No. 333.
Mr. Caldwell to Mr. Fish.
Montevideo , March 16, 1876. (Received April 17.)
Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department of an entire change of the executive of this republic. The entire want of confidence in President Varela and the legislative chambers, their unwise measures, and the daily increasing financial distress, indicated by gold reaching nearly 900 per cent. premium, compelled the resignation of President Varela, which was made on the 10th instant. We are officially informed that this resignation was voluntary, but it is well understood to have been compulsory. The minister of war, Colonel Latorre, who had secured the support of the army, is known to have put a pressure on the President which he could not resist. The legislative chamber also dissolved, all the members resigning. A mass-meeting held in the plaza marched to the house of Colonel Latorre and offered him the position of executive, which he accepted with the title of provisional governor. He is, in reality, dictator. His rule has been accepted by the whole country with entire quiet. His programme and measures thus far are in the highest degree praiseworthy. He is enforcing the most rigid economy, reducing officials to the lowest possible limit, and promises soon to disband part of the army. Confidence is much greater than before, as indicated by the fall of gold from 830 to 500 per cent.
The following is the executive: Lorenzo Latorre, provisional governor; Joseph M. Montero, jr., minister of government; Ambrosio Valasco, minister of foreign relations; John A. Vazquez, minister of finance; Edward Vazquez, minister of war and marine.
I have, &c.,