No. 240.
Mr. Gibbs
to Mr. Fish.
Lima, Peru, September 21, 1876. (Received October 14.)
Sir: I have the honor to refer to my dispatches Nos. 90 and 92, relative to the political affairs of this republic.
Since the meeting of the Congress July 28, nothing has been done in the legislative chambers of any interest or benefit to the country, only one act being passed by both chambers, pardon for political offenses.
A great part of the session has been occupied in contested election cases of senators and deputies from the different departments. As the “civilists” have the majority, the decisions are generally in favor of their candidates with what justice I cannot say. The last contested case was on the senator for this department, which caused quite an excited debate. Several districts of the department were thrown out, and the “civilists” candidate declared elected; a meeting was held Sunday the 17th, by the electors, a protest was declared against the decision, and then the meeting adjourned quietly.
It is rumored that President Prado will leave this capital and remove the troops to a place called Lurin, some 20 miles to the south of this city.
This, in my opinion, would be a dangerous proceeding for the peace of the country. There are a great number of unruly people at present in Lima, ready for any mischief, and a great number of disaffected people who wish a change and a return to power of the military party. To leave the city to the protection of the police would invite a revolution, as the army, small as it appears, is sufficient to keep the unruly and mischievous in awe.
* * * * * * *
The leading journal of the civilists, El Comercio, of last evening, refers in an item to these reports, and says: “We do not know what there is of truth in these rumors, but we can assert that this day various military officers have gone to. Lurin and Chancay (about 40 miles north), with the object of examining those places as regards their respective advantages for military camps.”
I am, &c.,