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 despatch No. 40, dated August 26th, 1867, I have the honor to report that everything at the seat of war, from which the last dates are to the 5th instant, remains in statu quo,with the exception that the Paraguayans, making good use of the natural defences of their country, are every day strengthening their positions both by water and by land. The whole atten tion [Page 227] of the allies seems now to be engrossed by the measures necessary to keep open their communications, particularly those with the iron-clad division of the fleet, which appears to be penned in between Curupaiti and Humaita, without a chance of being able either to ascend or descend the river except at the risk of almost total destruction, Lopez having lately erected a stockade and planted torpedoes in front of Curupaiti. The Tribuna of to-day publishes two sketches of the respective positions of the belligerents in Paraguay, giving some idea of the natural difficulties which that land of impenetrable swamps and woods offers to the advance of the allies. There is moreover reason to believe that the whole plan of the present campaign will prove a failure; the three principal commanders Mitre, Caxias and Osorio, seem to have each his own scheme of operations. Meanwhile the peace party in Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, and Buenos Ayres, is advocating its wishes more openly, and as the presidential election here is now approaching, none but a peace candidate has any prospect of success.
Affairs in the Argentine provinces are somewhat improving. The revolution in Cordova has been put down without the effusion of blood, Governor Luque reinstated, the minister of war, and other national authorities liberated, and the pacification of that province quite complete, thanks to the energy displayed by General Conesa, commissioned by the national government. In the upper provinces there are still rebels prowling about, but General Paunero is actively engaged in their pursuit. The 7th instant being the anniversary of the “Independence of Brazil,” all the foreign diplomatic and consular agents here hoisted their respective flags, and a salute of 21 guns was fired from the Argentine government battery “Once de Setiembre.”
Yesterday was the anniversary of the revolution by which General Urquiza was driven from Buenos Ayres in 1852, and which led to the separation for seven years of the province of Buenos Ayres from the rest of the Argentine Confederation. It was kept as a holiday by all the provincial public offices, and in the evening Governor Alsina entertained at an official dinner the vice-president of the republic, with all his ministers and the diplomatic corps.
* * * * * *
For further details relative to the march of political events here I respectfully beg to refer you to enclosure D, my daily memoranda of political events in the River Plata from the 27th of August to the 11th of September, 1867.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
Daily memoranda of political events in the River Plata from the 27th August to the 11th of September, 1867.
August 27.—The question of the capital is engrossing the attention of politicians, and is assuming every day a more complicated aspect. A bill is at present before the provincial legislature the object of which is to grant federal jurisdiction to the national government in Buenos Ayres until the final settlement of the capital question, while a new measure has been introduced into congress declaring Buenos Ayres the capital, and in case the provincial legislature refuses to grant federal jurisdiction at once naming Rosario the capital. It is, in other words, an attempt to introduce again the same bill which was thrown out a few days ago by the senate.
The Nacion Argentina publishes in conspicuous black letters an announcement stating that the editors of that paper, having learnt that the vice-president of the republic had been speculating in lands in Rosario whilst he was endeavoring by the weight of his opinion to influence the senate’s deliberations on the bill which fixed the capital in that city, had determined to discontinue sending to the government the 200 copies of the Nacion Argentina to which the government was a subscriber. This accusation is branded by public opinion as a most vulgar intrigue.
[Page 228]August 28.—In the Tribuna of to-day Vice-President Paz publishes a reply to the extraordinary, and, as it would seem, most unwarranted charge preferred against him by the Nacion Argentina, apparently from motives of spite. The following translation is taken from the Standard:
“To the Editor of the Tribuna:
“Sir:The Nacion Argentina of to-day publishes an announcement informing the public that it will suspend sending to the national government the 200 copies for which the government was a subscriber, because it had come to the knowledge of the editors that the president of the republic had negotiated lands in Rosario to the amount of 100,000 hard dollars, whilst he allowed the weight of his opinion to influence the deliberations in congress in the question of the capital.
“Although I trust that the enlightened opinion of this city and of the entire republic, when informed of the facts, must view with indignation this proceeding of the editors of that paper, and look upon it as a stupid vengeance, and, overcoming the contempt inspired by a calumny so outrageous, I owe it to the dignity of the position I occupy, and to the respect due to my fellow-citizens, to give a frank and straightforward explanation of what has occurred.
“I ordered, yesterday, the sub-secretary of the interior to stop the subscription to the Nation Argentina on account of the government. This resolution was communicated to the director of that paper, and gave rise to the announcement which has caused so great a sensation in this city.
“I have for more than thirteen years past held land in the city of Rosario, which I have sold whenever I met with a buyer. On account of the agitation connected with the question of the capital the demand in that city has become more active, and I was not aware that my being vice-president of the republic prevented me from selling. The sales, moreover, do not reach the tenth part of the amount so maliciously stated.
“I have manifested frankly and openly my opinion on the question of the capital, and I have charged the ministers to make it known to congress in very explicit terms, as if I had a presentiment that the fact of my possessing land in Rosario might give room to the doubt that I had preferred my own private interests to the public good in the manner which I understood it.
“I nevertheless appeal with a tranquil conscience to the testimony of the deputies and senators of congress. I have accidentally met with few of them since I left the presidency of the senate; they will, however, refute with indignation the suspicion that I have sought to tamper with their opinions, and will be able to say whether it be not true that if we have exchanged a few words on the question of the capital, my opinion about it has always been that which least consulted my own private interests.
“I confidently trust, moreover, that justice will punish the slanderer.
“Yours, &c.,
“MARCOS PAZ.
“August 27, 1867.”
August 29.—The Standard’s Rosario correspondent writes as follows in regard to immigration from the United States:
“I think my ideas in reference to settling the Chaco with North Americans will not turn out a myth. We have intelligence from California that some 25 or 30 families will be here before the end of the year, and I hope they will be only the pioneers of hundreds of others.”
The following, taken from the Standard, contains some valuable information from the seat of war not very favorable to the allies, and, coming from a Brazilian, is worthy of consideration:
“NEWS FROM THE SEAT OF WAR.
“Tuyuti, August 21,1867.
“My Dear Friend: Sunday, the 18th instant, I left Corrienties in the steamer Pingo, and reached the Brazilian wooden fleet, anchored in front of Curupaity, at 8 p. m.
“Monday the 19th, at 2 a. m., I entered the RiacheAquia (Dirty river) in a canoe, and, after navigating for an hour and three-quarters, reached a hill on the Chaco side, whose name I ignore, where I met a Brazilian force. Having shown my pass, I proceeded by a path along the left of the wood, and, after walking a good league and a half, I fell in with another Brazilian force, and some men finishing a bridge. Walking another league, I sighted the funnel and masts of a steamer, which proved to be the iron-clad Hewal. A few steps further led me into a military camp, occupied by another Brazilian force, near the ‘Barranca’ of the Paraguay river. A little below the Hewal I then saw the Maria of Barros, whose commander obligingly sent his gig for me. I remained on board till 2.30 p. m., waiting for the little steamer Lindoya, which was to take me up to the other iron-clads in front of Humaita.
“The Lindoya was the only wooden vessel that passed with the iron-clads under shelter of the Brazil, and as I was well acquainted with the commander, I had a long conversation with him respecting the forcing of the Curupaiti pass on the 15th instant. From what I heard [Page 229] then and subsequently, and without a particle of bias or exaggeration of facts, I have come to the clear conclusion, and I am borne out by the testimony and opinion of all who wear the Brazilian naval button, that the passage of Curupaiti by the Brazilian squadron is a useless sacrifice whilst the army does not co-operate. It is said that the squadron is to force the pass of Humaita again, and then that the army will make the siege closer: this will be a sacrifice as painful and as useless as the first.
“I proceed with my narrative. At 4 p. m. the Lindoya was alongside of the Brazil, and a few minutes afterwards I was paying my respects to the brave Admiral Ignacio and his distinguished officers. Although the squadron is scarcely a mile from Humaita, and fronting its fortifications, I wished to go and observe it nearer, and obtained leave to proceed with a boat’s crew and an officer. We went in front of the London battery, and so close that we could see through the apertures what was going on inside.
“This battery reminded me of the Buenos Ayres custom-house, as seen from the passenger’s mole. I counted in it sixteen cannon without the help of a glass, and examined attentively the other batteries ‘a la barbette.’The chains across the river came out of a kind of tunnel diagonally, and are buried in the low grounds of the Chaco. The water is perfectly smooth at this point; the fires converge on all the points of the horseshoe; there is a sharp and short bend in the river, and the guns, which are of heavy calibre, can sweep any vessel presenting itself from poop to stern and from starboard to port-side. After two hours’ careful observation I came to this conclusion, that to insist upon the squadron forcing the pass of Humaita, in order that the army should then begin to operate, is, in my view, a grave error.
“I am not one of those who have any doubts as to the result of the campaign, but what I should wish, and what every soldier and sailor in the allied army and navy asks for is, that a termination be put to this prolonged and sanguinary struggle by a decisive blow. The hesitation and tardiness of the allies is only prejudicial to the cause of the alliance. The enemy is now weak; and with all the elements at the disposal of the allies, let him receive a decisive blow, and not allow him time again to fortify himself. Every day that is allowed to pass, Lopez opens a new ditch in his fortifications, and every one of these ditches must be filled up with hundreds of victims.
“Since my return from my excursion, I have witnessed and heard so much that I cannot understand what is going on here. To-morrow, the 22d, I go to Tuyu-Cué, and I only wish that what I may see there may restore calm to my spirit, and give the lie to the presentiments of my heart. Should this not take place, and should my fears be well-founded, do not wonder at my silence. Rather than distort facts, or, by communicating them, make manifest shameful calamities, I prefer to deprive myself of the pleasure of corresponding with you.
“Yours, sincerely,
“M. A. DE MATTOS.”
August 30.—The provincial chambers have been engaged with the question of the bank and national government. The bill granting to the national government a residence in Buenos Ayres, with jurisdiction over its municipality until the capital question had been finally arranged, was, after a brilliant speech of Minister Avellaneda against it, thrown out by a sweeping majority. This decides the capital question as regards Buenos Ayres, and it is therefore believed that Rosario will be fixed upon-as the permanent seat of government.
August 31.—It is very currently rumored through town, on what is considered high authority, that official information has been received of the utter impossibility of the fleet passing Humaita.
September 2.—The steamer from Rosario that came in yesterday has brought the news that the Cordova revolution has been completely put down without any effusion of blood. General Conesa, by forced marches, came upon the rebels on the 27th of last month, before they had time to organize themselves. Luengo, at the head of about 800 men, came out of Cordova to meet him, but the General having by a masterly tactic got between him and the city. and aware of his advantage, addressed to Luengo the characteristic note, a translation of which and of the answer to it is as follows:
“Sir: My experience as a soldier and citizen induces me to address you. I am in command of the national troops, and come to re-establish the legal authorities. I believe the best thing for you to do is to liberate the war minister and other State prisoners, as their execution would only place an indelible stain on your name, and can only result in bringing on you and your associates the most condign punishment. I hope you will take this advice as coming from a frank and loyal soldier.
“Yours,
“EMILIO CONESA.
“Mr. Simon Luengo.”
To this very sensible appeal Luengo sent the following reply:
“General: I received yours of to-day, and in reply beg to say that for my part with 1,700 good and true men at my back, I should have fought to the last, to fetch out the national authorities, who under some pretext or other have come up here to capsize the government; but everything of late has undergone a the governor has taken the field [Page 230] and calls on the national government to keep him out, as he says he has been turned out by the rebels, which is, after all, a great mistake on his part, when, on the contrary, every man, woman and child in Cordova is fighting for him. The governor now disapproves of my conduct, and, according to decrees I hear of, has dismissed me. Such being the case, my mission is ended, and, therefore, I take your advice; and I have placed myself and men at the order of the war minister.
“Thanking you for your kind advice, I am, dear General, your obedient servant,
“SIMON LUENGA.
“General Don E. Conesa.”
The next day, the 28th, General Conesa made his triumphant entry into Cordova, where he was received with joyful acclamations by the citizens. The war minister and the other national authorities imprisoned were liberated. Governor Luque reassumed the reins of government, and thus terminated the revolution. Luengo with his powerful accomplices succeeded in escaping, but is reported to have been fired upon and wounded by his own men.
September 3.—The steamer Cerro arrived from Paraguay yesterday with dates to the 30th instant. Everything remained in statu quo.
September 4.—News from Cordova is to the effect that Luengo and some of his associates have been caught 13 leagues from the city of Cordova. They will be tried by the federal courts, although some people insist that they should be brought before a court-martial. Dr. Rawson, the minister of the interior, arrived this morning from Rosario. The minister of war, General Martinez is quite unwell, and has remained behind in Rosario.
The following extract from to-day’s Standard gives a resume of the sad prospects of the allies in Paraguay, which is by no means exaggerated:
“To suppose that things can remain much longer as they are is to resist the most convincing evidence to the contrary. Our colleague, the Nacion, very properly says, ‘it can only be done by calling out new levies; at least 15,000 more men are required.’ We have all waited patiently for two and a half years, and at last we have learned the impotence of Brazil’s strongest arm. Situated as at present the iron-clads are an inconvenience more than anything else—out of coal and ammunition.”
SeñorOcampo, the rejected deputy for Entre Rios, has returned to Buenos Ayres in consequence of his re-election. He has presented his diplomas for admission, which have been referred to committee. It is doubtful what course Congress will adopt although it is probable an attempt will be made to postpone coming to a resolution on the matter till next session, not to add new complications to the present critical situation of political affairs.
September 5.—The resignation is announced of Dr. Elizalde and Señor Costa, respectively ministers for foreign affairs and for justice, religion, and education, and of SeñorHuergo, tinder-secretary for foreign affairs. The immediate cause is said to be in connection with the publication by the Nacion Argentina of the unwarranted libel against the vice-president alluded to above, under date of the 27th ultimo. This latter occurrence, however, can only be looked upon as itself the consequence of a serious split in the cabinet, due to the determination of the vice-president to inaugurate a new policy, and to his resolution to get rid’ of the members of his administration who do not thoroughly agree with him.
The following correspondence, from the seat of war, contains sufficiently interesting information and sensible appreciations to give it a place here:
NEWS FROM THE SEAT OF AVAR.
[From the Tribuna’s correspondence. ]
“Camp at Tuyu-Cue, August 29, 1867.
“From the moment that the fleet came within range of the Curupaiti guns to that in which it was beyond their reach, the time occupied was 40 minutes. The Brazil, which is the fastest iron-clad, took that much in performing the feat.
“It seems the Paraguayans displayed great coolness, and that the cannons, to judge by their slow fire, were not well served—that is, did not have their proper complement of artillerymen.
“The passage of Curupaiti has come to establish one of two things—either the Brazilianiron-clads are of an inferior class, or at pistol range a solid shot of 64, or a hollow one of 84 with a steel point, perforates at times the iron plates, and at other times makes depressions of from 10 to 11 centimetres—that is, four or five inches. * * * *
“In view of these antecedents, what will the iron-clads do?
“The three foremost iron-sides are not in sight of the first batteries ‘a barbette’ an the left bank, nor of the fortifications above the London battery; all they can well see are the chains and this latter fortification. * .* * * * *
“It is not known how many guns are mounted at Humaita, nor their calibre. But supposing there are 50 pieces of 64-pounders, we can make the following calculation: As the river is very narrow here the fleet must ascend in single file; it took 40 minutes to get beyond the range of the Curupaiti guns, and to go round the point of Humaita it will take 55 minutes; now granting that each iron-clad should only receive a minimum of two shots for each gun, it would follow that, after passing the fort with closed ports as was done at [Page 231] Curupaiti, it will have received on its starboard side alone a shock equal to 100 times 64, viz., the weight of 6,400 pounds, impelled by the force of a cannon at pistol range.
“Not taking into account the chain obstruction, which is a most serious barrier, on account of the way in which it is placed, and its position being the converging point of all the fires; without mentioning the torpedoes which the enemy may at any moment set floating down the river, neither the accidents that may occur during the passage by confusion, explosion, or running aground—in short, ignoring many things that may happen in front of Humaita, granting that the chain is broken, and that the whole squadron above Humaita is beyond the range of its guns, as it is now beyond that of the Curupaiti guns, we ask, having passed Humaita without dismantling its fortifications, as was done with Curupaiti, what will the fleet do? Where will it get provisions? I don’t ask whence it will get ammunition, because I take it for granted that it has passed without firing a single shot; nor do I ask where will it be able to repair, as I suppose the passage is effected without any serious damage, as stated by Admiral Ignacio in his official report of the passage of Curupaiti, though. I am told the contrary to be the fact. * * * The opportunity has been lost, and in a war an opportunity lost is not easily regained. * * * * *
“The Paraguayan guns bellow forth at all hours, but without causing us any harm. There is sometimes a small cavalry skirmish. Deserters now and then come in, and all more or less say the same thing; but Lopez, like the wheel of Ixion, is still moving.
“There is no scarcity of meat nor biscuit, and the soldier is always a practical exemplification of the adage, ‘A full stomach makes a happy heart.’
“General Osorio, thanks to Dr. Molina’s assistance, is almost recovered. It has been reported that the relations between General Mitre and the Marquis de Caxias are not on the best footing. I can assure you that this supposition is perfectly gratuitous. The sanitary state of the army is so-so.”
The French gunboat Decidée left to-day this port for Paraguay, having on board the new French consul for Asuncion, M. de Cuverville, who goes to replace Mr. Cochelet. The Decidée took up despatches and papers for the Hon. Ch. A. Washburn, forwarded from this legation.
September 6.—It is stated, on good authority, that a new special Brazilian mission is expected in the river Plata, intrusted to Senator Paranhos, who is on all hands acknowledged to be the leading man of the Brazilian diplomatic corps. The official report of Marquis de Caxias to his government—a translation of which is herewith appended—is said to have created a very bad impression in Brazil, and to have led the Brazilian government to the resolution of endeavoring to obtain a modification of the treaty of the triple alliance, more particularly as regards the command-in-chief of the allied armies. The report of the Marquis de Caxias is certainly not very cheerful. It reads as follows:
“Marquis de Caxias’s official report to his government.
“Headquarters on the march, Camp of Tuyu-Cue, August 8.
“Excellency: In the official report I had the honor to address to your excellency, under date of the 4th instant, I communicated all the events that had taken place from the time I left Tuyuti until the arrival of General Mitre in this camp. It is now my duty to bring to your excellency’s notice all that has occurred since the date of my above-mentioned note.
“After consulting with the commander-in-chief, I ordered a force, composed of 2,600 Brazilian and 400 Argentine cavalry, under the command of the oriental general, Don Enrique Castro, to proceed, on the 2d instant, at 4 p. m., towards San Solano, where it was known that a force of the enemy lay, according to reports, with a great number of cattle and horses.
“Our troops passed the night at half a league distance from the above-mentioned place, and towards dawn they sighted the enemy, about 600 or 700 strong, composed of cavalry and infantry, and protected by a deep ‘banado.’Our contingent received the order to charge, and in the course of a few moments had passed the ‘bañado,’and attacked and totally routed the enemy. The latter left on the field of battle more than 100 killed, 30 prisoners, 400 arms, ammunition, 600 head of cattle, and 260 horses and mares.
“I judged it proper afterwards to confer with the commander-in-chief, and I pointed out to him the necessity of our coming to an understanding relative to the plan of operations to be carried out, in order that we might take advantage of the opportunity of the condition of our horses, and the good disposition of our army.
“The commander-in-chief found my remarks reasonable and just, and agreed to meditate upon some plan of operation, which should be submitted to me in writing.
“The enemy has concentrated himself in the quadrilateral of his lines of fortifications, and all his prisoners agree in declaring that his forces are over 20,000 men, and that his communication with the interior is open at several points.
“We have flanked him a little to the rear of the angle of his left lines, and are threatening Humaita. Our horses are beginning to feel the effects of marching, and the want of good fodder and good grass, as only now the former are beginning to arrive from Tuyuti, together [Page 232] with the provisions for the army, of which we must take eight or ten days’ supply, in order to carry into effect any operation, as only by so doing can we be separated without inconvenience from our present way of communication with Tuyuti.
“The enemy, your excellency, against whom we are fighting, is shy, and counts upon the incalculable advantages derived from the knowledge of ground unknown to us, and upon the readiness of its tyrannized people to obey and carry out any orders given to it, however absurd and outrageous these may be. There is not a single house that has not been destroyed by fire or hand, according to Lopez’s orders. This devastation also includes churches, one of which lies in front of us in this state.
“The invading army is obliged to make war at the expense of its own resources, because it finds nothing in the invaded territory; we cannot even use as remounts the horses seized, because they are very small and extremely thin. * * * *
“God preserve your excellency.
“DE CAXIAS.
“Commander-in-chief of all the Brazilian forces in the field against the government of Paraguay.”
September 7.—It is announced that the vice-president has appointed Dr. Ugarte minister for foreign affairs in lieu of Dr. Elizalde, and Señor Uriburu minister of justice, religion, and education, in lieu of Señor Costa. Dr. Ugarte is member of congress and a lawyer of the highest standing, both for ability and integrity. Señor Uriburu is said to hold the same political views as Dr. Urgarte, and was elected president of the national senate on the reassumption of Vice-President Paz of the reins of the executive power consequent upon the return of President Mitre to the seat of war.
September 8.—Last dates from Rio de Janeiro are to the 31st ultimo. Great excitement about the Paraguayan war is everywhere manifesting itself in Brazil. Both in the senate and in the chamber of deputies secret sessions had been held relative to the treaty of the triple alliance. The press has assumed a tone hostile to the Argentine Republic, and is urging the Brazilian government to break off the treaty and prosecute the war against Paraguay single-handed.
From the interior province of Malto Grosso the news has come that the whole Brazilian population left Curumba, headed by the President, and Malto Grosso may be now regarded as completely Paraguayan territory.
September 9.—The notes in which Ministers Elizalde and Costa tendered their resignations are published, with the respective answers. Translations of these documents are as follows:
The ministerial crisis—official notes.
“Buenos Aayres, September 3, 1867.
“In consequence of the determination of your excellency to appeal to the honorable house of national deputies and promote an accusation against the Nacion Argentina for matters published by that newspaper, and as I do not participate in your excellency’s views, I feel it incumbent upon me to resign my post as minister of foreign affairs.
“Whilst I beg that your excellency will be pleased to accept the resignation of the trust I hold, and with which I was honored by the President of the republic, I feel pleasure in manifesting to your excellency my sincere gratitude for all the consideration you have shown me while you have been in charge of the national executive power.
“His Excellency the Vice-President of the Republic, “In charge of the Executive Power, Dr. D. Marcos Paz.”
[Untitled]
“I have the honor to inform you that the vice-president of the republic has accepted your resignation as minister of foreign affairs of the nation, an office which you have discharged with the greatest intelligence and patriotism.
“I have been specially requested by the vice-president to manifest to you that, since the motive which you allege as the cause of the step you have taken had, so far as he was concerned, disappeared, as both the minister of finance and myself took the opportunity of explaining to you, by desire of the vice-president, he highly regrets that you should have thought yourself bound to insist on your resignation, thus depriving the government and the country of the valuable assistance afforded by your enlightenment and zeal.
“The vice-president, on behalf of the government, gratefully acknowledges the distinguished services rendered by you to the nation in the high post you have so worthily filled.
“Having thus acquitted the vice-president’s commission, let me also be permitted to express to you the painful regret I feel at your separation, after having shared with you, for a lengthened period, the labors and the fatigues of the public service, and to renew herewith the assurance of my distinguished regard.
“Señor D. Rufino de Elizalde.”
[Untitled]
“After the interchange of ideas with your excellency which took place at our last interview, I deem it my duty to leave entire freedom to your excellency in seeking to associate yourself in your councils with persons whose views will be more in harmony with the proceedings your excellency intends to adopt with regard to the occurrence due to what has been published by the Nacion Argentina, an occurrence which I deeply lament, and which I cannot but think deserving of condemnation.
“Whilst, therefore, begging your excellency will exonerate me from continuing to hold a share in the administration which you so ably preside, I only regret that the separation takes place before the termination of the struggle in which the republic is engaged in vindication of its outraged honor.
“It is moreover my duty to thank your excellency for the consideration with which you have ever honored me.
“His Excellency the Vice-President of the Republic, “In charge of the National Executive.”
[Untitled]
“The vice-president has received your note, dated the 3d instant, by which, in consequence of reasons therein stated, you tender your resignation of the office of minister of justice, religion, and public instruction.
“I am desired by the vice-president to manifest to you, in reply, that he deeply regrets your action in the matter, and that, after the explanations he has given to induce you to desist from your resignation, he sees himself inevitably constrained to accept it.
“Whilst communicating to you the above, I have to add, that the vice-president thanks you most cordially for the important services rendered by you to the administration in the long period during which you have, with praiseworthy zeal and ability, filled your trust; and he grieves that you should not have continued in that post until you could have witnessed a glorious termination of the external struggle to which the country is still committed, and in which you have rendered important and special services, for which the government and the people will ever be grateful.
“In conclusion, I beg to express my own regret at parting with an enlightened colleague with whom I have shared the labors of the administration, and I have always acted in perfect unity and concord.
“I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.
“G. RAWSON.
“Señor D. Eduardo Costa.”
September 10.—The Tribuna publishes various correspondence from the seat of war, which, in the absence of any news to communicate, dwells upon the unsatisfactory prospects of the campaign. The land army, with the approaching symptoms of an epidemic, that threatens its existence more almost than the bullets of the Paraguayans, is obliged to keep open its extended communications at enormous sacrifice, and remains perfectly inactive, waiting for the iron-clads to pass Humaita, whilst they are not only unable to ascend the river, but have allowed themselves to have their fluvial communications cut off, and are now obliged to secure a new and expensive line of land communication through the Chaco, which is certainly a new feature in naval operations.
Dr. Acosta was yesterday elected president of the national senate in place of Señor Uriburu, who has accepted the office of minister of justice, religion, and education.
September 11.—To-day being the anniversary of the revolution in Buenos Ayres, in 1852, against Urguiza, has, by a decree of the provincial government, been ordered to be observed as a civil festival. Governor Ahina celebrates the day by an official dinner, to which all the diplomatic corps is invited.
The national senate held yesterday a secret sitting, to discuss again the secret provisions of the triple alliance treaty.
The Nacion Argentina of to-day announces that Señor Don Lius Vanla, one of the editors of the Tribuna, will be probably appointed under secretary for foreign affairs.
The first number of an official paper, called the Bolletin Oficial de la Nacion, published by order of the national government as a register of all official documents, appeared yesterday.
Dr Derqui, ex-president of the Argentine Confederation, died last week in Corrientes.