Mr. Hovey to Mr. Seward
Sir : As the political movements in Peru may claim some slight part of your attention, I have deemed it necessary in this despatch to give you a brief outline of recent events.
In addition to the other revolutions, mentioned in former despatches, I have to state that on the 3d day of this month a simultaneous outbreak took place in the department of Cuzco, Arequipa, and Moquegua. These in slight conflicts with the forces of the government were speedily overcome, with little loss of life on either side. It is now rumored that another outbreak has occurred in Tarapaca, the former residence of General Castilla, and that he has left Chili and will probably join in the movement.
From these revolutions now there is but little danger, as the President seems to have the confidence and active co-operation of the army.
The true grounds of these disturbances can only be traced to personal ambition.
Congress is in session making laws and forming a new constitution, and any evil that may exist in the legislation of the country can be speedily remedied.
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The question of religious toleration, or rather of intolerance, gave rise to the first congressional outbreak. The clergy, women, and rabble so intimidated that body that an article against toleration was forced through by a vote of 43 to 40 ; the section adopted being in substance as follows:
That the Roman Catholic and Apostolic religion be the sole and only one exercised in and maintained by the state.
I am informed and believe that many members voted in the affirmative to prevent an outbreak of the people, under the instigation of the clergy.
There can be but little doubt that the clergy of Peru is by far the most potent influence now exercised in this government, and it would indeed be difficult at this time to oppose it with success.
The disturbance on the religious question caused the change to be made in the cabinet, reported to you in my despatch No. 60, of March 14th, 1867. The cabinet then chosen was formed to appease the church party, and was made under the influence of the religious mob that surrounded the congressional halls.
[Page 766]This being the case, and the majority in congress secretly opposed to the power of the clergy, the healing of the breach was of short duration.
The ministry, on the 10th of April, were called before congress, passing through a mob in the Plaza of Bolivar. The rabble were clamorous around the doors of the congress, threatening all who opposed their religion.
In this condition an angry altercation took place between the ministers and the members of congress, in which one of the latter accused the President and ministry of conspiring to murder them. Thereupon the ministers withdrew, which speedily led to the adoption of a resolution of censure against the cabinet.
During this excitement two of the members were beaten with stones by the mob, although, as I believe, every precaution was taken by the President to prevent a disturbance.
The ministers, after withdrawing from the congress, tendered their resignations, which the President declined to accept. Several days intervened, and on the 24th of April the following law was enacted by congress:
Resolved, That the President cannot continue administrating public matters with ministers against whom a vote of censure has been passed.
If within 24 hours after the approval of this resolution the ministers referred to have not vacated their places in the cabinet, the president of this congress will issue the present law.
From the date of the issue of this law, all acts authorized by the ministers referred to are null.
Whereupon on the 25th instant the cabinet again tendered their joint resignation, which has been accepted by the President.
The formation of the new cabinet had not as yet been made public.
It is not unworthy of remark that congress up to this date has not proclaimed the election of the President, although they hold their seats by virtue of the same election.
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I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.