Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 6, 1880

No. 107.
Mr. Evarts to Mr. Osborn.

Department of State,
Washington, August 8, 1879.

No. 70.]

Sir: I transmit herewith for your information copy of a dispatch from Mr. Ernest Dichman,^* United States Minister Resident at Bogotá, reciting the causes which have prompted Colombia to proffer mediation for the settlement of the war between Chili and Peru and Bolivia, and announcing the appointment of Dr. Arosemena, the former secretary of foreign relations of Colombia, to visit Santiago, Lima, and La Paz on a special mission for the purpose of tendering such mediation.

Although abstaining from any direct indorsement of, or co-operation in, this apparently laudable effort of Colombia in the interest of peace and reconciliation, this government, which feels lively solicitude for the prosperity and tranquillity of the South American States, cannot but watch Dr. Arosemena’s mission with especial attention.

In personal intercourse with the Doctor, when he visits Santiago, you will probably find a fitting occasion to express to him the warm interest taken by the United States in this tentative step, and the friendly solicitude of this government as to the result.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WM. M. EVARTS.

1. Printed under Colombia, vide infra.