Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay.
Bogotá , May 28, 1903.
Sir: Referring to my telegram of this date, elsewhere confirmed, I have the honor to advise you that there was considerable excitement about the Government palace yesterday upon the receipt of news that about 150 employees of the United States had arrived at the Isthmus, and a cable was sent to the Governor of Panama asking for information.
While the better informed seemed to understand that such employees were but necessary to the commission in the work it was engaged upon, others were disposed to take a more unfriendly view, and all were of the opinion that in the present excitable condition of the public mind the news, if it proved true, would have an unfavorable effect upon the ratification of the canal convention.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,