The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-09-14


people Of any Of the various States into which
that continent is divided. We are agreeably
surprised by perusal Of the report Of the
Foreign Minister of Peru, presented to the
Congress of that republic, now in session. The
last event of note that we had occasion to
chronicle, in connection with Peru, was the
prospect Of hostilities between that State and
the Colombian republics 1t will be remem-
bered that not long since the famous Flores
made another attempt to overturn the govern
ment OF Ecuador and actually fitted out an
armament which was to restore him to his lost
power and dignity. These military prepara-
lions were made in Peru; and Ecuador and
her sister States Venezuela and New Granada
not unnaturally exclaimed against the conduct
of their neighbor in tolerating the equipment
of piratical expedition within its borders
Peru protested-feebly enough, in truth
against the imputation Of completely with
Flores; but the Colombians were not satisfied,
and withdrew their representative from the
Peruvian capital This unfortunate state of
affairs lasted some months, to the great detri-
ment Of the commerce Of all the countries
concerned.
ST. J. NJ. Tirado, the Peruvian Minister,
| now informs us that the difficulty has been
| definitely arranged, and that the various
republics of South America are living together
in peace and amity. How far this statement
is borne out by other informants we shall pre-
sently inquire. But there is no doubt that
! Flores has ceased to be bone of contention.
In fact after his failure whatever private views
the government OF Peru may have had, it would
have been arrant folly to espouse his cause
openly. The Peruvians acted a more polite
part in turning him out of doors, and allowing
him to build schemes of future instructions at
Santiago, in Chill. where he now resloes. Mol
lifted by this friendly proceeding the govern
ment Of Ecuador and ner sister States retract-
ed their hostile language, and resumed dip,o-
matte intercourse with Peru.
Almost simultaneously with this seml-quar.
REL another difficulty, which at one time threat
ened to assume far more formidable proportions,
betel Peru. Modern chemistry had invested
| two or three barren rocks, at few miles dis
lance from the Peruvian coast, with very
| important value; and straightway the two
| great maritime nations of the world-the Unit
ed States and England endeavored to help
| themselves to the islands. The world remem-
bers how great commotion was excited by
Mr.. Webster's plea in favor of the United States
claim to the Lobos and their guano. Peru was
within an ace Of fighting. Commodore McAu-
lick was on his way to the scene, with guns
double-shotted and crews eager for brush
Never had the world so narrow an es-
af g.
our fair fame. however, Mr.. Webster's
error was discovered in time, the pugna-
ciOus squadron was recalled. and Peru's title
to the Lobos was honorably recognized. With
equal liberality, the government OF the repub-
lie did all that lay in its power to protect
American shippers from loss in consequence of
the change in our policy and views; cargoes
were furnished them by the government, and,
so far as We can learn none of the feet which
set sail on the atrangth IF tho fansoas lottcr 10
Captain Jewett lost money for their charterers
The termination of the imbroglio in SO happy
a manner affords Signor Tirado another occa-
sion OF congratulating his fellow-subjects; and
we are glad to join our Fluctuations to his On
the whole. contrasting the foreign relations of
Peru, as depicted in the report of the Foreign
Secretary, with her position towards her neigh
bors and other nations two or three years ago,
it is impossible not to see that progress has
been made. New commercial treaties have been
executed with the great powers and the inter-
| nal administration in matters relating to trade
| has apparently been much improved. We re-
joce to see that Peru is alive to the Importance
| Of throwing open the Amazon to foreign vessels:
and we trust that when the international conven-
| tion now in progress between Brazil, Peru and
their neighbors is given to the world, it will be
found worthy of the liberal tendencies of the
age.
This is the bright side of the picture. If we
turn to the reverse we shall see war-civil war
raging on a small scale, it is true, but still
virulently, throughout the South American
States. Ecuador has barely recovered from the
commotion excited by Flores invasion. Vene-
zuela is prey to conflict between an insur-
gent party and the established authorities At
our last accounts the government was in the
ascendant. Disheartened by reverses. the reve-
lutionists had in many places laid down their
arms. Cumana, while in their possession had
been destroyed by an earthquake and several
Of their chiefs had deserted their ranks. Hence
the government looks forward with confidence
| to the restoration of tranquility. Those who
| are familiar with the character Of the Vcnezue-
| lsns will see nothing more in the fact than the
prospect of a brief truce.
Farther south, the war between Bolivia and
Peru is being actively prosecuted. The Peruvian
forces have invaded Bolivia and the inhabitants
Of the latter State are resisting manfully Peru
protests, as usual, that all she wishes is the
good of Bolivia. The latter claims not without
| some show of reason, to be the best Judge Of
| her own interests. So they fight.
1t would seem as though Providence had de.