Mr. Kilpatrick to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to announce the resignation by Mr. Alvaro Covarrubias of his portfolio as minister of internal and foreign affairs, and the appointment of Mr. F. Vargas Fontecilla in his stead, which events took place on the 26th ultimo.
This change of ministers is regarded as an initiatory step toward a new policy in respect to the Spanish American war, and many predicate upon it hopes of an early peace. The appointment of the new minister was so unexpected, and his opinion on the subject of the war so little known, that it is impossible to judge with accuracy to what extent this change was influenced by considerations of peace with Spain. The press of the country is at a loss to explain the event; but it is the opinion of the diplomatic corps here that peace is the prime motive for the resignation of Mr. Covarrubias, whose official correspondence on the subject of mediation, by its decided tone and comprehensive demands upon Spain for reparation, had debarred him from inaugurating measures for an amicable adjustment of the Spanish American question. I concur in this opinion, and shall avail myself of the earliest favorable opportunity that may present itself to renew my efforts for hastening so desirable a conclusion of the war; but I shall not feel it incumbent upon me to take action in this respect until I am well assured that it would be entirely acceptable to this government.
I shall probably be able to advise you more definitely on this subject by the next mail, and I entertain the hope that the terms upon which Chili proposes to avail herself of the mediation of the United States government may be so reconsidered as to remove many of the obstacles now thwarting all attempts at peaceful negotiation.
The domestic agitation to which I have referred in previous despatches seems to have passed away. The country is now comparatively quiet, with no material change in the situation as regards preparations for national defence.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.