Mr. Burton to Mr. Seward
Sir: The last twelve months haves been productive of events of but little interest in Colombia.
The inauguration of President Mosquera, on the 20th of May last, operated as a slight check to the anarchy and demoralization which had become fearfully prevalent throughout the country under the administration of Señor Murillo, and of which I gave some account in my No. 197.
But one revolutionary outbreak has occurred within the last year or twelvemonth. In March last the emissaries of the State authorities of Panama, deposed in March, 1866, attempted to incite a revolt on the isthmus, which was at once suppressed. It is supposed, and, perhaps, with reason, that President Mosquera will manage to have the present government of that State overthrown, and to reinstate the former rulers of the isthmus, who are his partisans. This would be unfortunate for our people, as the existing authorities are comparatively just and friendly to them, while those put down in March, 1865, are hostile to them, and made up in the main of men who are nothing less than robber chiefs.
The administration of President Mosquera has so far been energetic and arbitrary. It has been guided by his own will, without any nice regard for the constitution or laws. He is, in fact, dictator, and it is well for the country, for it is so lawless and demoralized that regular government is impracticable. It is to be regretted, however, that patriotism and statesmanlike ideas have so little place in the administration. President Mosquera’s notions of government are narrow, crude [Page 583] and eccentric, and his political action more the result of impulse, vanity, and passion than of any settled and intelligent system or conviction. Opposition to his adversaries is his chosen way, without regard to its justice or expediency. His measures appear to be mere temporary expedients and capricious experiments, without any comprehensive or remote ends in view. He acts as though he had hut a day in which to establish his policy, if such it may be called. He, indeed, boasts that inasmuch as he cannot live beyond two years, he must do all in that time or Colombia is lost. There is, perhaps, a mixture of truth in this. His cabinet is made up of mere instruments. Not a single member is possessed of the capacity or attainments for the place.
The general march of the country continues as I have repeatedly described it. President Mosquera’s rule will probably increase the financial embarrassments of the nation. He has always been noted for his wasteful administration of the public resources, and the habit seems to grow on him with age. The future of this people must be a sad one indeed.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.