Office of the Historian

No. 208.
Mr. Wing to Mr. Fish.

United States Legation,
Quito, Ecuador, December 12, 1873. (Received Jan. 19, 1874.)
No. 354.]

Sir: Herewith I have the honor to forward copy and translation (1 and 2) of a recent decree of the Ecuadorian Congress, which may prove interesting in view of the religious agitation now so universally prevalent.

It is likewise shown thereby that the papal power has lost none of its strength in Ecuador, no matter how it may have fared in other parts of the world.

I have, &c.

RUMSEY WING.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 354.—Translation.]

Decree of the Ecuadorian Congress, granting an annual tribute to the Pope.

The senate and deputies of Ecuador in Congress united, considering:

1st.
That the Catholic population should contribute to the sustenance of the universal government of the Church;
2d.
That this duty is more required at present when our sainted Father finds himself despoiled by iniquitous usurpations of his lands and incomes, and when no Catholic government should fear to comply; and
3d.
That the circumstances of the republic permit to give in some manner a solemn testimonial of their adhesion to the sacred seat—

Decree:

  • Article 1. Ten per cent, of the part of the church revenues (diezmos) that belongs to the state shall be remitted annually by the Executive to the sainted Father during the embarrassing circumstances with which he is now afflicted, and as an offer of justice, loyalty, and reverence that the Ecuadorian people make to the head of the Church.
  • Art. 2. The present decree shall be considered in force as from the beginning of the present year.

Communicate it to the Executive for compliance and execution.

Given in Quito, capital of the republic, October 1, 1873.

The president of the senate,
ROBERTO DE ASCASUBI.

President of the house of deputies,
VINCENT LUCIO SALAZAR.

Secretary of the senate,
CARLOS CARCARES.

Secretary of the house of deputies,
PEDRO JOSÉ CEVALLOS.

Government palace in Quito, October 3, 1873. Executive.
G. GARCIA MORENO.

The minister of state,
JOSÉ JAVIER EGUIGUREN.