot well be determined in the manner proposed. As I have heretofore written to you, my judgment is that the proposition for arbi- tration was not made with the expectation that it would be seriously entertained. Had the reverse been true, I assume that it would have been submitted in some practicable form, rather than in the intangible shape in which we find it. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOEK [Inclosure 1, in ~No. 181. — Translation.] Chilian circular to the foreign representatives. i Department of Foreign Relations, Santiago, November 10, 1880. Sir : At the commencement of the war into which Chili was provoked by the injus- tice of Peru and Bolivia, my government made haste to lay before the friendly powers the all-powerful reasons that compelled her to seek in war satisfaction for her grossly offended honor and seriously imperiled interests, ends which, notwithstanding Chili's repeated efforts, it had been impossible to attain by conciliatory measures. The absence of all military organization consequent upon years of peace ; the habits of the people of Chili, devoted to peaceful toil and industry ; the financial crisis that then weighed upon the country, the wholly unarmed condition of the republic, which had reached the point even of disbanding the national guard, her sale at public auction of a number of her war vessels ; will demonstrate to your excellency's government how distant from Chili was the thought of her tranquillity being interrupted, how sincere was her love of peace. The republic of Chili would never have abandoned her peaceful attitude, had it not been for the^ continued violations of her most sacred treaty obligations on the part of Bolivia ; the 'discovery of the existence of a secret compact against her integrity, entered into between Peru and Bolivia, at a time when the outward relations of these powers with Chili were of the most friendly character, and finally the outrages com- mitted against her citizens, all of which compelled her to resort to arms in vindica- tion of her rights. Involved thus in a war against her will, and after having ex- hausted all peaceful means, she found herself compelled to accept it, as a last resort, and she now relies to the end upon the justice of her cause and the unfailing zeal of her people. The hopes entertained by Chili have not beeD disappointed by the course of events ; since the declaration of war her navy has annihilated the maritime power of Peru, and now holds her principal seaports under blockade. Her armies, in numerous en- gagements, have everywhere overcome her enemies; and she is now the mistress of all the Bolivian coast, and a very considerable portion of that of Peru. An uninterrupted series of defeats have made it impossible for the allied forces to recuperate their losses, and rendered them powerless to resist our attacks. In the face of events already con- summated, and the stern reality of what'has already occurred, the attempts made by them to conceal the truth or misrepresent facts are futile. Under this condition of affairs, so unquestionably in favor of Chili, the Govern- ment of the United States, through its representatives near the three republics, ten- dered their good offices as mediator for the re- establishment of peace. The Govern- ment of Chili, true to its traditions and sincere in its international policy of loyal friendship with all nations, with a firm resolution that she would interpose no ob- stacle toward securing peace upon a firm and lasting basis, accepted the offer of the AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 143 great Republic of the North, notwithstanding her repeated successes against the allied powers. Mediation having been accepted by Peru and Bolivia, it was also accepted by Chili, and for this purpose a conference was held at Arica. The mode and result of this meet- ing your excellency will find by a perusal of the copies of the documents I have the honor to herewith transmit. By the protocol at the first meeting of the conference, a memorandum was submit- ted of the conditions that Chili deemed essential for the attainment of peace, which, as I will proceed to explain to your excellency, were the only ones that could have permanently and equitably put an end to the war. In view of the situation of the belligerents, the series of victories obtained by Chili, both on land and sea; the enormous expenditure of blood and treasure that the war had cost the country; the blind tenacity with which the enemy persisted in carrying it on, thereby uselessly increasing the expense and injury; the outrages committed on our citizens whose property was confiscated and they expelled from the country ; the obstacles thrown in the way of the development of our industries and commerce; in view, I repeat, of these antecedents, it was not reasonable to suppose that Chili would appear at the conference of Arica with other than a firm resolution to insist upon an indemnity that should, in part at least, compensate for so many and so great sacrifices on her part. But two courses presented themselves that could make the attempt at an under- standing and peace a success. One, the surrender of the territory according to the first clause of the memorandum submitted to the plenipotentiaries of the allies, as indemnity for the expenses and damages of the war, or the exaction of a stipulated sum of money upon the same grounds, Chili holding the territory now in her posses- sion as security and until the final payment of such indemnity. The adoption of the latter course found an insuperable obstacle in the deplorable condition of the finances of both Bolivia and Peru. For years past the embarrassed condition of the allied powers has been well known. Crushed by the weight of an enormous debt, without credit abroad, and, what is still worse, without order or sta- bility at home, they had totally ignored their obligations. Unable to meet the inter- est on their debt, the fact of the bonds of Peru appreciating in value' upon the occu- pancy of her territory by Chili, will show the point of insolvency she had reached in the estimation of Europe. How, then, would it have been possible for Chili to obtain from such powers the payment of the indemnity to which she was justly entitled 1 An arrangement by which Chili should hold the territory occupied by her armies as security for the payment of the expenses of the war by means of' the income derived from the same, was wholly inadmissible. The holding of this territory would neces- sarily involve the military occupation of it by the conquering power, and this could not be done without a heavy outlay to be paid by the allies. On any other terms the result, as far as regarded Chili, would be illusive. Such an arrangement never could have put an end to the war ; however moderate the sum agreed upon as indemnity might be, it, increased by interest and the charges of a military occupation, would very soon place the sum beyond the power of the debtors to pay, while the irregular condition of affairs in the territory, by reason of the coexisting authority of Peru and Bolivia on the one side, and the forces of Chili on the other, would be productive of serious conflicts that could not long delay in again resulting in war, thus defeating the prime purpose that Chili has in view, the attainment of a solid and lasting peace. The security being thus inadequate, Chili had no other resource but to demand the surrender of the territory as the only means of securing indemnity for her sacrifices and expenses. The government, in insisting on this stipulation in its instructions to its plenipotentiaries, did not simply seek an extension of its frontier. The faithful exponent of the feelings of its people, it adopted the only means that the depressed condition of the finances of the allies rendered it possible for them to grant; one that circumstances had imposed, and which they were powerless to change. The allied governments will no doubt endeavor to make it appear, as did their plen- ipotentiaires at the conference, that Chili maintains the right of conquest. - The truth, however, will prevail in spite of all that may be said. The fact, clear and indisputable, alone remains, and that is, that Chili is entitled to indemnity for the ex- penditures and sacrifices incurred by her in the war, and that the allied governments have not the means of satisfying them. The surrender of the territory furthermore involved on the part of the successful power a recognition of the mortgages and incumbrances created upon it by Peru to her foreign creditors. The Republic of Chili possesses an extensive and fertile soil whereon her people may toil in peace. She has always lived in harmony, devoted to her own internal improvements. She has ever given proofs of her desire to seek a peaceful solution of all international questions. She has always been ready to defend the integrity and independence of her sister republics, when threatened. She has been the champion of Peru herself, and never could she have suspected that her demand that Bolivia 144 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. should live up to her treaty obligations would have been the cause of war. The Re- public of Chili, with such antecedents, never appeared at the Arica conference for the purpose of maintaining the principle of the right of conquest. She appeared there solely for the purpose of obtaining indemnity for the expenses of the war, and the as- surance of a solid and lasting peace in the future. Such was her right and the natural consequence of the justice of her cause, confirmed by the successes of her armies. The powers that forced her into an unjust war and that still insist on carrying it on, not- withstanding their reverses, are the ones responsible for the sacrifices and damages of which they were the cause. Chili under these circumstances commits no more act of conquest than does a creditor commit an act of despoliation when he seeks payment of the debt due him through the real estate of his debtor who has nothing else with which to discharge his obligation. The demand of Chili is furthermore, founded on other considerations not less worthy of notice. The territory' belonging to the allied powers, lying south of the Camarones Valley, consists for the most part of desert lands with a very small native population. The greater part of its occupants are foreigners, of which the Chilians are the most numerous. It is they who are the principal owners and workers of the country. It is their capital and enterprise that have given value and importance to those hitherto barren wastes. The peculiar topographical conditions of this territory, the fact of its being at so great a distance from the seat of its own government, while its commerce and traffic largely depended on Chilians, made the character of the surrender de- manded, as far as national susceptibilities were concerned, much less obnoxious than may have been the case in other instances of the annexation of neighboring territories. National susceptibilities, as is well known, do not exist in that locality, and this would have gone very far toward facilitating an easy assimilation of its elements, tending to the development of its wealth and prosperity. Chili seeks that compensation to which she is justly entitled ; she seeks a guarantee of peace for the future. In assuring these important ends, she proposes as a basis of arrangement a means that is not now and never has been ignored among civilized powers. ■ Her frank and open demands should not be viewed with suspicion, nor should they inspire the other portions of the American continent with any feelings of uneasiness. The other conditions demanded by Chili are the natural sequences of the first con- dition. They are in perfect harmony with the obvious and rightful considerations emanating from the subject. The war has not only entailed enormous sacrifices of treasure and of blood upon Chili as a nation, but it has also been productive of similar sacrifices to her commerce and industries, and to her private citizens who were business residents of the territory of the allied powers from whence they were forcibly expelled after being despoiled of their real estate, their capital, and their personal property. The second and third stipulations of the memorandum provide for the indemnification of such injured par- ties ■ Their future, after the manner in which they were treated, cannot be a matter of indifference to my government. The fourth stipulation is open to no objection whatever. It simply providesfor the de livery to Chili of a transport that was the property of the republic. The fifth becomes a matter of absolute necessity, when we take it into consideration that the war grew out of a secret treaty, and that the incentive to the treaty of alli- ance now sought to be brought about between Peru and Bolivia, as stated by these governments themselves, was to more effectually hostilize Chili. Such a treaty would be a standing menace to the peace that Chili so earnestly desires. The sixth stipulation, with reference to the holding of certain territory as a guaran- tee for the fulfillment of the other conditions imposed on the allied powers, is abso- lutely necessary. The seventh and last becomes important, in o rder to give to the peace sought to be obtained that stability which the interests of the belligerents themselves, as well as the other powers of the Pacific, demand. If the northern frontier of Chili should he ■established at the Camarones Valley, and the port of Arica thereafter fortified and converted into an impregnable fortress, it would be a constant source of danger to Chili, obliging her also to fortify her own frontier. In either case peace would always be in jeopardy, and this may be avoided by making the said port for all time simply and exclusively a commercial port. Furthermore, it is known that when the boundaries of Bolivia were arranged, she was given a geographical position inimic al to the logical development of her resources. It is also known that the port of Arica is the most suitable and best adapted to the commercial requirements of Bolivia. This fact would render its fortification still more dangerous and improper. Before concluding the present communication I deem it proper to notice two impor- ant points submitted to the Arica conference, viz, the proposition of the plenipo- entiaries of the allied powers to bring the war to a close through the -arbitration of he power then acting as mediator, and the interpretation given by his excellency AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 145 Mr. Baptista, the Bolivian plenipotentiary, to the secret treaty of alliance, offensive and defensive, so mysteriously entered into between Peru and Bolivia in 1873, and which has been the cause of the lengthened struggle in which we now find ourselvea iuvolved. , Unquestionably the method most in harmony with the interests of humanity, the one best calculated to preserve friendly international relations, is, in cases of conflict, to submit to the arbitration of a third power, which might impartially and without prejudice decide as to which side was right ; but this method has its appropriate time for application ; unfortunately, the time at which it was suggested by the plenipoten- tiaries of the allied powers deprived it completely of its applicability. When diplo- macy had exhausted all its resources and war appeared to be inevitable, Chili pro- posed arbitration to Bolivia and it was peremptorily declined. War was the conse- quence, and your excellency is aware of the results and sufferings that have followed. Chili, through her efforts, has obtained decisive advantages over her adversaries, and has by reason of the war become invested with clear and important rights. What point, therefore, would the arbitrator be called upon to decide? The question of rights is one no longer open to discussion ; it is now simply a question of accepting or declining through war what has already been accomplished by war. Success has its obligations, and they increase in. the ratio of the sacrifices and the risks incurred in obtaining it. These obligations are still further increased wien deal- ing with an enemy who, although defeated by land and sea, tenaciously holds out in the struggle when resistance is vain. Bolivia rejected arbitration when it was offered by Chili: Peru became her ally with a full knowledge of all the facts, and it is now both logical and natural that she should accept the consequences-of a war -that she might have prevented, but did not choose to prevent. If suoh was not the case, if it should be held that a power is obliged to suspend hostilities at the request of its antagonist, when the antagonist had provoked the war and been unsuccessful in its issues, war would cease to be a right. In the midst of the train of evils that it entails it would fail to achieve the only "ben- efit to be derived from it, that of compelling the vanquished to repair the injury they had caused, and to respect in the future the rights of others in accordance with interna- tional treaties. But for these considerations Chili would have accepted the proposed arbitration with full confidence in the impartiality of the arbitrator. • With regard to the interpretation of the secret treaty of 1873 given by his excellency Mr. Baptista at the conference, I will take occasion to say that the ' circumstances under which it was negotiated, and the means adopted to give it effect, show a pur- pose directly the opposite of the one,sought to be attributed to it, viz), that of strength- ening the fraternity and union of the republics of America. In no other light can ex- planation be given for the secrecy that was observed with regard to it for more than six years ; for the. irregular manner in which it was passed by the congresses of Peru and Bolivia ; the denial of its existence by the former of these powers when interro- gated by Chili with regard to its existence ; and, finally, the exclusion of Chili from it when Chili at the same time was the ally of the powers that were conspiring against her. The treaty was a measure directed against Chili, and my government so de- monstrated at the commencement of the war. The foregoing statement I trust will convince the sober j udgnjent of youT excellency's government that Chili took part in the conference with a sincere desire of putting an end to the war ; that the conditions submitted by her plenipotentiaries were the only ones that could be productive of a lasting and equitable peace ; that her conditions were neither exaggerated nor onerousunder the circumstances in which thebelligerents are now placed, and that whatever may be the consequences of the continuance of the war, the allies, through their persistence in refusing to accede to the just demands of Chili, are alone responsible for it. My government, sir, profoundly regrets that the Arica conference has been barren of results, and that the noble efforts of the mediating power in its endeavor to re-estab- lish peace have been sterile, for all of which efforts Chili is sincerely grateful. With the request that your excellency will be pleased to make thisstatementknown to your government, I have to beg you will accept the assurance of my distinguished consideration, and remain your most, &.C., MELQUIADES VALDEERAM A. S. Ex. 79 10 146 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. No. 109. Mr. Osbom to Mr. Evarts. ~So. 182.] Legation op the United States, Santiago, Chili, November 30, 1880. (Received January 21.) Sir : On the 21st instant, I received the following cablegram : Washington, November 19. O^BJORN, Minister; Santiago, Chili : You are authorized to unite with your colleagues in pressing upon Chili the adoption of the measures agreed upon in a diplomatic conference at Lima for securing the lives and property of neutrals when Lima is attacked. This authority is to be used only in case these measures are approved by Christiancy and yourself as within neutral policy and this concurrent representation seems to you useful. You are also authorized to join in asking a direct answer from Chili, if in your judgment the requirement is justified 'by the situation. Telegraph your action. EVARTS, Secretary, Washington. A few brief interviews with my colleagues touching the details of the measures adopted at the Lima diplomatic conference, and the steps hitherto taken, Jiaving in view their acceptance by this government, served to impress me with the belief that any movement now by this legatipn in the direction indicated in your dispatch would be exceedingly impolitic, and this belief was strengthened to conviction by the informal conversation which 1 subsequently had with the minister of foreign rela- tions, Mr. Valderrama. As you know, the measures referred to provide for the protection of all private property, neutral and otherwise, in Lima, and determine the man- ner in which the Chilian army may bombard, occupy, and police the city. This programme was submitted to the consideration of the Chili cabinet ■early in October by the European representatives. In response, this government declared that it was its purpose to protect as far as possi- ble the interests of neutrals in Lima, but maintained, in justification of a refusal to adopt unqualifiedly the measures proposed, that such action might tend to seriously embarrass the army in its legitimate operations. With this answer, it seems, the European governments were not satis- fied; hence this renewed effort in the direction indicated. I have had frequent conversations with Minister Valderrama concern- ing the protection of lives and property of neutrals in Lima in case that •city should be attacked, and on the 24th instant, in an interview with him, I intimated a desire to know what measures had been adopted to that end. He was quite unreserved in his answer, asserting that it was the sincere desire of his government that neutral interests should be fully protected, but justified the refusal to adopt the measures proposed by my colleagues upon the ground heretofore stated; that is, that the army might thereby become seriously crippled in its proper operations against the enemy. He informed me, however,, that, with a view of affording the protection desired, the general in commandhad been directed ro confer with the dean of the diplomatic corps at Lima, and, in so far us the same could be done without interfering with the legitimate opera- tions of the army, to adopt his suggestions to that end. An English translation of the note of Minister Valderrama, repeating the assurances <• iven me in conversation, will be found inclosed. In addition to what is said in the minister's note, I may add that I have known for some time that the government was desirous of avoid- AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 147 iug a scandal growing .out of the operations at Lima, and that precau- tions were being taken to that end. The minister of war is with the army in the field, as is also Mr. Altamirano, the intendente of Valparaiso, who has gone north as secretary for the geueral-in-chief. These gentlemen are men of high standing, and I am assured that the chief reason for their attendance upon the army is the solicitude of the government upon this subject. On the 26th instant I telegraphed you as follows : Evarts, Washington : Regard pressure of Lima measures useless and impolitic, Government adopts strin- gent measures for protection of neutrals in Lima, but rejects European pressure. OSBORN. I am credibly informed that the Lima measures were not pressed upon this government by the European representatives with much earnest- ness ; but, be that as it may, the response to their efforts was substan- tially the same as that received by me. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOBN. flnclosure in No. 182 Translation.] Mr. Valderrama to Mr. Osoorn. Republic of Chili, Ministry of Foreign Relations, Santiago, November 25, 1880. Sir: Referring to the conference that I had yesterday with you, and in which you expressed a desire to know if my government had taken any measures for the purposes of protecting, in as far as may be possible, the persons and interests of foreigners lo- cated in Lima and Calhio, in case hostilities against said cities should be undertaken, I now have the honor to repeat to you what, in that respect, I expressed to you verbally. My government feels a deep interest in that the persons and property of foreigners should remain as far as possible exempt from all damage in the future operations that it may be necessary to undertake against those cities, and to this end has recommended very especially to the chief of our forces that he should respect these persons and properties. In order that this protection should be more efficacious, my government has directed that the chief of our forces should hear all the suggestions that the dean of the diplomatic corps in Lima should be pleased to make to him in this regard, and to accept them in so far as they should not be opposed to or should not embarrass the legitimate operations of our army. My government believes that on the field of actual operations the Chilian commander, upon the representations of the dean of the diplo- matic corps, will be the better able to protect the important interests" of neutrals, which the government ardently desires may be protected in the military opeaations which our army has been directed to carry out. I avail, &c, MELQUIADES VALDERRAMA. No. 110. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osbom. No. 115.] Department op State, Washington, December 27, 1880. Sin: My attention has been called to the following passage of your remarks at the conference" held at Arica, Peru, on the 15th of October last, as reported in the second protocol of those conferences : ". His excellency Mr. Osborn remarked that it seemed proper to him, as well as to his colleagues, to place upon record that the Government of the United States does not 148 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEKU, AND BOLIVIA. seels the position of arbiter in this question. A strict compliance with the duties inherent to that position .would involve much trouble and* great labor, and, while he could not doubt that his government would accept the position if properly requested to do so, it was nevertheless proper that it be understood that its representatives did not court that distinction. As it is not quite clear what the meaning and scope of your remark on that occasion was, I will thank you for explanation upon the subject. There was no impropriety in your making it clear to the representatives of the belligerent states that this government had no desire to unduly urge its arbitration upon them. If, however, it was your purpose to convey the impression that we would not cheerfully assume any labor and trouble incident to arbitration in the interest of peace and the serv- ice of justice, you have not correctly appreciated the views and wishes of this government. It is the sincere desire of the President to see an honorable and lasting peace secured among the South American repub- lics now engaged in war, and he will shrink from no effort or responsi- bility which cm properly tend to the accomplishment of such a desirable result. In order to remove a possibly wrong impression which your language may have made upon the representatives of the belligerent powers, you will read this instruction to the minister for foreign affairs of Chili ; and I will instruct Mr. Christiancy and Mr. Adams to read a copy of it to the ministers for foreign affairs of Peru and Bolivia, respectn'ely. I am, &c, WM. M. EVAETS. No. 111. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts. No. 187.] • Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, January 3, 1881. (Received February 21.) Sir : In the circular note which minister Valderrama addressed to the diplomatic corps on the 10th of November last, a copy and translation of which accompanied my No. 181, is found the following sentence : The cession (meaning the cession of Tarapaca by Peru), carried with it, moreover, the obligation on the part of the victorious nation of accepting as its own all the hypothecated bonds given by the Peruvian Government to its foreign creditors. The guano beds in the Tarapaca. district, as is well known, have been mortgaged by Peru to secure the payment of a large part of her public debt, and the expression here quoted was very generally accepted as a formal recognition of these obligations in the event, of a change in the sovereignty of the district. Subsequent discussion in the newspapers and in the two houses of Congress, however, apparently developed the fact that the country was not prepared to accept this doctrine as its policy, and the minister has felt himself called upon to explain in an- other note, a copy of which I herewith inclose, with English translation. It will be observed that the interpretation which had so very gener- ally been accepted was entirely erroneous, and that the minister does not desire to be understood as having committed his government to the payment of any part of the Peruvian debt or the recognition of any of its mortgages, but that all claims in the district referred to are to be settled in accordance with the principles of international law. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 149 If the influences which have driven minister Valderrama into writing the inclosed note shall continue in the ascendency, I fear that Peru- vian mortgage bonds are likely to remain a very precarious investment. I am not aware that any of these mortgage securities are held by American citizens. The loan for which they were issued was raised in Enrope, principally in Great Britain and France. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOEK [Inclosure in Mo. 187.— Translation.] Mr. Valderrama to Mr. OtbOfn. Republic of Chili, Ministry of Foreign Relations, Santiago, December 24, 1880. Sir : On the lOtli of November ultimo I had the honor of addressing you informing you of the result of the conference held on hoard the Lackawanna in the bay of Arica, in the last days of October. In view of the instructions given to our plenipotentiaries in the event of certain contingencies arising in connection with the conference, I then stated that the ceding of the territory claimed by Chili would have implied on the part of Chili a recogni- tion of the mortgages executed by Pern to. her foreign creditors. This expression has not been properly understood, as appears from the interpellations directed, to the government in both nouses of Congress. By some, without taking into consideration the special circumstances of the case, the circular of the 10th of November was understood to be an absolute definition of the rights of creditors in the nature of an assertion of a principle ; such an interpreta- tion of it is not correct. The statement referred to is intimately connected with the instructions given to our plenipotentiaries, and both refer to the occurrences of certain contingencies that never took place. It is known that the conference at Arica was productive of no result, and that mat- ters continued in the same condition they were before the said conference was held. This statement thus becomes merely an expression of a fact which might have occurred had the allies accepted all the conditions with which it was connected. It might also have been a result of certain compensations or advantages provided for in the instruc- tions, but it embraces no recognition of a right as has been supposed by some. It was not intended in the circular alluded to, to define the rights of creditors. Its Bcope was confined to certain facts that had already occurred and others that might have grown out of the Arica conference if certain circumstances then in view had taken place. The failure of the negotiations left matters in the same condition in which it found them, and consequently the rights alleged by certain parties with re- gard to the Tarapac£ district will be settled according to the precepts of international law. This is the line of conduct which the government of Chili has observed from the beginning, and in which it has the purpose of continuing. With this explanation of the true meaning of the statement which has been so im- perfectly understood, I avail myself of the opportunity of oiferin g to you the sentiments of high consideration with which I am, &c, MELQLTADES' VALDERRAMA. E"0. 112. Mr. Osbom to Mr. Evarts. ]So. 190.J Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, January 14, 1881. (Received March 7.) Sir : Referring to your instruction No. 108, conveying information of the convention concluded between the representatives of Chili and the United States of Colombia, at Bogata, in September last, for the preser- vation of peace between those republics, and directing me as to my duties in the premises, I have the honor herewith to inclose a copy, with 150 AFFAIRS IN' CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. English translation, of a note received by me from the minister of for- eign relations, together with a copy of my reply. Yon will observe that the minister, after informing me of the execu- tion of the convention referred to, says that it meets with the approval of his government, and will be presented to the National Congress for its action. He adds a request to be informed whether the designation of the President of the United States to act as arbitrator in certain con- tingencies mentioned in the convention will prove acceptable to the Gov- ernment of the United States. My reply, as you will see, is an assurance that the President will deem himself privileged in being permitted to respond to the flattering trust reposed in him, if his services should be required. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORX. [Inclosure 1 in No. 190. — Translation.! Mr. ralderrama to Mr. Osborn. Republic of Chili, Department of Foreign Relations, Santiago, December 23, 1880. Sir : I have the honor to inform you that on the 3d of September last a convention " ad referendum" was entered into at the city of Bogota by the minister of foreign re- lations of Colombia and the charge' d'affaires of Chili near that republic, copy of which accompanies the present, by the terms of which both countries agree to submit to arbitration the decision of all questions that may arise between them and which it may be found to be impossible to decide by diplomacy. My government has no hesitancy in accepting the principle of arbitration thus estab- lished, and will submit the convention to the National Congress. With regard to the designation of his excellency the President of the United States of America as umpire in the cases specified in Article II, my government hopes that it will not prove unacceptable to your excellency's government, and that in it your government will see a reciprocation of the many and strong proofs of friendly feeling that Chili has received from it. Notwithstanding these marks of confidence, I am directed by his excellency the President of the Republic, in bringing this subject to your notice, to inquire whether the Government of the United States will give a favorable consideration to the selec- tion which has been made of the President of the Union for the cases referred to. I avail myself of the occasion to renew the assurance of my distinguished considera- tion. MELQUIADES VALDEERAMA. [Inclosnre 2 in Xo. 190.] Mr. Oshorn to Mr. Valdeirama. Legation of the United States. Santiago, January 7, 1?>1. Sir : I have to acknowledge the reeeiptof your excellency's note of the 23d ultimo, inclosing a copy of the convention entered into on the 3d of September last "ad referendum" between the Republic of Chili and that of Colombia, providing for the settlement by arbitration of all such questions as may arise between the two govern- ments which it may be found impossible to arrange through diplomatic intercourse, designating at the same time the President of the United States as umpire, and in- quiring whether the Government of the United States would lend favorable considera- tion to the selection therein made of its President as umpire for the cases provided for by the convention referred to. In reply I have to say that I can best answer your inquiry by transcribing the text AFFAIES IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 151 of a communication on this subject received from my government under date of Octo- ber 13, and which is as follows : "That should occasion for arbitration arise under the treaty, the President will deem himself privileged in being able to respond to the flattering trust reposed in him, and evincing the friendship of the people and Government of the United States for both republics." I may add that my government experiences the liveliest satisfaction at the course proposed by your excellency's government and that of the Eepublic of Colombia, re- garding it as a concurrence in a great principle successfully inaugurated and put in practice by the Government of the United States. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. No. 113. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn. No. 119.] Department of State, Washington, February 10, 1881. Sir: The information which the Department gleans from the press reports that the Chilian forces have taken Lima and Callao, and that the Peruvian forces and government have fallen back into the interior. Under these circumstances, of which I have as yet no confirmation from yourself and Mr. Christiancy, it is naturally to be inferred that the time has come when the Peruvian Government would not refuse to treat for peace upon any supportable basis, and that it would turn to the good offices or mediation of this government, with hope, if not expect- ancy, of an end to the war being reached. I have, to-day, instructed Mr. Christiancy to press upon the Govern- ment of Peru, and upon such Chilian authorities as he may have access to, the earnest desire of this government to bring about a peace without delay and upon reasonable and honorable terms, compatible with the true welfare of all tne belligerents, so as to be lasting. I have directed him to urge the desire of this government with all that pressure which, under the circumstances, may appear to him to be admissible and proper to the gravity of the occasion. Your own urgent efforts will be exerted in the same direction. 1 am, &c., WM. M. BVAETS. No. 114. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts. No. 195.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, February 24, 1881. (Received April 5.) Sir: Referring to your instruction No. 115, wherein you quote from remarks made by me at the Arica conference, touching the suggestions there made concerning the submission of the questions in dispute to the President of the United States as arbiter, and in which you express an apprehension that possibly I may not have correctly interpreted the views of the Government of the United States in that regard, I have to say that I have read your instruction to the minister of foreign relations, as therein directed, and am assured by him that his government has not been misled, in the least, by the remarks quoted by you from the pro- tocol. 152 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. For nearly two years this- government has known of the earnest de- sire of the President of the United States to see an honorable termi- nation of the unfortunate war in this section, and of his willingness to contribute in every proper manner to the accomplishment of that result. This assurance in the precise sense of your instruction, if not in its ex- act language, Las been given not once only, but repeatedly, until there has been left no room for doubt upon that subject. The remarks quoted, to be correctly appreciated, should be read in connection with the discussion which was then going on in the confer- ence, and in the light of surrounding facts. They were not intended to qualify or change, in the slightest degree, the views of the Govern- ment of the United States as hitherto made known to the several bel- ligerents. Their purpose was to cover the single question then being discussed, and I am not informed that either of the belligerents under- stood them in any other sense. As you well know, since the Chilians succeeded in getting possession of the province of Tarapaca this government has not been willing to listen to suggestions regarding peace which did not involve a cession of such province by Peru. The State Department contains many dispatches from me to this purport, and I judge, the allies were well informed on this point. It is impossible that they should have remained ignorant of th e fact that the condition of public sentiment here was such as to preclude the possibility of a peace upon any other basis. "When Mr. Ohristiancy was here, prior to the conference of Arica, President Pinto told him emphatic- ally that our mediation would come to naught unless Peru was ready to make this concession. I assume that the Pierola government was informed of this by Mr. G, upon his return to Lima, and prior to the acceptance by Peru of our mediation ; but, be that as it may, I am positively as- sured that President Pierola was made acquainted with the facts in this regard by the European' representatives in Lima. That they could not have been ignorant in Peru on this point is evidenced by the fact that Mr. Ohristiancy felt himself warrantedin saying to President Pinto that he was confident that the demand made by Chili would be con- ceded. With this understanding, then, our mediation was accepted, and the conference convened at Arica in October. The ministers who went from Chili were instructed to demand, among other things, Tarapaca. The sentiment of the country was a unit upon this point, and the govern- ment could not have done less and stood. In the presence of these facts you will, perhaps, be able to compre- hend with what surprise and mortification I listened to the reply of the allies in the second conference, wherein .they announced that the very condition which was irrevocable presented an " insurmountable obstacle" to the conclusion of a peace. It was after this announcement of the conclusion reached by the Peruvian minsters, that Mr. Baptista, of Bolivia, following an assurance that he and his colleague were quite in accord with the representatives from Pern, suggested that perhaps the difficulty might be solved by leaving the u remaining questions'" to arbi- tration by the United States. The allies knew perfectly well that the " remaining questions " were comparatively nothing in the settlement of the difficulty. They understood then, as the Peruvian Government at least had understood before our mediation was accepted, that the unbending demand of Chili would continue to be the cession of Tara- paca, and that peace was impossible unless that point should be yielded. In view of all this, how hollow was the proposition touching arbitration ; how insincere. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 153 It will not be forgotten that circumstances conspired to make our mediation exceedingly unpopular in Chili. For present purposes it will be sufficient to refer to this fact generally without calling atten- tion to the causes therefor. So strong was the sentiment in opposition to the movement immediately preceding the holding of the conference that I am confident the government would have gladly retraced its steps in that matter if it could have honorably done so. The country was exceedingly sensitive upon the subject, and there was very great- danger that the government would fall. All this I knew perfectly well, per- haps better than my colleagues. I felt the full responsibility of my position, and endeavored to so discharge my duty as to leave the United States Government blameless, let what might be the result of the move- ment. With this knowledge, and this determination, the remarks which you quote were made, and now, in the light of subsequent events, I do not hesitate to say that if a different course had been pursued by us — if we had given to the proposition submitted regarding arbitration a quasi approval — American influence here would have been very seriously crip- pled, if not entirely destroyed. As it was, the United States Govern- ment came out of the movement standing better here than it had ever stood before. Trusting that this explanation may prove satisfactory, I am, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOEN No. 115. Mr. Osbom to Mr. Blaine. ~No. 198.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, March 23, 1881. (Received May 4.) Sir: I have deemed it quite unnecessary to burden the archives of the State Department with the scattered information which has from time to time reached me from Peru since the occupation of Lima by the Chilian forces, as you have doubtless been placed in possession of all needed knowledge of events there by Minister Christiancy. Lima is but little farther from New York, in the matter of mail communication, than it is from Santiago, and you are, I judge, made acquainted with incidents there transpiring almost as soon as I am. The negotiations regarding peace have, on the part of Chili, been in- trusted to Messrs. Vergara and Altamirano, two of the ministers who participated in the Arica conference, and from what I learn I conclude that these gentlemen find their task by do means an easy one. While the war is practically at an end, yet serious difficulties appear to stand in the way of peace negotiations. Whether these difficulties might not in a measure have been avoided presents a question which I am not pre- pared to discuss, nor am I sufficiently informed to warrant an expression of opinion as to the real source of the blame, if blame there is. The fact is, there are two pretended governments in Peru, that of Pierola and that headed by Calderon. The Chilian ministers, as you know, have emphatically declined to enter into negotiations with Pmrola, alleging as a reason, as I under- stand, that his government is without the necessary strength. It is whispered, and perhaps truly, that other influences contributed to this 154 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. determination, among which I may mention what is termed here an in- sulting and untruthful insinuation by Pierola in one of his recent offi- cial papers to the effect that the perfidy attached to the premature commencement of the battle of Miraflores^ on the 15th of January, was chargeable to the Chilian army. It will be remembered that on the morning of the 15th, through the friendly efforts of the diplomatic corps in Lima, a qualified armistice was arranged between the two armies, which was to continue until midnight, but that notwithstanding at about two o'clock in the afternoon fire was opened and the bloody battle of Mira- flores followed. It is no secret here that in this engagement the Chilian army narrowly escaped a serious disaster, and the government, the army, and the people, are alike severe in their denunciations of Pierola for what they term his treachery in this matter. The government of Calderon has been accepted by several of the Peruvian provinces, but there still remains a considerable portion of the country which has not acknowledged its authority. I am induced to believe, however, that President Pinto hopes that it will have acquired ere long sufficient strength to warrant this government in entering into negotiations with it. Mr. Altamirano is on his way down the coast now, and will reach Santiago in a few days. He comes, I infer, to con- fer with the government regarding the situation in Peru, and perhaps, to receive final instructions touching the terms to be exacted in a treaty of peace. There is every reason why Chili should conclude a peace at the ear- liest possible day, and I think the government so looks upon it. What terms are to be insisted upon I do not know, but judge they will be quite as severe as Peru, in its impoverished condition, can possible comply with. In this regard, however, I see evidences here of a modification of public sentiment, and from this I expect much. I need scarcely assure you that my efforts shall continue to be exerted in facilitating the restoration of peace. This, yonr instructions, as well as my sense of duty, would require ; but I find an additional incentive in my great desire to avail myself of the leave of absence granted me by the State Department, and so long held in abeyance because of the war. Since the receipt of instructions No. 119, which came to hand by the last mail, I have had a friendly conversation with Minister Yalderama concerning the negotiations at Lima, and after the arrival of Mr. Altami- rano I expect to see him again, when I may have something worth com- municating. The information upon which the instruction above men- tioned was based seems to have been somewhat faulty in that it indicated that President Pierola, with his army, had retired to the interior. It is reported" here, and believed, that the Peruvian army was entirely dis- persed, and that Pierola took refuge in the mountains surrounded by a few followers only. About 6,000 of the volunteer troops have been returned to Chili and mustered out of the service. Geueral Baquedano, the commander-in- chief, accompanied them, and they were received with universal rejoicing. I inclose an English translation of General Baquedano's report of events preceding the occupation of Lima by the Chilian army.* I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOK> T . "This is a newspaper report oaiit^e 1 on account of its length. It can be furnished if desired. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 155 No. 116. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Blaine. No. 201.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, April 5, 1881. (Eeceived May 17. ) l Sir: In my No. 198, in speaking of the prospects of peace, I informed you that Mr. Altamirano, one of the ministers authorized to treat with Peru, was on his way to Chili. Since his arrival he has had extended interviews with the government regarding Ifie situation in Lima, and as a result I have good reason for believing that the President's hopes touching the government of Oalderon have been very seriously weak- ened. The impression seems to be gaining ground that the demoraliza- tion prevailing in Peru is so great as to prevent the establishment, at present, of any government with sufficient solidity 7 to warrant Ghili in negotiating with it. If this should become the view of the government, as seems probable, the indications are that the policy for the future would involve the removal to Ghili of all valuables belonging to the Gov- ernment of Peru, the destruction of all means of defense, and the with- drawal of the Chilian forces to Arica. Prom this point, itis inferred, they would watch with interest the movements of the factions in Peru in their struggles for the ascendency. Minister Vergara has been sent for r and is expected in a few days, when it is understood a definite course is- to be determined upon. If the policy which I have outlined should be adopted, all talk regard- ing a formal peace would be mere speculation. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBORN. No. 117. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Blaine. No. 202.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, April 6, 1881. (Eeceived May 17.) . Sir: The representatives here of Great Britain, Prance, and Italy, acting' jointly under instructions, have tendered the mediation of their respective governments, with a view of putting au end to the war, but this government has deemed it advisable to decline their offer. I conclude that the agents of the European powers were not dissatis- fied with the answer which they received. They probably regard the present unsettled state of affairs in Peru as presenting a serious obsta- cle to negotiations, and are, I judge, not disappointed that they should be excused, by the action of this government, from entering upon the performance of a work which would seem to have so little promise of a happy result. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOEN. 156 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. No. 118. Mr. Martinez to Mr. Hitt. [Translation.] Legation of Chili, Washington, D. C, May 6, 1881. Esteemed Sie and Friend : The New York papers are publishing a rumor that it is possible tihat Chili may establish a protectorate over Peru, because that country cannot form a government of its own, and because many sensible people are asking for such a protectorate. I am sorry that I cannot call and speak with Mr. Blaine personally on this subject. Nevertheless I desire to inform him, through you, that there is no ground whatever for such rumor ; and that, even though all the Peruvians should clamor for a protectorate, Chili would on no ac- count consent to establish one. With sentiments of highest esteem, &c, M. MARTINEZ. No. 119. Mr. Osbom to Mr. Blaine. No. 205.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, May 1, 1881. (Received June 7.) Sir: In my No. 201, of date April 5th, regarding the war in this sec- tion, I mentioned the fact that the minister of war, Mr. Vergara, who had been with tha army at Lima, had been sent for, and was then on his way to Chili. Since his arrival the government has labored to reach a conclusion touching the course to be pursued with Peru, and to that end numerous and extended discussions among the ministers and promi- nent citizens of the republic who had been invited to participate, have taken place. Three plans or propositions were discussed : First, that spoken of by me in my No. 201, involving the withdrawal of the army to Arica ; second, the occupation of the entire Peruvian coast by the Chilian forces, and its government by Chilian authorities ; and third, the strengthening of the government of Calderon and the negotiation of a peace therewith. The propriety of entering into negotiations -with Pierola was not even dignified with a consideration. After much labor the government reached the conclusion that the last proposition afforded the easiest way out of their complications, and it has been determined to send to Peru, in charge of the negotiations, Mr. Godoy, who in times past represented Chili in Washington. Mr. G. is well qualified for the delicate post which he is called upon to fill. He occupied the position of minister to Peru for several years immediately preceding the opening of hostilities, and is thoroughly informed of that country and its people, and of the causes which brought about the present war. In conversation with me yesterday, he expressed the belief that three or four months would serve to bring the difficulties to a conclusion, and it is to be hoped that the result may prove him to be not over-sanguine. The ministry has freely counseled with me regarding the diffictdties of the situation, and, in view of their previous determination to have noth- ing to do with Pierola, I cannot but applaud the result of their delibera- 157 tion. To vacate the country now would be to turn it over to anarchy, and to attempt to occupy the entire coast would in time involve both countries in ruin. The most feasible way to peace is, in my opinion, the one resolved upon. In fact it is the only one which offers any reason- able hope of a solution of the difficulties during the present generation. I have endeavored to impress upon the authorities here, and not with- out, I judge,, some measure of success, the propriety of their afford- ing the government of Calderon greater freedom of action than it has hrjherto enjoyed. I have urged upon them that if it is their purpose to strengthen and dignify the new government, and place it in a position to claim recognition at home and abroad, they should give it possession of the capital freed from the embarrassments of Chilian military rule, and should enable it to raise revenue for its proper support. It will be remembered that the new government has been confined to a small village in the neighborhood of Lima, which was exempted from the operation of martial law, while the capital has been occupied by the Chilian military authorities; and it will also be borne in mind that the custom-house at Callao, almost the only source from which revenue can be readily raised, has remained in possession of the Chilians. This government will unquestionably insist upon the relinquishment by Peru of the province of Tarapaca, and imless the Peruvian authori- ties shall be found ready to concede this, the attempt to make peace will fail. It is probable, also, that Chili will demand the province of Moquegua, which includes the towns of Arica, Tacna, and Moquegua ; but'I incline to the belief that they will not insist upon this to the ex- tent of endangering the negotiations. They will doubtless move cau- tiously, however, taking good care to see that they are to be sustained by the country; and as the public expectation has been raised to a most extravagant point, their way may be beset by serious difficulties. 1 regard it as quite probable that the terms of the treaty may provide for the maintenance of Chilian garrisons at Callao and Arica until some minor conditions shall be complied with. And it is Fell perhaps for the interests of those who are concerned in the preservation of qrder there that the term of this occupation should not be limited to too brief a period. I have, &c, THOMAS A. OSBOEK. No. 120. Mr. Blaine to Mr. KilpatricJc. No. 2.] • Department of State, Washington, June 15, 1881. Sir: The, unfortunate condition of the relations between Chili and Peru makes the mission upon the duties of which you are now entering one of grave responsibibty and great delicacy. Difficult as would be any intervention of the United States under ordinary circumstances, our po- sition is further embarrassed by the failure of the conference at Arica, undertaken at our suggestion. It ;s evident from the protocols of that conference that Chili was prepared to dictate and not to discuss terms of peace, and that the arbitration of the United States upon any ques- tions of difference with the allied powers of Peru and Bolivia was not 158 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. acceptable and would not be accepted by the Chilian Government. Since that time the war has closed in the complete success of Chili, and in what can scarcely be considered less than the conquest of Peru and Bolivia. This government cannot therefore anticipate that the offer of friendly intervention in the settlement of the very serious questions now pend- ing would be agreeable to the Government of Chili. It would scarcely comport with self-respect that such an offer should be refused, and it would be of no benefit to Peru and Bolivia that it should be offered and declined. But I am sure the Chilian Government will appreciate the natural and deep interest which the United States feels in the termina- tion of a condition so calamitous in its consequences to the best inter- ests of all the South American republics. It should also know that if at any time the interposition of the good offices of this government can contribute to the restoration of friendly relations between the belliger- ent powers, they will, upon proper intimation, be promptly offered. While, therefore, no instructions are given you to tender officially any advice to the Government of Chili which is unsought, you will, on such opportunity as may occur, govern your conduct and representations by the considerations to which I shall now call your attention. Without entering upon any discussion as to the causes of the late war between Chili on the one side and Peru and Bolivia on the other, this government recognizes the right which the successful conduct of that war has conferred upon Chili ; and, in doing so, I will not under- take to estimate the extent to which the Chilian Government has the right to carry its calculations of the indemnities to which it is entitled, nor the security for the future which its interests may seem to require. But if the Chilian Government, as its representatives have declared, seeks only a guarantee of future peace, it would seem natural that Peru and Bolivia should be allowed to offer such indemnity and guarantee before the annexation of territory, which is the right of conquest, is in- sisted upon. If thise powers fail to offer what is a reasonably sufficient indemnity and guarantee, then it becomes a fair subject of considera- tion whether such territory may not be exacted as the necessary price of peace. But at the conclusion of a war avowedly not of conquest, but for the solution of differences which diplomacy had failed to settle, to make the acquisition of territory a sine qua non of peace is calculated to cast suspicions on the professions with which war was originally declared. It may very well be that at the termination of such a contest the changed condition and relation of all the parties to it may make read- justment of boundaries or territorial changes wise as well as necessary ; but this, where the war is not one of conquest, should be the result of negotiation and not the absolute preliminary condition on which alone the victor consents to negotiate. At this day, when the right of the people to govern themselves, the fundamental basis of republican insti- tutions, is so universally recognized, there is nothing more difficult or more dangerous than the forced transfer of territory, carrying with it an indignant and hostile population, and nothing but a necessity proven before the world can justify it. It is not a case in which the power desiring the territory can be accepted as a safe or impartial judge. While the United States Government does not pretend to express an opinion whether or not such an annexation of territory is a necessary consequence of this war, it believes that it would be more honorable to the Chilian Government, more conducive to the security of a permanent peace, and more in consonance with those principles which are professed AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 159 by all the republics of America, that such territorial changes should be avoided as far as possible ; that they should never be the result of mere force, but, if necessary, should be decided and tempered by full and equal discussion between all the powers whose people and whose national interests are involved. At the present moment, the completeness of the victory of Chili seems to render such a diplomatic discussion impossible. The result of the conflict has been not only the defeat of the allied armies, but the disso- lution of all responsible government in Peru. Its soil is occupied, the collection of its revenues transferred to the conquerors, and its executive, legislative, and judicial functions in abeyance. It can neither enforce order within nor assure peace without. An effort, and apparently a very earnest and honest one, has been made to create a provisional government, which shall gradually restore order and the reign of law. But it is obvious that for such a govern- ment to succeed in obtaining the confidence either of its own people or foreign powers, it must be allowed a freedom and force of action which cannot be exercised while Chili holds absolute possession and governs by military authority. This government, therefore, has been glad to learn from its minister in Chili, whom you succeed, that the Chilian authorities have decided to give their support to the efforts of Senor Calderon to establish on a steady footing a provisional government in Peru. You will, as far as you can do so with propriety and without officious intrusion, approve and encourage this disposition on the part of the Chilian Government, and this Department will be exceedingly gratified if your influence as the representative of the United States shall be in- strumental in inducing the Government of Chili to give its aid and sup- port to the restoration of regular, constitutional government in Peru, and to postpone the final settlement of all questions of territorial annex- ation to the diplomatic negotiations which can then be resumed with the certainty of a just, friendly, and satisfactory conclusion. In any representation which you may make, you will say that the hope of the United States is that the negotiations for peace shall be con- ducted, and the final settlement between the two countries determined, without either side invoking the aid or intervention of any European power. The Government of the United States seeks only to perform the part of a friend to all the parties in this unhappy conflict between South American republics, and it will regret to be compelled to consider how far that feeling might be affected, and a more active'interposition forced upon it, by any attempted complication of this question with European politics. If at any time you shall judge it expedient and advantageous to read this dispatch to the minister of foreign affairs, you are authorized to do so. The decision on this point is left to your discretion. I am, &c, JAMES G. BLAINE. 160 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. No. 121. Mr. Kilpatrick to Mr. Blaine. No. 3.] Legation of the United States, Santiago, Chili, August 15, 1881. (Received September 22.) ■ Sir : The considerations and instructions contained in your dispatch No. 2, dated June 15, 1881, relating to the course Chili should pursue in the final settlement of peace with Peru, have received my earnest at- tention. Tou say in your dispatch that — The Department will be exceedingly gratified if your influence as the representa- tive of the United States shall be instrumental in inducing, the Government of Chili to give its aid and support to the restoration of regular constitutional government in Peru, and to postpone the final settlement of all questions of territorial annexation to the diplomatic negotiations, which can then be resumed with the certainty of a just, friendly, and satisfactory conclusion. If I understand you aright this is the full intent and purport of your dispatch. Taking this for granted, I have the honor to report that, so far as the assurances of public men can be relied upon, your instructions have been complied with, your ideas of final terms of peace accepted, not only by the present administration at Santiago, but, still better, by Senor Santa Maria, the President elect, whose administration will have be- gun when you receive this note. I beg your patient attention to the somewhat lengthy explanation I am compelled to make of my action in the matter. As soon as I received your instructions I made inquiries to ascertain the real intention of the Government of Chili regarding peace with Peru. For a time I was completely misled ; it seemed as if the govern- ment had no plan, but would leave the whole matter of final settle- ment to the incoming administration. In this I was mistaken, as were the public men of Chili with whom I conversed, outside the Pres- ' ident and his cabinet. I discovered later on that the President was alarmed at the views you advanced, delicately brought to his attention, and in all probability would not be inclined to accept them. I at once became satisfied that the President and his cabinet held not only other views, but were contemplating absolute peace with the Government of Senor Calderon. I therefore did not deem it wise to acquaint the Sec- retary of State and the President with the full purport of your dispatch. I adopted what I thought to be a wiser course ; I called upon Senor Louis Aldunate, the first friend of the President elect, a gentleman of great ability, who, I have reason to know, will occupy the first position in the cabinet of President-elect Santa Maria. I read him your dispatch, and at the same time informed him of my belief regard- ing the intention of President Pinto. After a full discussion of each separate point, and explanations of what I believed to be the result of misinformation on your part regarding "annexation of hostile territory," (to which I will refer again) your views were substantially accepted as wise and just. Senor Aldunate immediately acquainted President-elect Santa Maria with the contents of your note, and both have assuredme — That not one foot of Peruvian territory will be exacted by force unless all efforts of diplomatic negotiations shall fail, and that in no case can Chili treat finally with the Government of Senor Calderon until it shall appear that his government is re- AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 161 spected and obeyed throughout Peru, which does not obtain at this moment. That no doubt President Pinto would like to celebrate the last days of his administration by a proclamation of peace with Peru, with the Government of Calderon, a govern- ment with out a single element that constitutes a real government, and that would fall at once but for Chilian protection. I was invited to attend Congress the following day, when the govern- ment would be interpolated regarding its plans and purposes. I went, found the House crowded with people, and, amid great excitement, heard the cabinet of President Pinto questioned and worried by Senor Lira, the first orator of Chili. I intended to send you translations of the speeches in this debate, but am too unwell to attempt it. I have been confined to my bed the greater portion of the time since my arrival in Chili. This debate developed the fact that President Pinto was contem- plating peace with the Government of Calderon — peace which, from the nature of the debate, I was satisfied, must of necessity include territo- rial annexation. Intimate friends of the administration not only con- firmed this belief, but convinced me further that President Pinto was determined to accomplish his purpose ; that he yet had time, and that the Government of Calderon was in no condition to refuse any condi- tions Chili might impose. How to prevent this without giving offense to President Pinto I could not satisfactorily answer. I had gained the incoming administration ; this was not sufficient. I determined finally to approach the administration, and change its purpose if possible. I sent for Senor Aldunate and Senor George Huneens, the solicitor for the government whose name you will find frequently mentioned in the paper relating to the Arica conference, and asked them to arrange for me a meeting with the secretary of state and secretary of war, the dominant members of the President's cabinet. After some delay this was agreed upon, and a conference was held at my house last night between Senor Valderrama, secretary of state, Senor Vergara, secretary of war, Aldunate, and Huneens. The con- ference lasted from 7 p. in. till one in the morning. I am too ill to give you a full account of the meeting ; the result is all I can forward at this time. Your dispatch was read and fully considered, and its advice and sug- gestions pressed upon the secretary of state. He finally replied. " The ideas indicated by Secretary Blaine are in direct conflict with those held by the Government of Chili, and if we abandon our policy it is out of respect for the opinion of the administration at Washington. You may therefore say to your government, that every effort would be given by Chili to strengthen the Government of President Calderon, giving to it the most perfect freedom of action, considering the Chilian occupa- tion. That no question of territorial annexation would be touched until a constitutional government could be established in Peru, acknowl- edged and respected by the people, with full powers to enter into diplo- matic negotiations for peace. That no territory would be exacted unless Chili failed to secure ample and just indemnification in other and satis- factory ways, as also ample security for the future, and that in no case would Chili exact territory save when Chilian enterprise and Chilian capital had developed the deserts, and where to-day nine-tenths of the people were Chilians; and finally that Chili would never consent to sub- mit her rights gained in battle to the arbitration of any European power." This embraces, I think, all the important points contained in your dispatch ; and if so, then I trust I have, fulfilled my instructions. The character of the territory, its people, &c, that Chili may finally be compelled to demand, I will speak of in my next communication. One S. Ex. 79 11 162 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, other matter and I have done. The secretary of state has just placed in my hands the following telegram, dated Lima, August 16 : Hurlbut, the United States minister, has notified Calderon that the United States will under no circumstances permit annexation of territory ' to Chili ; he has also repeated this statement to outside parties. It is now the subject of conversation here, complicates and endangers our occupation. LYNCH, Commandant in Chief. If this be true, which I cannot believe, it will not only create bad feeling here in Chili, but compromise my action. Certainly it is not in conformity with my instructions, for you distinctly say Peru and Bo- livia should be allowed to offer such indemnity and guarantee before the annexation of territory, which is the right of conquest, is insisted upon." Again, you say, " If these fail to offer what is a reasonable, sufficient indemnity and guarantee, then it becomes a fair subject of considera- tion whether such territory may not be exacted as the necessary price of peace." In no way can the letter or spirit of your dispatch be tortured into saying " The United States will nob permit in any case annexation of territory to Chili." General Hurlbut has not sent me the Depart- ment cipher, or I would telegraph him, that, he may know that he has been misunderstood or misinterpreted, and in time correct false impres- sions. If my mission is a delicate one, his is still more so, for he has two governments to deal with, the Chilian Government, under Lynch, and the provincial government of Calderon. I have done what I could to satisfy the secretary of state that there must be some mistake ; that you would not send one class of instructions to me and another to our min- ister at Lima. Very, &c, J. KILPATEICK. ISTo. 122. Mr. Kilpatrick to Mr. Blaine. No. 8.] Legation op the United States, Santiago, Chili, October 14, 1881. (Received November 18.) Sir: I have the honor to inclose copies of Senor Balmaceda's note of the 8th instant, and my reply of same date. In a previous communication I called your attention to the great dis- quiet caused by the tenor of General Hurlbut's remarks when presented to Senor Garcia Calderon. This was soon largely increased by telegrams from persons in high position in Buenos Ayres, stating, in the most posi- tive terms, my government had determined to prevent any annexation of Peruvian territory, and to oblige Chili to accept au indemnity in money or its equivalent. It was further added to by the general's note to Senor Garcia Calderon, and by the reports of his general and private conversation, in which he apparently confirmed the position assumed to have been taken by my government; and, lastly, by the terms of his memorandum to Admiral Lynch. In replying to Senor Balmaceda, I deemed the time had arrived for me, as far as my strength would permit, to take advantage of the au- thority given in my instructions, and to make clear to the Government of Chili the entire uniformity in the instructions to both legations, and to establish beyond a doubt that my government holds fast to the policy AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 163 adopted at the commencement of the war. I have ample assurances that my note has given great satisfaction. Eegretting the unfortunate state of my health will not, for the moment, allow a more exhaustive statement of affairs, and trusting my action will meet your approval, &c, J. KILPATRICK. [Inclosure in No. 8. J Mr. Kilpatrick to Mr. Balmaeeda. United States Legation, Santiago, October 8, 1881. Sir : I liave the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your excellency's note of this date, in which you call my attention to the fact that the daily papers of Valparaiso and of this capital have given publicity to a memorandum sent by my colleague in Lima, the honorable Mr. Hurlbut, to Rear-Admiral Lynch, commander of the Chilian forces in the capital of Peru. Your excellency is surprised at the publicity given to a confidential document " of little importance, considering the form and circumstances under which, the same was produced." Your excellency therefore considers it convenient to direct a note to this legation " with the view of establishing the good faith and sincerity of the relations so happily cultivated by our respective governments." Although, as your excellency is aware, I have been for some weeks past, and still am, seriously unwell, recognizing as I do the serious consequences, complications, and misunderstandings that might possibly arise, consequent from the unwise publicity of the memorandum of Mr. Hurlbut to Rear- Admiral Lynch, and the spirit thereof, at least so far as may be judged from the document as published, the circumstances oblige me, despite the warnings of my medical advisers, to accede without delay to the wishes expressed by your excellency, and replying, although perhaps not in so definite a manner as, owing to the occasion, I should desire. In the first place allow me to assure your excellency in most unequivocal manner the Government of Chili has no reason for disquietude, either as respects the inten- tion or the attitude that my government may assume as to the war on the Pacific coast. The Government of the United States has not at any time interfered officiously in the public affairs of other countries, not even when its own interests have beea compromised, and much less would it do so when the interests involved are those of friendly nations respecting whom there can be no motive inducing it to partiality. I had read the memorandum of Mr. Hurlbut, as also the speech at his reception by President Garcia Calderon, both articles having been forwarded to me from Lima some time since, and I at once communicated with my government regarding the same. The first of said documents cannot be considered as having either official or diplo- matic character, as the author himself says in the note of which your excellency has sent me a copy. The instructions given me by my government are, undoubtedly, the same as those given Mr. Hurlbut, and it may be said in truth that they have none of the spirit pre- dominating in the document to which your excellency alludes. The instructions of the Secretary of State, Hon. Mr. Blaine, contain nothing of doubtful meaning, he hav- ing such decided confidence in the intelligence, justice, and generosity of the Gov- ernment of Chili that he authorized me to make them known to his excellency the President, or his minister, should I at any time consider it convenient to communicate them. In order that no room for doubt may exist in your excellency's mind as to the posi- tion of my government in regard to the conditions of peace between Chili and Pern, and its determination to abstain from taking any part in the matter, I have no hesi- tation in subjoining a copy of a paragraph of said instructions which reads as fol- lows : "Since the suspension of the Arica conferences the war has ended in a complete suc- cess for Chili, and in what may be considered as little less than the conquest of Peru. This government cannot undertake to suppose that the offer of a friendly intervention in questions still pending would be agreeable to the Government ot Chili. But I am sure the Government of Chili will appreciate the natural and profound interest taken by the United States in the ending ot a situation so calamitous in its results to the best interests of the South American republics. The Government of Chili must also know that if at any time the interposition of the good offices of this government will contribute to the re-establishment of friendly relations, they (the United States) will promptly offer it whenever it manifests such wish. ' 164 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PEKU, AND BOLIVIA. It is further added in these instructions that in all conversation with persons of your excellency's government on this subject I am to observe established international law, and that under no condition whatever am I to offer unsought advice to the Govern- ment of Chili. Again, in speaking of the provisional government of SeDor Garcia Calderon, which the administration at Washington hoped to have seen established, my instructions are to encourage the same only to the extent that it may be done in a dignified and neu- tral way hy a plenipotentiary, without officious interposition. I think these extracts of the instructions given me by my government will he suffi- cient to convince your excellency that there exists, no intention on the part of my government of interfering arbitrarily in the conflict existing on the Pacific coast, and that its acts and conduct are those of a friendly nation desirous of proceeding in the most delicate manner. I trust, therefore, that your excellency's government will continue its full confidence in the long and well-established policy of the United States, whose friendship has lasted so many years and has never been more sincere than at the present moment. With the .considerations of the highest regards and esteem, I am, &c, J. KILPATRICK. No. 12.3. Mr. Martinez to Mr. Blaine. * Legation of Chili, Washington, October 24, 1881. Sir: To-morrow, or the day after, I shall have the pleasure to call on you in order to deliver two autograph letters from the President, of Chili. In the mean time I allow myself to inclose some articles published in some of the newspapers, which will let you know the political course which Minister Hurlbut has been pursuing in Peru. The New York Herald published the letter written by Mr. Hurlbut to Garcia i Garcia, Pierola's only minister, in which he decisively declares that Peru will never yield any portion of her territory to Chili. Other paper, cut out from the National Eepublican of this city, con- tains a communication relating to the clandestine or fraudulent emission of bank-notes emitted by Garcia Calderon, and which compelled General Lynch to act in the manner that I spoke of in our last intercourse. The third article, published in the New York Evening Post, is very sen- sibly written, and in which Mr. Hurlbut's diplomatic conduct is very accurately criticised. I have also a copy in Spanish of the letter addressed by Minister Hurlbut to General Lynch, after the occupation of the fiscal office of Garcia Calderon. This letter is written more or less in the same sense as that addressed to Garcia y Garcia. With sentiments of, my highest consideration, I am your obedient servant, M. MARTINEZ. [Extract from New York Herald. J GENERAL HURLBtJT'S LETTER. The following is a translation from the Spanish of the original letter written in English by General Hurlbut, the United States minister here, to Don Anrelio Garcia y Garcia, secretary-general of Don Nicolas de Pie>ola. The letter was intended to be private, and, indeed, is only from one gentleman to another ; but the government here found it so pleasing and so much to the point, that its publicity in Lima to-day is AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 165 owing to such partiality. When Mr. Hurlbut penned the communication he never thought it would see the light in Lima. To say that it has caused a sensation would be to underrate the truth, and the truth contained in it cannot be controverted : Lima, September 12, 1881. To Aurelio Garcia y Garcia, Esq., Ayacucho : Sir : I have the honor to own receipt of your letter dated August 28 last. In an- swer allow me to observe that I hardly consider it proper to discuss the internal af- fairs of Peru, if not replying to some formal and proper invitation to do so. But since yours gives me an opportunity to express to you particularly my frank opinion, I shall so proceed, and at the same time employing all the kindness possible. It is an accepted fact that ours is a republic, governed by a constitution which is regarded as the su- preme law. Mr. Pierola took possession of the reins of power and arrogated to him- self an authority not recognized by that constitution ; these were acts in themselves revolutionary and contrary to the true obedience required by law. The violent and compulsory manner by which that revolution was effected stamped the act itself as being a crime against liberty. The dictatorship was nothing but an autocratic and despotic tyranny, not only in its plan, but in its name and actions. While it lasted the constitutional government of Peru was overwhelmed by the will of ore man, which replaced the laws and the regimen of the constitution. The people of Peru, in the midst of the perplexities of a war of invasion, accepted this autocracy, believing that victory was to be achieved under its banners. Foreign nations acknowledged this power as a government de facto, but never gave their approval to either its origin or the system followed. Instead of victory, the dic- tatorship brought as a result terrible defeats, and the Dictator fled from the capital. The people of Peru have not had since that moment an opportunity to freely express ther will and sympathy. According to the constitution, the National Assembly — the minister refers to that of Ayacucho — has no right to exist, and its resolutions or laws have no more legal weight than the opinion^ expressed by a similar number of simple citizens. Therefore the confirmation of the full and autocratic faculties given to the ex-dictator, under his new title of President, confer no further validity in the eyes of the law to his authority and pretensions. I am obliged, for this reason, and to my regret, to say to you that the last decrees issued in Ayacucho, regarding the persons and property of those citizens who decline to recognize Mr. Pierola are inhuman and barbarous, and serve to place the govern- ment employing such measures beyond the pale of the law. (Mr. Hurlbut refers to a wholesale decree of confiscation and death issued by Pierola, but which has not yet caused any great alarm among his opponents.) These violent decrees are, according to my way of thinking, conclusive proofs that the government of which you form a part is only supported by force, and not by the weight of public opinion. A strong government, resting or based on public opinion and sovereign will, never appeals to such cruel means of devastation. Such methods oblige civilized governments to re- gard with reprobation the authorities employing them. I think I have said all that I think is my duty respecting the government presided over by Mr. Pierola. The ad- ministration of Mr. Garcia Calderon does not pretend to be perfectly regular in its formation. It is provisional, that is, a transitory means of exercising governmental functions until such time as the nation may act directly and without pressure. It is supported by Congress, a national Congress recognized by the constitution, and it is the embodiment of an effort toward the re-establishment in this country of a properly organized and. constitutional government. You are mistaken in stating that this gov- ernment of Mr. Garcia Calderon meets with Chilian sympathy; it desires peace, as does the entire country, but without sacrificing national honor, nor will it cede terri- tory to obtain that peace. The Chilian authorities are in communication with both parties, and even you have written to Admiral Lynch. Chili desires and asks for the territory of TarapaciJ, and will recognize the party ceding it. The cabinet of Garcia Calderon will not consent to this cession; it remains to be seen if Mr. Pierola will do so. Meanwhile, under the regimen inaugurated in Ayacucho and put in practice by the prefects, Peruvians are to-day more deadly enemies to themselves than are the Chi- lians, and the efforts of those friendly to Peru are paralyzed cm account of these inter- nal dissensions. When the United States asks Chili why she cannot make peace, the answer is that no one can be found in Peru to treat with. Is it not better to put an end to this state of affairs, and for all true Peruvians to unite under one chief, whose authority would be acknowledged and protected by all parties and factions, in order to save the country from its imminent ruin, to establish peace, and restore the proper and pacific supremacy of the constitution and the law? I have the honor, &c, „_ S. A. HURLBUT. 166 AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. No. 124. Mr. Martinez to Mr. Blaine. f Translation.] The envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Chili has the honor to present his respects to his excellency the Secretary of State, and to inclose herewith, pursuant to the request his excellency was pleased to make, a copy of the confidential dispatch of the minister for foreign affairs of Chili, dated the 12th of September last. Washington, October 27, 1881. [Tnclosure. — Translation.] Mr. Valderrama to Mr. Martinez. Confidential.] Santiago, September 12, 1S61. By dispatches which were in dne season addressed to you by Don Joaqnin Godoy from Lima you will have been informed of the very uncircumspect conduct of the minister of the United States recently accredited to the provisional government of SeEor Garcia Calderon. From the time of his arrival at Lima Mr. Hurlbnrt has omitted no signs of decided partiality in favor of Peru, giving it to be understood tha,t the Government of the United States would resist aDy arrangement which Chili might endeavor to effect with that republic, and which might involve the cession of any part of its territory. These ideas, which obtained a footing among the public men of Peru, acquired still greater persistence after the address delivered by the American minister on the public occasion of presenting his credentials to the provisional President. From that moment Mr. Garcia Calderon, the members of his cabinet, and all persons who had any influ- ence whatever upon the public opinion, deemed themselves encouraged by the words and demonstrations of the representative of the United States, believing that they saw therein the expression of the policy which the Cabinet at Washington proposed to adopt. Our plenipotentiary, Mr. Godoy, carefully observed the reaction which was brought about in the Peruvian mind by the conduct of Mr. Hurlbut. To the negotiations which have been initiated in a conciliatory and accommodating spirit before the arrival of the American minister, there succeeded after his arrival a sudden and unlooked-for change, the explanation of which can only be attributed to the influence, directly or indirectly, produced by the attitude of the representative of the United States. In this state of affairs our plenipotentiary deemed it proper to suspend the negotiations already set on foot, and went to Chili to confer with my government. Being desirous of inquiring if the conduct of Mr. Hurlbut responded to a political plan of his government, I held a conference with Mr. Kilpatrick, who expressed him- self dissatisfied with the manner iu which his colleague in Lima had begun his diplo- matic mission. Mr. Kilpatrick did not hesitate to affirm that Mr. Hurlbut did not faithfully represent the policy of abstention and neutrality of his government. In order to relieve my government of all unfounded apprehension in this respect, he made me acquainted with the dispatch which contained his own instructions, adding that the instructions given his colleage at Lima, who was appointed at the same time, could not but be in entire conformity with his own. In those instructions, and in the part thereof which refers to the war between Chili, Peru, and Bolivia, the Government of the United States shows itself iu entire con- formity with its previous policy. It exhibits the intention of not interfering in the solution of the war, except in the case of its good offices being solicited by all the bellig-. erents. As respects the cession of a part of the Peruvian territory, the Government of the United States expresses no surprise whatever that such should appear among the conditions of peace. It observes, in passing, that it would be expedient if the territo- rial cession should not comprise cities whose inhabitants are exclusively Peruvians, and should not desire to choose the citizenship of our country. But thislast appears rather a friendly reflection than as an exigency of American policy. Meanwhile it is not possible to ignore the fact that the presence of Mr. Hurlbut in Lima has been in a high degree prejudicial to the conclusion of arrangements for peace. I have ground to believe that he continues to place at the service of the purposes of • AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 167 the provisional government all the influence which can he given by the representative character he holds. As late as yesterday I learned, in a confidential way, but one entirely trustworthy, that he haH sent a telegram to Mr. Kilpatrick, in Santiago, hogging him to forward it to his colleague at Buenos Ayres. In this telegram Mr. Hurlbut seconded, doubt- less, the plans of Mr. Garcia Calderon, and asks his colleague in Buenos Ayres that he should represent to the Argentine cabinet the urgent necessity of accrediting, without loss of time, a representative at Lima. There are reasons to think that the govern- ment of Selior Garcia Calderon would welcome the presence of an Argentine minis- ter in Peru, in order to seek therefrom mild or erfective aid against us. These considerations, to which you will give all the importauce which they them- selves possess, induce me to charge you to endeavor to see the Secretary of State, in order to let him see, in a confidential and delicate way, the manner in which Mr. Hurl- but is interpreting his policy in Peru. You will endeavor, also, with the greatest discretion, to obtain from the American Government some act or declaration which will tend to destroy the bad impression caused by the conduct of their representative in Lima, to avoid in future that he shall continue to create difficulties foreign to his official character, and contrary to the ever friendly and loyal policy of the "united States. May God guard you. MELQUIADES VALDERRAMA. Seiior Don Marcial Martinlz, fc, While with Mr. Trescot, you will render such assistance in the dis- charge of his duties as he may require. As you are already a salaried officer of the United States, no compen- sation can be given you beyond the repayment of your proper and necessary expenses, for which you will render an account, with such vouchers as may be obtainable, such account to be audited by the Sec- retary of State. You will, iu the course of your special service, communicate freely with the Department, by telegraph and in cipher, when practicable and requisite ; and you will from time to time receive such instructions as may be necessary. The Secretary of the Navy has directed the commanders of our national vessels on the South American Pacific coast to assist Mr. Trescot's move- ments and yours in all possible ways. To this end, a vessel of war will await your arrival at Panama. Trusting that the success of this mission will meet the confident ex- pectations of the President and of this Department, I am, sir, &c, JAMES G. BLAINE. 174 AFFAIRS EST CHILI, PEKU, AND BOLIVIA. No. 132. Mr. Blaine to Mr. Trescot. INo. 2.] Department of State, Washington, December 1, 1881. Sir : While the circumstances under which the President has deemed it proper to charge you with a special mission to the republics of Chili, Peru, and Bolivia, render it necessary that very much must be confided to your own discretion, it is desirable that you should be placed in full possession of his views as to the general line of conduct which you will be expected to pursue. For this purpose it is not necessary at present to go further back in the history of the unfortunate relations between Chili on the one hand and Peru and Bolivia on the other, than the time when the defeat of General Pierola, his abandonment of the capital and the coast and their occupation by the Chilian army seemed to have put an end to all responsible native government in Peru. Lima having been surrendered on the 19th January, 1881, Pierola driven across the mountains, the Chilian military occupation consolidated, and the Chilian Government refusing to recognize Pierola as representing the Government of Peru, it became absolutely necessary that some government should be estab- lished, if Peru was not to remain simply a military district of Chili. On February 25, 1881, Mr. Christiancy, the United States minister at Lima, wrote this Department as follows : A movement has, therefore, been initiated among some of the leading citizens of Lima and Callao, and encouraged by the Chilian authorities, to establish a new govern- ment in opposition to that of Pierola [who is still at Tacna or Yareja]. From this date to April 13, 1881, Mr. Christiancy kept the Depart- ment informed of the probabilities of the establishment of the Calderon government, so called from the name of the eminent Peruvian states- man who had been chosen as President. On that date he wrote: In my own private opinion, however, if the provisional government had come up without any appearance of support from the Chilian authorities, it would have had many elements of popularity and would probably have succeeded in obtaining the acquiescence of the people. This new government realizes the importance of an early peace with Chili, the necessity of which must be recognized by every thoughtful man ; while that of Pie'rola professes to intend to carry on the war; but it has no means for the purpose at present, and my own opinion is that any effort to do so will end in still greater calamities to Peru. On May 23, the same minister, in a postscript to his dispatch of the 17th, says: Since writing the above it has become still more probable that the threat of " indefi- nite occupation" was intended only to drive the Peruvians into the support of the provisional government, as two days ago they allowed the government to send seventy- five soldiers to Tacna, Oroyo, &c, to control that part of the country, so as to allow the members of Congress to come to Lima ; and it now begins to look as if Calderon might secure a quorum ( two-thirds) of the Congress. If he does succeed, it will be some evidence that Peru acquiesces in that government. And if he gets the two-thirds of the members, I think I shall recognize the provisional government, or that of the Congress and the President they may elect, unless in the mean time I shall receive other instructions. On the 9th of May, 1881, instructions had been sent to him from the Department, which crossed this dispatch, in which he was told: If the Calderon government is supported by the character and intelligence of Peru, and is really endeavoring to restore constitutional government with a view both to order "within and negotiation with Chili for peace, you may recognize it as the exist- ing provisional government, and render what aid you can by advice and good offices to that end. AFFAIRS IN CHILI, PERU, AND BOLIVIA. 175 Acting under these instructions, although with some expressed doubt as to the probable permanence of its existence, Mr. Christiancy, on the 26th of June, 1881, formally recognized the Calderon government. It is clear that this recognition was not an unfriendly intervention as far as the wishes and interests of Chili were concerned, for under date of May 7, 1881, two days before these instructions of the 9th were sent to Mr. Christiancy, Mr. Osborn, the United States minister to Chili, wrote from Santiago as follows : In my "201, of date April 5, regarding the war in this section, I mentioned the fact that the minister of war, Mr. Vergara, who had been with the army at Lima, had been sent for, and was then on his way to Chili. Since his arrival the government has labored to reach a conclusion touching the course to be pursued with Peru, and to that end numerous and extended discussions among the ministers and prominent citizens of the republic, who had been invited to participate, have taken place. Three plans or propositions were discussed : First, that spoken of by me in my No. 201, involving the withdrawal of the army to Arica; second, the occupation of the entire Peruvian coast by the Chilian forces, and its government by Chilian authorities ; and third, the strengthening of the government of Calderon, and the negotiation of a peace therewith. The propriety of entering into negotiations with Pilrola was not even dignified with a consideration. After much labor the government reached the ■conclusion that the last proposition afforded the easiest way out of their complica- tions, and it has been determined to send to Peru, in charge of the negotiations, Mr. •Godoy. * * * The ministry has freely counseled with me regarding the difficul- ties of the situation, and in view of their previous determination to have nothing to •do with Pierola, I cannot but applaud the result of their deliberations. To vacate the country now would be to turn it over to anarchy, and tp attempt to occupy the entire coast would, in time, involve both countries in ruin. The most feasible way to peace is, in my opinion, the one resolved upon. In fact it is the only one which •offers any reasonable hope of a solution of the difficulties during the present genera- tion. In giving the support of recognition to the Calderon government, therefore, so far was this government from doing what could be consid- ered an unfriendly act to Chili, that it was, in fact, giving its aid to the very policy which Chili avowed, and which, in the opinion of competent judges, was the only method of reasonable solution. And this conclusion of the government was strengthened and con- firmed by the information which was transmitted to the Department by General Kilpatrick, the United States Minister to Chili. General Kil- patrick was appointed after the recognition of the Calderon government, and was furnished with instructions to which I have already referred. In his dispatch No. 3, under date August 15, 1881, he says : I have the honor to report that, so far as the assurance of public men can be relied upon, your instructions have been complied with ; your ideas of final peace accepted, not only by the present administration at Santiago, but still better of Seiior Santa Maria, the President elect, whose administration will have begun when you receive- this note. General Kilpatrick then proceeds to give a detailed account of a lengthy interview with the leading and most influential members of the Chilian Government, in which he quotes the following as the final as- surances given to him by the Chilian secretary of state : You may therefore say to your government that every effort would be given by Chili to strengthen the government of President Calderon, giving to it the most perfect freedom of action, considering the Chilian occupation. That no question of Chilian annexation would be touched until a constitutional governmeut could be established in Peru, acknowledged and respected by the people, with full powers to enter into diplomatic negotiation for peace. That no territory would be exacted unless Chili failed to secure ample and just indemnification in other and satisfactory ways, as also ample security for the future ; and that in no case would Chili exact territory save where Chilian enterprise and Chilian capital had developed the desert and where to-