No. 44.
Mr. Reynolds to Mr. Fish.
La Paz, Bolivia, January 6, 1875. (Received February 17.)
Sir: The complexion of the attempted revolution has materially changed since my last dispatch of December 31, No. 30. General [Page 76] Quentin Quevedo has eluded General Daza, and has arrived in this city, and is making preparation to resist the troops under command of General Daza. This was quite unexpected to all citizens here, and it is said quite unexpected to himself, as he barely escaped capture near the city of Cochabamba, and was not advised of the meeting of the second battalion and the attempted revolution here. He arrived in the city on Saturday, the 2d instant, and was received by about five hundred soldiers and as many citizens. This changes the state of affairs, and makes the restoration of the “Frias government” much more difficult.
The readiness and facility with which the “rank and file” of the army change front and absolve themselves from their oaths as soldiers in this country is a matter of profound astonishment to me, and hereafter I will not attempt to forecast what may transpire in the future of this republic.
The general feeling among the citizens and foreigners is much more hopeful than prior to his entrance, as they feel that in General Quevedo they have a man of culture, and one who will respect the usages and laws of nations, and will not proceed to those violent measures which were threatened a few days ago. The only attempted molestation of this legation transpired on the 31st ultimo, in an assault made by soldiers upon my messenger, attempting to forcibly take him from the house to enlist him as a soldier. They desisted, however, upon my interference; and upon my addressing a note to the general in command, protesting strongly against such treatment, fully advising him of the facts in the case, he immediately wrote a letter of apology, saying that he had no knowledge of the matter, and issued a stringent general order requiring all officers and soldiers to protect the flags of all foreign legations and consulates in the city. The order further required full immunity and privilege to all messengers, servants, and attaches of legations and consulates.
There is no further intelligence from President Frias, except that he is en route to this city, and that he has reached Oruro, where General Daza with the government troops are reported to have been two days ago.
As I close this dispatch, Dr. Casimiro Corral is entering the city whence he was expelled, .as reported in my dispatch dated November 8, (No.20.)
This complicates the situation still further, as Dr. Corral has the confidence of the natives, or “cholos,” and the Indians in a large measure, and although he and General Quevedo heretofore have been bitter enemies, it is now thought that they will make common cause against the government of President Frias.
I send herewith the address of General Quevedo, also copy of Bulletin No. 3, issued on January 1st and 3d, for file in the Department.
I am, &c.,