The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-01-25
FIRST EDITION
PARAGUAY.
The Origin of the Trouble Be-
tween Minister Washburn
and Lopez.

General Mcmahon wrote to Secretary Seward,
lome weeks back, an account of the condition
Of things in Paraguay. In his letter he gives in
brief the origin OF the trouble between our
Minister and the Paraguayan officials, as fol-
lows:-
II appears that the Government of Paraguay
demanded OF the Minister of the United States
the dismissal from the Legation of Messrs.
Bliss and Masterman, mem GERS OF the Legation,
reported as such to the Minister of Foreign
Affairs some time previous to the demand for
their delivery. Mr.. Washburn declined TO
comply with this demand. Tne Minister of
Foreign Affairs insisted, denying that the
individuals named were members of the
United States Legation, and alleging that
they had been indicted for treason aud
conspiracy before the judicial tribunal, aud
that evidence to sustain the charges was in
the possession of the Government. | would
call attention here TO the fact that at n subse-
quent stage of the correspondence the
Minister of Foreign Affairs alleged that similar
evidence against the Minister of the United
States was on record IN the tribunal OF justice,
and produced certain depositiOns alleged to
have been made by members of the conspiracy
then awaiting trial, or already convicted. A
peremptory demand was also made upon Mr..
Washburn for the surrender of package of
papers alleged TO have been intrusted to him
by one of the traitors. He denied in positive
and explicit terms that such package had been
delivered to him, whereupon the demand of
the Paraguayan Government was discour-
ence of great length, much embarrassed
by the painful and ingenious attempt
to connect the Minister of the United
States with the conspiracy for the overthrow of
the Government, Mr.. Washburn finally receives
his passport in accordance with his repeated
request, and is notified that steamer is in
readiness to convey him to Vlleta, where the
United States steamer Wasp awaits him. The
Government refuses passports for Messrs. Bliss
and Masterman, and arrests them in the street,
while on their way to the steamer in company
with the Minister and his family. Mr.. Wash
burn, after addressing letter to President
Lopez, solemnly protesting against the arrest
and detention of members of his Legation and
other acts done in Paraguay proceeded to
Buenos Ayres, where he still remains,
These events have naturally produced great
excitement in South America, and there exists,
Of course, much speculation, with some diver.
sty of opinion, as to the course of action proper
to be taken in anticipation OF instructions from
the Government at Washington. Mr.. Webb,
our Minister at the Court of Brazil, has frankly
and with characteristic kindness expressed to
me his views as to the proper course to be fol-
lowed, and has informed me that in the COM
muniCation which / am now hourly expecting
to receive from him he will discuss the affairs
OF the Paraguayan Missou and ntorm me at
Length of his opinions. thanked him for the
kgnd interest he manifested in subject of some
em mbarassment to me, and willIgive TO his letter
Of advice such careful and respectful conside-
ration as his high character and great
experience deserve tor it. At the same time l
am confident the Department will not expect of
me that will permit myself to be deferred by
the high consideration and respect entertained
for Mir. Webb from proceeding at once with the
Admiral TO the nearest proper point of approach
10 the capital of Paraguay, for the purpose of
promptly advising the Secretary OF events as
they occur. | make this remark because, in
consultation with Mr.. Webb, he informed me
that il was his opinion that / ought not under
any circumstances TO proceed beyond Buenos
yres; that the United States are now in state
of war with Paraguay; that my instructions are
therefore abrogated; that, having no power to
mahe peace, l would com promise the dignity OF
the Government by approaching Paraguayan
territory. From these views l am compelled to
dissent. / believe 1t my duty to inform the
Secretary of State of all that occurs in Para
quay, and this duty can peform properly only
by proceeding up the Pdraua river with the
squadron. ...
! have officially acquainted the Admiral with
the state OF affairs as already com munlcated to
the Department, and informed him that in the
absence of instructions from Washington, diplo-
matte relations with the Government of Para
quay will not be resumed until the two memb bers
Of the Legation now held by President Lopez
are released, and such reparation made as may
seem proper in view of the serious character Of
the offense committed against the honor and
dignity of the United States.
IMessrs. Bliss an Masterman were delivered
over to Rear Admiral Davis, United States Navy,
4 on the 1lth of last mouth. Official notice of this
action, however was only received by the
Washington authorities on Saturday last.-ED.
EVE. TBLl