John A. Logan to Frelinghuysen, June 7, 1883

No. 52. Mr. Logan to Mr. Frelinghuysen.

Sir: In compliance with an invitation from the Chilian foreign minister, I was present at the opening of the Chilian Congress upon the 1st instant. The occasion was a very interesting one, as is usually the case here. The President, who had been unwell for a week previous to the opening, was sufficiently recovered to be present and read his message in person.

I accompany with this dispatch, under a separate cover, a printed copy of the message. It is a very able document, and by the boldness with which it meets and treats the various issues between the parties, has done much to dispel the cloud of antagonism which had formed previous to the beginning of the session.

I inclose under cover of this dispatch, marked No. 1, translation of those portions of the message treating of the various points at issue before the country.

Upon the question of concluding the war, the President evidently intended to refute the general charge that the Chilians had no purpose to arrive at a peace. The statement of a desire to make peace as soon as possible, as well as the disavowal of the purpose to permanently occupy Peru, by declaring the autonomy of that country, is very emphatic. My own knowledge of the desires of the Executive upon this point corroborates the utterance of the message, which desires have frequently been stated to you in my dispatches. The President informs the Congress that the bases of peace have been signed with “one of the most honorable leaders of the Peruvian army,” referring to the recent protocol with Iglesias. For prudential reasons the bases of the protocol were not detailed in the message.

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The question of the Holy See and the apostolic delegate, Del Frate, is very highly touched upon, as involving a controversy which is only just at its beginning. At the close of the message the subject is resumed under the aspect of the relations between the church and state, and the most important measures of reform are boldly announced and recommended. Among these are the secularization of cemeteries, the establishment of registry and of civil marriage.

In accordance with the recommendations of the message, a bill has already been introduced into the Senate providing for the secularization of cemeteries.* * * * *

A question relating to the attempted restoration of relations between Chili and Spain is touched upon. This question will be fully laid before you in a subsequent dispatch.

I also inclose a translation of certain portions of the message relating to the army, and the economic and financial condition of the country, all of which will be found of interest.

I have, &c.,