Riva Palacio to Foster, December 3, 1876

Mr. Palacio to Mr. Foster.

The case foreseen by the eighty-second article of the constitution of the republic having presented itself, the citizen-president of the supreme court of justice of the nation, in compliance with the duty imposed upon him by that provision, has assumed the character of President ad interim of the republic.

I have the honor to inform your excellency of this by direction of that supreme magistrate, who also instructs me to state to your excellency that the legitimate government will not accept for the nation any engagement or obligation whatever which any other person may contract, nor will it recognize other obligations than those which emanate from the acts of public authorities or functionaries which may recognize the said legitimate government, or which are subordinate to it.

I improve the opportunity to offer to your excellency the assurances of my very distinguished consideration and special appreciation.