Mr. Burton to Mr. Seward
Sir: Since his return from Europe, President Mosquera has spoken much of his admiration for and attachment to the British nation. He has on numerous occasions, as I am reliably informed, expressed his preference for that people over all others. This expression has been in connection with the contemplated sale of the national reserves in the Panama railroad and the construction of a ship canal across the isthmus. I happen to be in possession of facts which induce the belief that there is something of policy in this, and that what the President really desires to accomplish is a sale of the road to the present company and to our countrymen of the privilege to open the canal, and in conjunction with these to secure a perpetuation or extension for a long period of the existing treaty guarantee of the isthmus to Colombia. If our government feels sufficient interest in these enterprises, I beg to suggest that, in my judgment, the time for action has arrived. By timely and judicious action, these important privileges can probably be secured on advantageous terms. If not secured soon they are likely to pass into unfriendly hands. I would most earnestly call the prompt attention of the department to these matters.
Whatever may be the President’s object in thus eulogizing Great Britain, his intimate personal friends believe, or affect to believe, that he expresses his real sentiments.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.