No. 497.
Mr. Stevens to Mr. Fish
Montevideo, July 8, 1872. (Received August 21.)
Sir: Since the date of ray dispatch, No. 9, of last month, (Paraguay series,) the aspect of affairs between Brazil and the Argentine Republic has increased in belligerency. The press of the two countries has become extremely bitter, and well-informed persons think war imminent. The Argentine government has recently designated General Mitre, former President, and largely responsible for the entrance of the Argentines into the alliance against Paraguay, as special minister to Rio de Janeiro, with large powers to make the effort to arrange amicably the matters in controversy between the two nations. General Mitre left this city one week since, and at this date must, have arrived in Rio de Janeiro. There are strong reasons for the belief that the Emperor and the party in power in Brazil secretly wish war, if it can be made to appear to the world that the Argentines invoke it. The logic of recent events and of transpiring facts indicate that Brazil is covertly seeking her opportunity to increase her domain and power southward. Five days since I had an interview with an intelligent gentleman * * who has had much experience in South American affairs, of decided caution and moderation, recently from Rio, where he has had rare opportunities to learn the secret tendencies and purposes of the Emperor and his confidential advisers. He gave it as his unqualified opinion that the Emperor and the conservative party now in power desire war, if the Argentines can be made to assume the responsibility of commencing it.* * * This country has just emerged from a protracted civil war, and the effects of peace are already cheeringly auspicious. Foreign capital and efficient organizations to wield it are already actively engaged in important operations in this country, and other enterprises are soon to be launched if the scourge of war can be kept away.
I have the honor, &c.,