At the same time I inclose for your information and files a copy of a letter
from the president of that company, of the 2d instant, and of my reply of
the 16th, touching the character of your intervention.
Agreeably to a telegraphic request from Mr. Scrymser of the 17th instant, I
cabled you on that date as stated.
[Inclosure in No. 111.]
Mr. Scrymser to Mr.
Wharton.
Central
and South American Telegraph Company,
37 and 39 Wall Street, New
York, June 2, 1891.
(Received June 3.)
Dear Sir: I have the honor to inquire if the
State Department would, if it should be so decided by the directors of
this company, telegraph to Gen. Egan, United States minister to Chile,
requesting him to confer with the general manager of this company, now
in Chile, and obtain for this company the right to establish, maintain,
and operate a telegraph line between Valparaiso, Santiago, and the
Argentine frontier. I ask this, because I have received to-day
telegraphic advices that the combined English companies operating the
cables between Europe, Brazil, and Argentina are negotiating for the
purchase of the only land line between Valparaiso, Chile, and Buenos
Ayres, Argentina—the Transandine Telegraph Company. The only obstacle to
such purchase arises through the fact that owing to the disturbed
condition of Chile the necessary number of shareholders can not be
reached to give their consent, consequently the Transandine Telegraph
Company is inviting sealed tenders for the purchase of its lines, to be
opened July 15; and even then it is doubtful if the consents of a
sufficient number of shareholders can be secured.
I have reason to believe—in fact know—that, the relations of Gen. Egan
with the Chilean Government at the present time are such that the
Chilean Government will gladly concede any reasonable permission that
Gen. Egan might ask.
The State Department has always given its valuable aid in undertakings of
this character, and I need not explain to one so well informed as
yourself that if the English companies monopolize this important link
American commerce will suffer, and the possibility of this, an American
company, reaching Argentina and Brazil will be, to say the least,
doubtful and difficult.
I am sure Gen. Egan will be only too glad to facilitate a matter of such
vital importance to American interests.
Should you decide that the State Department can properly act in this
matter, I will prepare a brief telegram explaining our requirements, to
be sent by the State Department in code to Gen. Egan, the cost of which
telegram this company will of course pay.
I remain, etc.,
James A. Scrymser,
President.
