Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay.
Bogotá, June 20, 1903.
Sir: I have the honor to report that the National Congress met in extra session on Saturday, the 20th instant, at 1 o’clock p.m.
[Page 155]In the Senate Gen. Joaquin F. Vélez was elected president; Dr. Antonio Goméz Restrepo, first vice-president; Luis A. Mesa, second vice-president, and Miguel A. Peñarredonda, secretary.
In the Chamber of Representatives José Medina Calderón was elected president; Carlos Matamoras, first vice-president; Guillernas Valencia, second vice-president; Dr. Fernando Restrepro Briceño, secretary.
There was not a full attendance, but sufficient for a quorum in each house.
As I have heretofore predicted, there is a full and ample majority of the friends of the Government in both houses of Congress, and such legislation as the Government may seriously desire will be enacted.
Under the laws the officers are elected for one month, and as General Vélez, the president of the Senate, is one of the most vehement and outspoken of the enemies of the canal convention, I take it that there will be no canal legislation undertaken during the first month of Congress.
It is understood that to-morrow a special message will be sent to the Senate upon the canal matter, but that the session will be a secret one.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,