No. 186.
Mr. Scruggs to Mr. Fish.
Bogota, August 7, 1874. (Received September 15.)
Sir: Since the date of my No. 10, of the 7th of September last, the controversy between the republic of Venezuela and that of Colombia has remained in statu quo, with the exception of some additionanal aggravations growing out of alleged infractions of existing treaties by revolutionary parties in the former government occupying the disputed territory as a basis of predatory operations.
It seems there has existed for some time past a revolutionary faction in Venezuela seeking the overthrow of that government, or rather the administration of it. These insurgents occupy some portions of the disputed territory along the line of the river Arauca, making that a basis of operations, and levying duties in excess of those prescribed by treaty stipulations between the two countries upon all produce and merchandise exported from Colombia through the territory of Venezuela.
This called forth a remonstrance from the Colombian government. That of Venezuela replies, June 19, 1874, in a sharp and threatening [Page 363] manner, charging Colombia with bad faith, and demanding reparation for injuries resulting from alleged violations of neutrality laws by Colombian citizens in the northern portion of the State of Santander.
The response of Colombia, July 16, 1874, is conciliatory but firm in tone; endeavoring to prove that while she has never yielded her claim to the territory in dispute, she has taken all possible care to enforce the neutrality laws as well upon the inhabitants of the territory in dispute as upon those occupying portions of the State of Santander, to which her title has never been questioned.
Thus the matter rests at present. President Perez, in the hope of bringing the controversy to an amicable adjustment, has commissioned his immediate predecessor, Dr. Manuel Murillo, as special envoy to Venezuela, with full powers to negotiate a settlement. Doctor Murillo has formally accepted the charge, and will leave Bogota for Caracas on the 17th instant.
I have, &c.,