The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-06-04

territory, occupied by Brazilian forces and In con-
sequence thereof the first Paraguayan expedition
Asuncon on the l4th OF December Of the same year.
The declaration Of against the Argentine govern
Of March, and the official notification thereof on the
18th OF said month; the capture OF the above men,
toned Argentine steamers OF war and the occupation OF
the Province Of Correntes happened on the lSsh OF
April following.
As regards the Oriental republic my government is
yet ignorant Of the motives which induced its discre-
iionary Governor TO take up arms against Paraguay
This Is hurried but exact data which forced tho
republic OF Paraguay 70 declare war against The empire
OF which his Exceency the Marshal President wished
20 avoid believing that the boodshed in the present
war might be considered sufficient TO wash out the
grievances which placed in the hands of the bel
gerents both the OBLIGATION winch civilization
duced him to propose the Allied AZ his
interview with General Nitro in Yatay-Cora. terms TO
honorably cease the ameniabe ELECTS of the present
sangunary war, and not his impotence sustain for
further tune war in which his honor and principles are
pledged.
II the rtursof peace was thus interpreted events
have proved the error OF such suppositioD.
The secret treaty which by chance was published
Is the nsuperable obstacle which the alliance offers To
deciding the question by diplomacy The republics OF
the Pacific have been alarmed this treaty
which, ! may DO excused in remarsing Is mos.
unjust document The cabinet OF Lima used these
here
There can be nothing just or rational than
treaty OF alliance offensive and defensive, for waging
war with the object obtain eparaiion for injury
but that an alliance should be Sormed the purpose OF
up citing government to replace it with another,
changngtits institutions is character the
war such war Is not 10 reestablsh Unidentified rights,
nor TO seek reparon for injury II is purely aud simply
war OF intervention respecting which other nations
not remain passive spectators; and, above ALL when
these nations have interest at stake not only the
preservation OF those principles winch form were
Their international law, but also In the continental equ
brium, and Furthermore, in their own safety
And such treaty, b. lie Mnistre. is a on the
sovereignty aud Independence OF the Republic Of Para
quay, and whilst II stipuates her submission to the
allied Governments, the utter disappearance DISCO
luton OF her legal government, the disarmng Of the
country, and the subdivision Of her territory entails
upon her an immense debt aud establishes a
Protectorate. 1t goes further, it creates n
government over which the influence OF the allies will
weigh with an iron hand that it may tho utter
ruin OF the republic. And shall be asked to accept
this unworthy treaty which offered TO the government
OF the republic when we have elements more than su.
Gent at our command 10 sustain with the fullest
Our rights a free and Independent nation Arc these
the preliminary bases OF treaty of peace 10 be offered
us when they are the provisions OF treaty that
only be carried out in the improbable OF
plee victory Or should say, by the conquest OF the
should deem IL offence to your Excellency in
commenting further on the provisions of this scandaous
and dlshonorable doclment-one without precedent in
the history OF the world.
The republic is prepared to stand by its govern ment
Its institutions aud its political existence, succumb
with glory beneath its ila,, which high and aof, is
waved the banner OF liberty, sustaining with euthu
astic ardor its motto OF peace and justice.
In complying with the order have received from his
Excelency tho Marshal President OF the republic per-
init me 10 hope that your Excellency impartial
witness at the seat OF war; will inform your government
respecting the situation Of the belgerents and the i'm.
pershabe dec sion OF the government and people OF
Paraguay to save themselves by victory since
mics, with the most nhuman perseverance, persist in
carrying on the war.
While closing this present note, have the honor to
the assurance OF my most distinguished consideration
and regard. JOSE BERCES