Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Third Session of the Fortieth Congress
Mr. Sullivan to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith the message of President Santos Acosta to the Colombian congress. I hope that by the next mail I will be able to send you the answer of this government to my note demanding suitable indemnities in behalf of the families of Borchart and Murdaugh, murdered at Carthagena, on the 1st of September last, as well as on behalf of the two survivors of that barbarous outrage.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D.C.
[Translation.]
Message of the President of the United States of Colombia to the Constitutional Congress of 1868.
Citizen Senators and Representatives: I comply with my duty in reporting to you the course of events since the close of the last session of congress, and the condition of affairs in the republic during my administration; but first let me congratulate you and the country on your meeting this day. The assembly of the federal congress at the time fixed by the constitution is one of the most auspicious events in the ordinary life of representative countries, for it announces order and regularity in the system of government, promises satisfaction to the political wants of society, offers light to the rulers in public affairs, and places the responsibility for everything upon those who are charged with supreme command.
I have discharged the duties imposed upon me by Providence and the people of Colombia, to the best of my ability, and with the best intentions.
Now that peace is restored throughout the republic by the defeat of the rebels in Tolima, the federal government will continue quietly in the path traced by the constitution. All branches of the government are working well, and hopes are entertained that they will not again be disturbed by internal commotion.
Tolima became quiet soon after the disappearance of its governor, who took the part of the dictator who wished to subjugate the country. After the national victories in [Page 1051] that State the federal forces were withdrawn and the State organization was continued without molestation in any way. Elections were held for a, convention which formed a constitution, a governor was elected, and members to the federal congress. But this was scarcely done when opposition arose to the new government, particularly in the southern part of the State. These were hardly suppressed when other revolts broke out, and even now there are many enemies of the present government in the State.
Before I received the new constitution of Tolima, I heard of new revolts. The provisional governor informed me that the State was invaded by armed bands from Canea, and asked for national aid to oppose them.
I have had no official intercourse with the new government, because existing laws do not justify it. The law of the 16th of April, on public order, allows the federal government to acknowledge a new government in a State where rebellion exists only under two circumstances: where there is a complete submission of the insurgents and a return to the old order of things; and where the new government is organized in conformity to article 8, section 1, of the national constitution. This is the plain meaning of that law, although political cliques may give it a different interpretation. Neither of these circumstances have occurred in the new government of Tolima. For these reasons I leave the new government to be confirmed by the congress which is about to assemble.
Next to my care for domestic interests, my solicitude has been to keep up friendly relations with foreign powers, and fortunately this has been attained. Though this state of things is chiefly due to the frankness, honesty, and loyalty of my government, yet the just and benevolent conduct of the distinguished diplomatists accredited to this country has greatly contributed to it. At no former time has our relations with other governments been more cordial. From the United States of America we have recently received touching testimonials of regard.
Besides the foreign ministers that were with us at the last session of congress, we have an envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary from the empire of Brazil, and a minister resident from the American Union lately arrived.
I have thought proper to send a distinguished Colombian as first class minister to Venezuela, to settle our boundary question, tariff regulations between the two nations, and the navigation of common rivers. The mission promises satisfactory results, and I hope it will be confirmed by the senate.
I have not accredited ministers to other countries of America and Europe, because the term of my office expires so soon, I thought it would be better to leave that duty to my successor. I have advised Colombian consuls abroad to act for the legations at their respective posts.
The federal courts have administered justice regularly, and the public department has fully discharged its legal duties.
A national Colombian university was created by the last congress, and the executive power has endeavored to carry out the decrees in the manner you will find detailed in the official paper. This institution, of so much promise to the country, will be organized during the present month. If you will give it the protection it deserves it will be an honor to the government and to the country.
I have adopted other measures to encourage public instruction, to disseminate the useful arts through the country, and to establish literary and scientific relations with societies in other countries. The details of these you will find in the report of the proper department.
The crisis through which the republic has just passed, and its unsettled state for the last few months, disturbed the collection of the revenue and of course the returns have been lessened; but the constant, calm, and energetic action of the public officials begins to restore the normal condition of imports, so important to national existence. The returns for the last fiscal year are as follows:
| Custom-house returns | $1,027,554,700 | |
| From salines | 826,470,475 | |
| National property | 36,808,155 | |
| From the Panama railroad to the 16th of August last | 257,540,910 | |
| Total | 2,148,374,240 | |
| There is a deficit in coinage cost of | $5,958,811 | |
| In mail service | 21,910,240 | |
| Total | 27,869,231 | |
| Leaving a net profit of | 2,120,505,009 |
I recommend to your notice the suggestions that will be made to you by the proper secretary, in regard to the prohibition of foreign salt, to the great injury of our own salines.
[Page 1052]In the Panama railroad account you will find the amount received by the last administration, which ought to go to the payment of our foreign debt. The revenues have not been sufficient for the expenses of my administration. Very little has been derived from the custom-houses. But for the million derived from the railroad the government could not have been sustained during its troubles.
During the six months from the 1st of June to the 31st of December last, the receipts were $648,157, and the expenses, $639,378.
I also send to the house of representatives a special message with my estimates of receipts and expenses for the coming year. I have endeavored to practice the strictest economy since the beginning of my administration, and in this view it will be seen that my estimates for the next year reduce the government expenses more than a million of dollars.
In the report of the secretary of the treasury and national credit, you will find the detail of our home and foreign debt, and the result of the redemption of church property.
I regret that, for reasons known to you I cannot give the expenses of last year. The estimates have been incorrect since 1859. Order and subordination of the Colombian civic guard are improving; all its menbers are giving proof of their courage and loyalty.
As the country is now in peace, and war no longer threatens, I have reduced the army by two thousand men.
The reports of the different departments will furnish detailed accounts of their respective branches of the public administration.
In conclusion, I must say that the glorious deeds of last year have restored our national institutions, the country is once more at peace, and the people breathe the spirit of confidence. The laws are now faithfully observed and federal order reigns in the republic. Though this is not perfect prosperity, it promises the dawn of a better day.
May Providence again smile upon our people, and may its representatives approve of my acts.
Carlos Martin, Secretary of the Interior and Foreign Relations.
Jorge Gutierrez de Lara, Secretary of Finance and Industry.
Antonio Ferro, Secretary of the Treasury and National Credit.
José Maria Baraga, Secretary of War and Marine.