No. 357.
Mr. Settle to Mr. Fish.
Lima, Peru, September 22, 1871. (Received October 14.)
Sir: I have had occasion in a former dispatch to speak in high terms of President Balta. He has recently given additional evidence of his patriotism and earnest desire to maintain law and order in Peru. I am credibly informed that, during the past week, he requested an interview with the three most prominent of the live presidential candidates and it is understood that, in response to his appeals, a compromise was effected by which two of the candidates are to withdraw from the contest, thus securing a peaceable election, to be followed by a peaceable administration for the next four years. This solution of the presidential difficulty is highly creditable to all concerned. In Arequipa there have been riots between the partisans of Echenique and Ureta, which resulted in bloodshed; but by this happy arrangement all parties will be united, and every one reassured of the stability of the government.
In Lima it is believed that the compromise (the basis of which has been arranged) will result in the election of Manuel Par do, who, without intending any disparagement of the other candidates, I have no hesitation in pronouncing one of the ablest men in Peru. He is a man of liberal comprehensive views, and one of the chief promoters of internal improvements.
President Balta’s term does not expire until July, 1872. I believe that it is now his highest ambition to pass the government over to his successor in a prosperous condition.
I have, &c,