Mr. Plumb to Mr. Seward.
Sir: On the 10th instant there was published in the Diario Oficial an official notice that Mr. Lerdo de Tejada had separated from the department of foreign affairs, on account of the supreme court of justice having refused the license asked by the government, that he might leave the exercise of the functions of president of the said court in order to continue in the ministry, and that the chief clerk remained in charge of the department. I inclose translation of said notice herewith.
On the 15th instant, but under date of the 10th, I received from the department of foreign affairs the customary notice of this change, as will appear in the communication, copy and translation of which are also inclosed herewith.
The withdrawal of Mr. Lerdo de Tejada from a direct participation in the executive government cannot but have a very important bearing upon the course of affairs in this country.
His ability, positiveness, and force of character have made him for some time virtually the soul of the administration, and there will be no one who can take the same place for a considerable period.
On the 16th instant there was published in the Diario Oficial an official announcement that the position of minister of justice and public instruction, rendered vacant by the continued illness and consequent resignation of Mr. Martinez de Castro, had been tendered to Mr. Mariscal, late chargé d’affaires in the United States; and yesterday his acceptance of that place in the cabinet of President Juarez was officially published in the same paper.
Mr. Mariscal, it is stated in the public journals, has also just been elected, by a popular vote, a magistrate of the supreme court, and, at the same time, also, deputy to the congress of the Union.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.