Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Fortieth Congress
Mr. Asboth to Mr. Seward
Sir: In connection with my report of April 23 I have the honor to inform you that the congress of the Argentine Republic has not yet commenced its sessions, but there being already a sufficient number of members in town to constitute a legal quorum it is expected that General Mitre will formally inaugurate [Page 179] rate the sixth national congress on the first of June next. Meanwhile the provincial chambers of Buenos Ayres have been opened by Governor Alsina, and I beg to forward the translation of the speech he delivered on the occasion, and also of his message, under enclosure A, as it touches all the pending questions of the day, and acquires more importance from the fact that Dr. Alsina is one of the most prominent candidates for the presidency.
The war in Paraguay presents no change whatever; both armies are apparently waiting for better times. The last news is a rumor that President Lopez sent an officer with a flag of truce to demand another conference with President Mitre, but the news lacks confirmation.
In the Brazilian camp cholera has caused a heavy mortality, and in spite of all the precautionary measures and sanitary regulations adopted by Marshal de Caxias, the gloomy statistics published by some of the daily newspapers go to prove that more than 8,000 men have been carried off by this epidemic in the allied camp. It is also stated that the horses of the army have been attacked by a disease similar to cholera, which is destroying daily large numbers of them, and the Marquis de Caxias has contracted, in Entre Rios and other provinces, for 8,000 additional horses for his command.
General Polidoro, the chief of the staff, has returned to Rio, and it is rumored that the Marquis de Caxias will be succeeded in the supreme command by Marshal Osorio, who has at last arrived on the left bank of the Parana with a new army estimated by the Nacion Argentina at 12,000 men, but reduced by more reliable Brazilian news to 4,000 only. Recruiting, however, continues in Brazil notwithstanding the general indignation, and transports are now again continually arriving with new men to fill up the gaps caused by cholera and the enemy’s bullets.
According to the Asuncion papers the Paraguayan General Resquin, who was sent from Tuyuti across the country to Candelaria to oppose the intended Brazilian invasion, has returned to camp, having ascertained that Osorio with his force was descending in the direction of Corrientes. The same papers show that the spirit of the Paraguayan people, after their two years’ sanguinary and unequal struggle, is not broken, but their faith in their country’s cause remains firm and unshaken. The line of fortifications from Humaita is complete all round Tuyuti with abatis in front, a work of stupendous magnitude.
In the interior Argentine provinces some slight reactionary troubles have taken place, and guerillas continue sufficient to prevent General Paunero and his army from returning to Paraguay. To meet the occasion the general has called upon the following provinces to supply contingents for the army in the field against Paraguay, viz:
| Men. | |
| Cordoba | 2,000 |
| Mendoza | 1,000 |
| San Juan | 500 |
| San Luis | 500 |
| Rioja | 500 |
| Total | 4,500 |
Dr. Luque, the governor of Cordoba, will be slow in furnishing the large number of recruits required of him.
From all the ports of the La Plata and Parana rivers cholera has nearly disappeared, only slight occasional symptoms of the disease being now seen; consequently all quarantine regulations have been abolished. For further and more particular information I beg leave to refer to my enclosed daily memoranda [Page 180] of political events in the river Plata, from the 11th to the 24th of this month, marked B.
* * * * * * * *
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
P. S., May 28.—I have just received information from the minister for foreign affairs “that a party sent from the allied camp to the Paraguayan lines to meet a flag of truce was received with a murderous fire, and as such an unaccountable outrage will doubtless be followed up by commensurate reprisals on the part of the commander-in-chief of the allied forces, the papers and provisions for Mr. Washburn may in consequence meet with considerable difficulty and delay in reaching him.” It is, however, my firm conviction that the sad news is far from well founded.
A. ASBOTH.
Opening of the provincial chambers–Fourteenth Legislative Session–Governor Alsina’s address.
Thursday being the 14th anniversary of the swearing of the constitution of Buenos Ayres, the provincial chambers were inaugurated with the usual solemnity by Governor Alsina. His excellency delivered a very graphic and comprehensive address to the legislature, after which the message of government was read by the secretary. The latter is very long, and in some measure a repetition of the former; we therefore hold over the message till our next issue, and give the governor’s address as follows:
Honorable Senators and Representatives:
It is always a pleasing task for a magistrate who feels conscious of having discharged his duties faithfully to present himself before the representatives of the people and render an account as to how he has fulfilled his solemn engagements to God and to his countrymen.
In doing so I shall confine myself to the strict language of truth, which, however sad and disheartening, is alone suited to the solemnity of the occasion and to the gravity of the matters I have to lay before you.
When first I exposed the programme of my administration I said, on taking the oath, that my efforts would be directed, without at all encroaching on provincial rights, towards preserving an entente cordiale between the national authorities and those of the province of Buenos Ayres. The sincerity of my engagements has since been attested by events that I may well call notorious. The law of residence of the national executive, which was accepted by Buenos Ayres as a debt of honor and loyalty to the nation, has been scrupulously respected.
Casting my eyes to the seat of war, where the Argentine flag was engaged in mortal combat, I declared that the province would continue its able support to the national government to uphold the honor of the republic and of Buenos Ayres. I appeal to public opinion whether, during the whole of the past year, we have lacked even for a moment in lending our moral and material aid to the national authorities.
Upon that occasion also I called your attention to the urgent necessity of reforming our rural administration. I accordingly submitted to you two bills on the subject, which are now happily passed into law. They are based on liberal and uniform principles, and have met a great requirement by laying down a system which protects the poor man and is just to all classes.
In declaring my resolution to fix the value of our paper currency I promised to devote to it my preferent attention, and the many efforts-of my government in this sense show that I spared no pains to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion. After studying the matter carefully in all its bearings, I drew up the projects and sent the question before your chambers, when, as you are aware, the bill was thrown out on its first reading for a definitive conversion of the paper money. But the scandalous extent of speculation, attended with an extraordinary rise in the value of the paper dollar and consequent scarcity of currency for transactions in rural produce, forced the adoption of a partial measure to meet the necessities of the hour.
Under these circumstances the Oficina de Gambios was established, with a capital of two million hard dollars, in spite of the opposition of many who in good faith believed it unsuitable, and in the midst of a loud outcry from those whose individual interests were affected, as well as from professional gamblers and from usurers, who were thus stopped in their career of lending money at three per cent, a month. Notwithstanding the wonderful results [Page 181] of the Oficina de Cambios, which has at present in its vaults five million of hard dollars, and that the paper dollar may now be regarded as a proper bank-note, it is in the interest of prudence and precaution that the provincial authorities should not leave a stone unturned until the problem be permanently solved. To arrive at this result I pray your active co-operation, and promise, on my part, that I shall strain every nerve to the same end. Besides the reasons of a general nature, there is one of a special kind to which I attach much weight. Situations of a tempting nature which may be turned to pecuniary profit by a government are peculiarly dangerous when the administration is corrupt, and equally harassing when the rulers are men of integrity. In the first case the members of government get rich at the public expense; in the second they are the butt of every calumny. It is, therefore, the manifest duty of an upright administration to use every effort that such trying situations may be prevented for the future. As for myself, I assure you that, far from desiring such occasions, I dread them, for they supply a host of poisoned weapons that would indiscriminately destroy both the innocent and the guilty.
I promised also to chastise abuses, without regard for friends or influence, and I have labored to keep my word. There is, I regret to say, much yet to be done in this particular, for cur public morality is sadly perverted, and, above all, the government does not always find the man it wanted to aid in the great work of moral regeneration.
I regret to say that I am as yet unable to fulfil that part of my programme which relates to the suppression of frontier service for the national guards. No one could have imagined that a whole year would elapse without the war in Paraguay being advanced a single step. Nevertheless, I have the satisfaction to inform you that I shall not wait till the denouement of the Paraguayan difficulty for the realization of my ardent wish in this particular. On my return from my tour of the camp districts, I entered into negotiations with the President of the republic, and if I find him, as I expect, animated with a sense of justice rather than deference, I can promise that by January 1, 1868, there will not be a single national guard on the frontier.
It is, indeed, to be lamented that you do not inaugurate your session under the happy auspices of peace. The clouds which were gathering about the upper provinces have apparently vanished; but the dense thunder-cloud that has for two years hung over the morasses of Paraguay is, unhappily, growing thicker and thicker every day, and tinged with the blood of our countrymen. Such sacrifices have been already imposed on us by this war, to which we were provoked by a barbarous aggression, and so anxious is the whole country to draw it to a close, that I think I express the sentiments of the various provinces and their governments in saying that if the President makes a last appeal to the republic, and one decisive effort, his voice will be heard and his orders obeyed, if not in enthusiasm, at least with confidence in the result, however dear it may cost. As for myself, I consider anysacrifice short of honor but trifling, if it rescue us from the insupportable position in which we find ourselves.
In the event either of Congress framing this year the law of a permanent capital for the republic, as in duty bound, or that the question be postponed for reasons of convenience, it is almost beyond doubt that the national government will continue to reside in the city of Buenos Ayres. At the end of next October the term fixed by the provisional law will expire, and I deem it expedient now to declare that the national authorities may fully and freely continue to exercise their functions, without missing the jurisdiction conferred by that law, and relying on the loyal spirit of the citizens of Buenos Ayres, and the good faith of the provincial government.
On assuming the reins of government I expressed a wish which has not been fulfilled, namely, the reform of the provincial constitution. Reasons of a special nature, and strengthened by sad experience, oblige me to declare that what was last year a political convenience has now come to be urgent and indispensable. It is necessary, honorable senators and representatives, that the provincial constitution should have some statute for the event of the legislature becoming de facto effete. It is necessary that the governor, as chief magistrate, should know what his attributes and duty direct him to do to prevent his constitutional faculties becoming a dead letter, when, through negligence or other cause, the chambers fail to vote him supplies wherewith to carry on government according to his duty and his prerogative.
Political science has no doubt made great advances and solved difficult problems; but there is in my opinion a problem beyond solution, and which I offer for your study and consideration, namely, given, a country where the supreme authority is delegated in three powers, the legislative, the executive, and the judicial: is it required to govern constitutionally without the legislature?If, therefore, notwithstanding the lessons of past experience, you do not fill up the void which I have just pointed out, and that the de facto acephaly of the legislature be repeated, I shall be then placed in a’dilemma, either declaring myself unable to carry on the government, and then the machinery of administration comes to a standstill, or seizing those faculties which the indolence of others has virtually thrown into my hands. The first alternative leads to chaos; the second tends to adictatorship. I have deemed it my duty frankly to point out the dangers; be yours the task to avoid them.
Honorable senators and representatives, in the message that I am about to hand the president of the legislature, as well as in the memorials of the respective ministers who have so ably assisted by their zeal and intelligence, you will find an exact account of the administration, which is well worth your study.
[Page 182]Having so long detained you with an honest and outspoken statement of everything of importance, it now only remains for me to pray that Heaven will enlighten you and animate you with unfailing confidence in your arduous task of legislators.
Message of the provincial governor of Buenos Ayres to the Honorable Legislative Assembly.
Honorable Senators and Representatives:
In pursuance of article 93 of the constitution, the executive now begs to lay before you the political and administrative condition of the province. In doing so the government has judged expedient to depart from the established custom of previous administrations, and confine itself to the leading topics, leaving the ministers, in their respective memorials, to give all necessary details, with the proper documents annexed, and to specify reforms already executed or calling for attention, while an appendix to the whole will comprise the reports of the various municipalities and other interesting public returns.
In this manner we lighten the ceremony of opening the chambers, and afford the zealous-legislature abundant matter for study—to devise necessary reforms, to remedy the evils that afflict our campagna, and to do their duty towards their countrymen, by introducing wise and improving laws, based on sound theories.
The entente cordiale between the national and provincial governments has not been in the least disturbed during the past year. In spite of the difficulties now and then arising from the exceptional state of things caused by the law of provisional capital, the executive can truthfully say, it has been faithful to its duties and engagements in this respect. The only noteworthy circumstance has been the surrender of the municipality of the city to the provincial jurisdiction, as ratified by your chambers. The idea was initiated in a memorial of the minister of the interior, and framed as a bill by one of the chambers of congress. These facts are an additional proof that the temporary jurisdiction ceded to the national government by the law of capital, far from being necessary for a free exercise of the national authority, was rather a hindrance, and tended to distract the cabinet from the great questions and necessities of the republic.
Our relations with the governments of the sister provinces continue on a most fraternal footing. The executive trusts they shall never be disturbed so long as we cherish the common bond of union and make a sentiment of mutual respect the basis of our dealings. As it is already a matter of public notoriety that outbreaks have occurred in various provinces, overturning the lawful governments, the executive has only to deplore that the constitutional authorities in those places have soprecarious a tenure.
The executive regrets profoundly that it is unable to congratulate you on the termination of the war that was forced on us by the Paraguayan government; it still drags its weary length along, and month by month and year by year turns to ridicule the brightest hopes of the country. Let us, however, hope that President Mitre, the generalissimo of the allies, will understand that the republic cannot prolong indefinitely this state of things; that the present sufferings must be brought to a close; that the gaping wounds of the nation must be bound up; and that his excellency will restore to us that which alone we want, to live happy and respected—peace, with honor.
The mediation offered by the American government was, as you are aware, rejected; and we must suppose the refusal of the national government was on the double ground that the mediation would procure us neither reparation for the past injuries nor a guarantee of peace for the future, which are, in effect, the primary objects of all wars in civilized countries. Happily, those barbarous times are past when war was waged for conquest or extermination.
The executive being convinced that the honor of Buenos Ayres, as one of the Argentine provinces, was compromised in the crusade against Paraguay, it has continued lending the national government every moral and material assistance, strengthening by example the sentiment of duty under such pressing circumstances, sending recruits to fill the gaps in the various battalions, and coming forward with funds to meet the emergencies of the time.
After the disaster of Curupaiti, when our heroic troops threw themselves so bravely, yet so fruitlessly, against the Paraguayan lines, the national government called for a new contingent of blood from the province (or rather the campagna) of Buenos Ayres. The executive considered that it would be unjust to make a new levy on the national guards, who, had already five battalions of infantry and a regiment of cavalry at the seat of war; but offered, instead, a contingent of 4,000 troops of the line. This number was made up of condemned criminals, of offenders sent in by the camp justice of peace, and of several enlisted for the purpose; and thus we saved the campagna from the terrible effects of alarm and flight of the inhabitants, which always attend the cruel operation of assembling contingents for military service. The notes exchanged on this head with the national government will be found in an appendix to the memorials; and the executive trusts that, in view of so laudable an object, you will in due form sanction the expenses caused by raising said contingent.
In the month of February last there was discovered in this city a revolutionary plot to overturn thenational and provincial governments. This case is still before the federal [Page 183] tribunals. The executive, having neither violated the constitution nor attempted a tyrannical system—which are the only cases that can justify a revolution—is still at a loss to know under what pretext some of the citizens took up arms in rebellion. Nevertheless, there is a circumstance peculiarly worthy of attention, as being both new and significant, and fit matter for congratulation. While the focus of sedition existed in the city, the rural districts remained quiet and orderly, paying no heed to the exciting harangues of a portion of the press, and indignantly spurning the overtures of emissaries sent from town to stir up disorder. This is an irrefragable proof that the campagna of Buenos Ayres has ceased to be a field for the designs of factionaries; that the inhabitants are wearied of broils, and only require tranquillity; and that what was a few years ago a constant menace to our institutions and government is now the firmest support of public order.
Happily for the institutions of the republic and the honor of the nation the federal arms have succeeded in quelling the rebellion of the interior provinces. This rebellion was criminal for the programme it upheld, treacherous for the occasion chosen, disheartening to all who had faith in the moral weight of the constitution; and, perhaps, fatal in its consequences, by obliging President Mitre to weaken the army in Paraguay, and thereby retard the denouement of the war that is consuming our energies.
In the month of August last year a vote of the deputies of congress, dictated more by prejudice than any true sentiment of respect for established custom, put the patriotism of the people and the government of this province to the test by excluding the deputies from the house from which they were duly, and without even opposition, elected; oblivious in toto, or at least appearing to be so, that no shadow of excuse could be offered for such an injustice, and that the rejected deputies were duly elected by the free expression of the voters. The elections have again been held, and it is to be hoped that now at least the doors of congress will be freely opened to the deputies of Buenos Ayres. To entertain any other idea would be to regard Buenos Ayreans as the pariahs of the Argentine Republic, ostracised from all representation, save on the battle-field, where our sons are decimated by grape and canister.
As you are already aware the national convention at Santa Fé reformed the 67th article of the constitution, as far as it limited the power of congress to the imposition of export duties to the year 1866. The Buenos Ayres members of the convention patriotically discharged the trust reposed in them by unanimously vetoing the proposed reform, and, I regret to say, that motives of convenience induced the Argentine deputies to ratify a reform calculated to produce permanent results hostile to the true spirit of the federal union, and which rob the provinces of the hope of ever emancipating themselves from the tutelage which rules them, and the poverty which afflicts them.
The plague which for more than a month desolated the capital of the province and some of the country towns, has happily vanished. The sudden appearance of this pest goes to prove that neither the ocean nor the proverbial salubrity of our climate are a safeguard; and furthermore it goes to prove that, like the government and the people, all are bound to lend assistance towards the realization of public works calculated to promote public salubrity, and which have been already adopted in countries that we can afford to take as models. Let us not, therefore, deceive ourselves into false security, but let us proceed in those measures as if the plague has temporarily left our shores, and under this impression let us all toil until we see these most necessary works realized. It is grateful to remark that the prompt disappearance of the plague is in a measure due to the unceasing efforts of the provisional governor, aided by the municipality.
Immediately on the restoration of municipality to provincial jurisdiction a note was directed to that body calling their attention to the urgent necessity of supplying the city with clean water, and offering the board every assistance on the part of the government. A few days subsequently a joint stock project by native capitalists was presented to the board. Them unicipality, however, considered that it would be impolitic to conclude such a contract with a private company. The executive thought then, and still is, of a contrary opinion, and that this was the only sound mode to obtain the desired result. The government, possibly, might have disputed with the municipality the right to adjudicate in the question which that body assumed, but it thought it more prudent to avoid such a dispute, trusting that the corporation, which displayed such jealousy about its rights, would prove its competence to supply the want by its own resources, since it would not allow others to do so. Heaven grant that the government be mistaken in this matter, and that the people of Buenos Ayres be not defrauded of so necessary a measure.
The executive regrets to be obliged to admit that the administration of justice falls far short of the onward march of progress of the country, even though, when compared with that of some fourteen years past, it shows some improvement.
The administration of justice is too tedious, and attended with such heavy expenses to suitors as to be almost fabulous; these two undeniable facts afford sufficient proof to show the urgent necessity of a sweeping legislative reform. The mission of the bench is high, and the interests sacred which come before it. Both life and honor are within its jurisdiction, and only appealable to the Almighty. Let us labor, therefore, to surround with guarantees the judgments; to make the trials more summary and less expensive. To realize ail this the government is of opinion that a general court reform is essential, and a thorough revision of the codes; the executive [Page 184] will send in a project for that purpose for your consideration. One of the subjects most demanding your attention is primary education in the camp. Theorists have attempted to introduce quick methods and novel systems, for no other reason than that they have proved successful in other countries; but this is a deplorable error, because our social conditions, moral and topographical, are peculiar, and can follow no precedent established by other countries. Doubtless we have improved greatly since the fall of Rosas, when public instruction was a crime, but it is equally true that we have made slow progress in this respect, having to contend with distances; the scarcity of country towns; the repugnance of parents who as yet cannot see the advantage of education; the poverty of the families, which requires from early childhood the services of children; the war and the frontier service, which disturb the domestic hearth; also the scarcity of suitable teachers, and the want of a constant and active inspection of the public schools. But public education in the towns, notwithstanding the expense, is giving suitable results, although, unfortunately, it does not reach the very class most needed, that is to say the estancias and puertos, where it is required as a powerful restraint on the temptations which surround childhood, which too often demoralize youth, and by constant familiarity with bloody spectacles render the heart insensible to the noblest instincts. There are but two ways to work a reform in this matter: first, the establishment of town schools for boarders, making the attendance of the children compulsory; and secondly, the establishment of day schools in the different cuarteles in the camp.
Nothing further can at present be attempted, as the treasury has to disemburse all the expenses of either of the primary systems, and the revenue would be insufficient for further expenses. It is essential that the chief support of the schools should come from the neighbors, and that the assistance of the government be merely regarded as secondary. The country districts possess sufficient elements for this purpose; the difficulty lies in the absence of individuals to call together the neighbors and show the inestimable benefits derivable from association.
There is another great want felt in the camp, and which calls for urgent attention, namely, administrative reform; although, the truth be told, what is more required is measures to organize a proper administration, for in truth that which at present exists in the camp is so gross and old-fashioned that it does not even merit the name of administration; and if this reform be initiated let it not be forgotten that it will entail considerable expense, because the offices created should have a becoming salary if we are to look for good results from such reforms, viz:
The better protection of civil rights; that the protection of life be a fact, not an illusion; to make the various authorities answer for all their acts; that there be no irresponsible authorities; that the powers and jurisdictions of the municipalities be enlarged so as to render them independent; that government interference be more for the inspection of their accounts than meddling in their administration; the simplification and uniformity of all accounts rendered; the adoption of a code for the regulation and trial of all judicial abuses and their punishment. Such are a few of the reforms most needed, and which call for your immediate attention.
The executive is forced, however, to remark that in attempting this administrative reform, the most serious difficulties must be encountered, mainly springing from the difficulty of finding capable men willing to fill such subaltern positions, unpleasant for those who enter on them with a wish to overcome abuses, and fatiguing (no matter how well paid) for those who aim to discharge the duties with integrity. It is essential to bear in mind that too often the very best institutions fail, when the parties chosen to act are incapable for the position, and they even become obnoxious when private interests triumph over public duty, because the public do not stop to judge the intrinsic merit of such institutions, but rather the results which a bad administration produces.
The executive regrets to observe that the national guards continue to do service on the frontier, although this is both unconstitutional and unjust. The unlooked-for prolongation of the Paraguayan war has rendered it impossible to abolish so unjust a service; nevertheless government is so fully persuaded that the inhabitants of the camp can no longer live under the terrible threat of having to serve on the frontier, that, whether the war terminates or not, the abuse must be abolished by the end of the year, cost what it may. And for this end no half measures will suffice; it is useless to talk about favoritism or the prevention of partiality in the conscription; such a measure, even if carried, would not deduct an iota from the unjustness of such service. There is no personal service obligatory, says article 17 of the national constitution, except in virtue of law; but, asks the executive, what law is there to justify the enrolment of the inhabitants of the camp for frontier service? None. The service of the national guards on the frontier cannot be regarded otherwise than as troops of the line. Meanwhile, according to law, none are bound save volunteers, infringers of the law of enrolment, or condemned criminals, to render military service. Neither do the national guards, who have been cited to march in the contingent, come under these headings. The laws of humanity and of the state alike suggest that the evil must be taken at the root, by suppressing the service. To pretend to reform it would be unconstitutional.
After so many projects, after so many efforts to fix the value of our currency, the establishment of the Oficina de Cambios happily succeeded in solving the problem. And although its results have proved most effectual, the executive well knows that the measures are far [Page 185] from being so; for this reason we have never tired, or never will tire, in our endeavors for its final settlement. Ours is the motto, that governments should only adopt temporary measures for momentary evils, or when they serve to prepare the way for more permanent reforms. There is no probability that either speculation, or the requirements of commerce, will drain the exchange office of the enormous specie reserves which have accumulated in its coffers; but that such a thing should be even possible, is sufficient to induce the executive to seek some means which would enable it to announce to the entire country with satisfaction, and even pride, that the fluctuations of the paper dollar, so ruinous to public trade and private credit, have ceased forever.
The executive has done all in its power to convince the public that the currency question is one of general interest, and even of patriotism. It has appealed to the country for assistance and protection, believing that the state of the money market could not be more propitious or favorable. It believes that with perseverance it will succeed, but if, unfortunately, it should be mistaken, it is prepared to draw on the provincial credit abroad, relying confidently on its reputation for solvency and good faith.
The fifth section of the western railway was opened to public traffic in last September. Government has done everything to improve the management of this line as well for public convenience as to render the working more profitable. But it is necessary that this line, so important for its length and the numerous towns through which it runs, should not stop at its present destination, Chivilcoy. It must, in obedience to the spirit of the age, push further still, penetrating into the heart of the province, and shooting forth its branches on all sides to bring to market our vast rural products.
It has been found so difficult to come to a satisfactory arrangement with subsidised railways, that the government could never think of again entering into such an engagement, were it not unfortunately convinced that for the present, at least, there is no other way of inducing capitalists to invest in enterprises of the kind; were it not for this, the executive would prefer a fixed amount on the acknowledged cost. But the want of railways in the province is so great that the public authorities should do all in their power to foster them.
What has been said of primary instruction in the camp, may be repeated with as much reason of railways. There are abundant elements for the construction of branch lines, especially as the government would lend assistance; but the inhabitants have little taste for joint-stock companies and cannot be got to regard such as a means of personal welfare at the same time that they invest in a lucrative enterprise for the advancement of their country.
The executive feels bound to call your attention to the difficult position of the provincial revenue for the coming year. The guarantee ceases this month, and since October the heavy disbursements for the metropolitan police and national guards have fallen entirely on the provincial treasury. From this moment, therefore, we must give our undivided attention to the creation of resources to meet the expenses of the administration. It would be foolish to pretend that we should look to economy for the required sum. The most that this could possibly produce would be very insignificant, and far below the desired amount. But in a country like this, which is making such vast strides on the road to progress and national greatness, where so many pressing necessities are actually felt, and so many reforms called for, it is idle to think of reducing the expenditure. It therefore comes to this, honorable senators and representatives, that either we remain as we are, at a stand-still, or else we must create new resources to meet the growing greatness of the country, and thus fulfil the glorious destiny of Buenos Ayres.
The wants and improvements which have just been enumerated, afford the legislature a vast field for the useful exercise of their attributes. Study them, honorable senators and representatives, and do not deceive the hopes of the public by sacrificing to indolence and negligence the highest prerogative of constitutional countries. As regards the executive, by virtue of the powers conceded by the constitution, it will lay before you several projects of general interests, and will feel it an honor to lend any assistance in its power to the end that your laws, inspired by a love for the people, may be worthy of the province of Buenos Ayres and of the present enlightened age.
Daily memorandum of political events in the River Plate from the 11th to the 24th of May, 1867.
May 11.—Yesterday the government Of Montevideo rescinded the decree closing the ports in the Uruguay republic to vessels coming from Argentine ports, but established instead a quarantine of five days.
General Osorio is announced to have arrived at the Tranquera de Loreto, and a local daily paper asserts authoritatively that as soon as the general’s command effects a junction with the allied army President Mitre will return to Tuyuti.
Cholera has almost disappeared from Rosario and this city, but a few cases are still reported occasionally.
[Page 186]The Nation Argentina has published a proclamation which it says has been extensively circulated amongst the Argentine soldiers, calling upon them to desert their colors and fight no longer for the Brazilians.
May 12.—The Standard, in a leading article upon the proximate presidential election, says: “It is impossible for any man to shut his eyes to the fact that the whole country clamors for peace; with such influential organs as the Tribuna at the head of the peace party, and the very banner of revolution raised in the provinces for, it is said, the same object, there is no mistaking the tone of the public mind. Peace the nation cries out for, and the candidate who hopes for success at the coming elections must, nolensvolens,make peace with Paraguay his electioneering motto.” Further on it says: “People ask for peace with Paraguay less from any sympathy with the unfortunate and heroic Paraguayans than through the settled conviction that the allies are unable to do anything.” And again: “If the whole Argentine population was counted out to-morrow, we hold they would to a man vote for peace. President Mitre must know this; and yet if so why does he not consult the votes and wishes of his people in so important a matter? Is it because he lacks decision of character for so grave an emergency?”
May 13.—Another large invasion of Indians into the province of Buenos Ayres is reported to have taken place within the last week. No details are as yet at hand, bat the Indians penetrated as far as Pavon, and, as that part of the province is totally undefended, it is to be feared that they must have committed lamentable excesses.
The arrival yesterday of the Leopoldina transport at Montevideo with Brazilian troops for Paraguay is announced.
May 14.—It is rumored that cholera has broken out in the city of Parana.
The newspapers from the interior provinces of San Juan and Mendoza publish long lists of citizens brutally murdered by the revolutionary party. The constitutional governors of Mendoza and San Juan, in office before the revolution of November, have resumed their respective places as chief magistrates of those provinces.
May 15.—According to a Mendoza paper, the Chilian government extended every hospitality to the runaway leaders of the late revolution.
The Tribuna gives the rumor that the government of Salta had been overthrown by a revolution headed by one Isidoro Lopez.
A new line of mail steamers between Marseilles and this port has been established, and the first steamer, named Bourgogne, of 1,800 tons and 250 horse power, was to have left Marseilles this day. The rate of passage is considerably below that of the Bordeaux line, and the new company offers great advantages to immigrants.
May 16 —At a banquet which was given yesterday at San Isidro, a village distant about 10 miles from this city, on the anniversary of the patron saint of the place, and at which were present the governor of Buenos Ayres, his ministers, the archbishop, and a distinguished company, Don Emilio Alvear, the head of one of the most respectable and influential families of Buenos Ayres, drank a toast to the speedy termination of the war and peace through the United States mediation, in an eloquent speech that was loudly cheered; and Governor Alsina is reported to have said that Mr. Alvear had expressed his own sentiments.
The Tribuna of to-day states that, according to Valparaiso papers, General Melgarejo, President of Bolivia, has manifested great sympathy for Brazil. The same paper states: “With reference to a letter of General Don Emilio Mitre, we have heard it said that at headquarters it is expected that within one month General Osorio will find himself in a state to permit the resumption of offensive operations, and that by that time it is hoped that the President of the republic will have returned to the army.”
May 17.—Two steamers arrived yesterday from Corrientes. They brought no news of importance. Terrible rains, much sickness, and midnight guerillas by the Paraguayans.
The Brazilian transport Alice has come down from Corrientes and run quietly into Montevideo, with General Polidoro on board. There are various and conflicting rumors about the purpose of his journey. Notwithstanding every precaution, it has leaked out that the cholera is in the army and has carried off large numbers.
The Brazilian correspondent of the Standard says: “During the past month the total number of soldiers sent by this empire to the seat of war was 1,509, and during the last four months 6,578 men. Commercial news continues very limited, as our market is completely paralyzed.”
The Italian admiral, Ricurdi, has been recalled, and his successor is shortly expected in the Conte de Cavour. The Italian squadron on the river Plata is to be strengthened.
May 18.—The Standard of to-day says: “It is currently rumored in the best-informed circles that orders were sent down, by the last English mail, from the Rio cabinet to the Marquis de Caxias, ordering him at once to attack the enemy. Parties who have come from Rio state that the public feeling is so hostile to the present ministry that if a battle be not at once fought and some stirring news from the seat of war sentup from the Plata to Rio, or the meeting of the chambers, a political explosion will take place which will prove the downfall of the cabinet.”
The news from the provinces is that in Salta, just as a pronunciamento headed by one Isidoro Lopez was about to be made, news of the defeat of the rebels at San Ignacio and Bargas arrived, which just put an end to it and caused Lopez to take flight.
[Page 187]May 19.—The necessary number of senators and deputies having now arrived in Buenos Ayres, it is reported that the sixth national congress will be opened in the course of a few days.
The Standard of to-day says: “We call the attention of the government to the rumors that cholera has broken out afresh in the allied camps and is causing much mortality. We believe that it is in the interest of the country and the inhabitants that the Corrientes steamer should be made to stop at the island of Martin Garcia, and not enter the port of Buenos Ayres.”
Yesterday the provincial government of Buenos Ayres rescinded all decrees and prohibitions against the working of saladeros. This measure was imperatively called for by the paralyzation of trade consequent upon the suspension of work in those establishments. The saladeros are no doubt a nuisance, but sufficient time must be given for their removal.
A preliminary meeting of the national senate took place yesterday, at which Don ValentinAlsina (father of the governor of Buenos Ayres) was elected provisional president, and SeñorUriburu vice-president.
May 20.—The Republica, a Buenos Ayres daily paper, published, in a correspondence from Montevideo, the news of a secret treaty between Brazil and the Uruguay republic, in which the former power stipulates for a protectorate of 20 years over the latter. This news, however, is flatly contradicted by the Tribuna of Montevideo.
The drawing of soldiers of the national guard for the war, notified for yesterday, has proved a most complete failure. Over 1,000 were cited and only eight appeared. The whole affair fell through.
May 21.—The mails from the interior bring news that Varela and his rebel band have captured Jachal, a town about 50 leagues north of San Juan. The governor of the province was unable to do anything against them and was awaiting the arrival of a battalion of infantry from General Paunero’s army, to go in pursuit of Varela. From Tucuman we learn that the rebel band under Isidoro Lopez was cut to pieces, at a place called Trancas, many of their numbers being taken prisoners.
Advices from Rio Grande state that the Baron de Herval had crossed the Uruguay with 3,000 men, and that when this general shall have effected a junction with the forces under General Portinho, the third corps d’armée will be 8,000 strong.
The following is from the Standard’s correspondent at the seat of war: “May 8.—Furious skirmishing of pickets. Rations of farina. Argentine troops get two months’ pay, leaving 13 still due. May 9.—Cholera has made ravages at Curuzu, but is on the decrease. Marshal Osorio is expected soon: fresh re-enforcements sent to meet him.”
The transport Pexeira de Treitas, with troops for Paraguay, arrived yesterday at Montevideo from Rio Grande.
The Actualidad newspaper, published in Salta, under date of 27th ultimo, says: “Dr. Caballore, consul of Bolivia in Salta, has received official notice from his government of the ratification of a treaty of navigation, commerce, and amity between Bolivia and Brazil, and that a similar treaty was about to be made with the Argentine Republic.
May 22.—The Siglo of Montevideo states on positive authority that over 8,000 Brazilians died of cholera in the camp, and all accounts from the seat of war seem to be very gloomy.
The Tribuna of to-day states: “We are assured that General Mitre, President of the republic, will resume the direction of the war in the Paraguayan territory as soon as Congress is installed. It is added that in the meanwhile the Marquis de Caxias will not take the initiative, and that probably active operations will not begin before the month of July. These news, from their origin, we can call semi-official.”
The Nacional says: “The Espiqudor has brought news that Marshal Solano Lopez was very ill and had withdrawn to Asuncion on account of his health.”
May 23.—The Proveedor arrived yesterday from Corrientes. It appears that on the 18th instant an officer came from the Paraguayan lines with a flag of truce; the purport of his mission was understood to be an invitation from General Lopez to General Mitre for a conference. The cholera has notably declined at Tuyuti and Curuzu.
The papers of Entre Rios have strong articles against the candidature of Señor de Elizalde to succeed President Mitre.
The Tribuna correspondent writes from Montevideo that General Polidoro does not go back to the seat of war, as it appears he has had some disagreement with the Marquis de Coxias.
The papers announce the following diplomatic changes in the Brazilian missions:Señor Leal, at present envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary near the Argentine Republic, is removed to Venezuela, and succeeded here by Señor Borges, lately Brazilian minister in Bolivia.
The Arinos steam transport with 300 men from Rio, destined for Paraguay, arrived yesterday at Montevideo.
May 24.—The Montevidean government has sent orders to its representatives here to bring an action against the Republica newspaper for libel, in publishing the false news of a secret treaty with Brazil, stipulating for a 20 years’ protectorate.