Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay.
Bogotá, June 10, 1903.
Sir: Evidently a decided effort is being made to change public opinion into a more favorable consideration of the canal convention. Many strong men are now supporting it who but a short time ago were with the opposition. The great majority of people still continue to believe, however, that the convention will not be ratified.
Mr. Mancini, the local agent of the Panama Canal Company, has informed me that he had received an official note from the Colombian Government, stating that it did not think that the convention would be ratified, because of the opinion that the compensation was insufficient, but that if the canal company would pay to Colombia about $10,000,000 ratification could be secured. Mr. Mancini has notified his company of this note.
Members of Congress are arriving for the session which commences on June 20 instant.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,