No. 359.
Mr. Settle to Mr. Fish.
Lima, Peru, October 20, 1871. (Received November 18.)
Sir: As was anticipated, the election for President, which commenced on the 15th instant, was opened in a riotous manner. The supporters of Pardo surrounded the tables at a very early hour, and when the friends of Echenique approached a general firing with revolvers from both sides took place, in which several were killed and many wounded. It soon became apparent, however, that the friends of Pardo had the advantage, and the Echenique party retired. The polls for the momentary election (as it is called) were kept open until 2 o’clock on Sunday forjudges of the permanent election. On Monday the newly-elected judges, all of whom were supporters of Pardo, organized and received from the government the books of registration, and proceeded to receive votes.
The election continues for one week. On Tuesday the friends of Ureta opened tables on their own account, and were proceeding to take votes when the friends of Pardo assaulted and dispersed them and destroyed their tables. This led to a proclamation from the government, in which it was declared that any party might erect tables and receive votes, and that they should be protected by the military. So that we now have tables for each candidate, and doubtless it will be claimed that five different electoral colleges have been chosen, who in their turn will probably choose five different persons for President. This will carry the election to congress, which does not assemble until the 28th of July, 1872. But as one third of the members of the next congress are also chosen for six years by these same electoral colleges, it is probable that five sets of congressmen will present credentials, and it may be that Lima will lose her representation altogether, as she has for many years, on account of her elections having been declared null and void by congress.
[Page 471]The same disorders attended the elections in Callao, and, as I learn in many other parts of the country.
I think there were some fifteen or twenty persons killed in Lima and Callao, and many more wounded. Fortunately the rioting was confined principally to the supporters of Fardo and Echinique, and did not result in violence to foreigners or others who remained away from the scenes of action. The places heard from indicate a majority for Fardo. At this time everything is quiet, and the different partisans will proceed with their respective elections until next Sunday, when the polls will be closed.
It is not probable that any further disturbances will take place until after the action of congress next August.* * *
I have, &c,