No. 176.
Mr. Scruggs to Mr. Fish.
Bogota , October 7, 1873. (Received November 4.)
Sir: On the 28th of August ultimo, I transmitted to the secretary of foreign affairs the President’s proclamation announcing the time and place of holding the centennial anniversary of American Independence and the international exhibition, as provided by late act of Congress. I also asked to be informed, at as early a period as might be convenient, whether it was the purpose of Colombia to create a commission to represent that government at the exhibition, tendering my services to any committee of citizens that might be appointed for that purpose, &c.
On the 13th of September following, the secretary of foreign affairs addressed me a note, saying that the President was very anxious that Colombia should be represented at the exhibition; that measures would be taken to bring the matter before the people, and that the subject would be laid before the Colombian congress, at its next session, with the recommendation that an act be passed creating a special commission, and that an appropriation be made for its proper execution. He also caused the proclamation of the President to be published in the official and other papers here, and in those of the other States of the confederation, thus bringing the matter prominently before the people of this country.
I am, &c.,