Mr. Koerner to Mr. Seward.
Sir:* * * * * *
I found, however, Mr. More, the prime minister. I asked him whether the government had heard from Mr. Salazar about his late proceedings. He said no;| they expected to get news from him in about four or five days, and that before that time he could not answer my questions positively, whether the government would approve of his course or not. He said that I might assure my government, however, that Spain had not the slightest intention to reacquire any of its ancient colonies, or to encroach upon the independence of Peru. “Suppose,” I asked him, “that the documents published in the Peruvian papers, and republished here to-day in the journals, are the only ones existing, and are correctly given; and suppose that the acts of Salazar and Pinzon were as reported, and Peru has done nothing to aggravate affairs since Salazar left Lima, and before he commenced those hostile acts; is the government prepared to approve of his proceeding?” He said he could only repeat what he had already said, and that it was difficult to give any positive answer before hearing from their own officers.
I send you a slip from the Official Gazette, containing Mr. Pacheco’s remarks in the Cortes. He is guarded; but, nevertheless, it is easy to read between the lines the disapproval of the course of Salazar and Pinzon.
Public opinion here and the entire press of all parties seem to be opposed to the action of Salazar from the beginning. I think I am not alone here among the foreign diplomatists who take an interest in this Peruvian question. The English minister told me he would undoubtedly be instructed to interfere. He views the course of the Spanish agents in Peru in the same light as I do. France will strongly advise peace, I have no doubt, and I believe will offer her mediation, distinctly and pointedly. The English and part of the French press are denouncing Salazar. Perhaps this very outrage on the part of the latter is the [Page 31] most favorable thing which could have happened to Peru; she will have many-friends now, and will not have to rely on our good offices alone.
Mr. Moreira, consul of Peru at Madrid, lately arrived here, has called upon me twice; he has received despatches since the late occurrence from his government, and all the documents and newspapers which treat of the affair; he has been instructed to apply to me for advice and assistance; he is desired to treat with the government here in the absence of a diplomatic representative, and he begged me to propose to the minister on his behalf to be permitted to treat ad referendum. As this is a somewhat delicate matter, under all and more particularly under present circumstances, I told him I would, in the course of conversation, suggest that idea, but would not bring it forward as a proposition, or insist upon it.
In relation to our interposition, and probably also in reference to my conversations with the minister president and the sub-secretary of state, the Epoca, considered the organ of the present government, has an article to-day, which reads as follows:
“The ministers of the crown maintain the most absolute and proper reserve in regard to their determinations in the Peruvian question. It is said, however, in political circles that two of our war frigates have received orders to get ready, and that a lieutenant general (rear-admiral) of our fleet thus increased will take the command.
“Peru, it seems, has desired the mediation of the United States in its controversy with Spain, but the last events will naturally prevent the Spanish government from accepting any mediation of a foreign power, as we believe the question will be solved sooner and more favorably by its being treated in a direct manner between Peru and Spain.”
The increase of the fleet may have for a principal object the removal of the present commander, Pinzon. There are other articles in the Epoca of to-day which are quite unwarlike, and almost distinctly indicate the disapproval of the acts of Salazar and Pinzon.
I have the honor to remain, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.