Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay.
Bogotá, July 21, 1903.
Sir: As I had the honor to report by cable on the 15th instant, the canal treaty was submitted to a special Senate committee of nine members, four of whom were known to be favorable to ratification. This committee is to report on or before the 31st instant.
The Government has continued to triumph on every important question brought forward in Congress. On the 18th instant officers were elected in both houses for the ensuing thirty days. Señor Quientero Calderón, formerly minister of government in Vice-President Marroquin’s cabinet, and a staunch Government man, was elected president of the Seriate; Gen. Pedro Nel Ospina, now identified with the Government forces, and certainly in favor of the canal treaty, first vice-president. In the House Señor Juan B. Valencia was chosen president.
Gradually, but certainly, the situation is growing more favorable for the canal treaty, and while I am not yet prepared to state the positive belief that it will be ratified, I see no reason to be discouraged by the present outlook. The great danger is that there may be enough members of the Senate to carry certain amendments.
I have endeavored, not only to keep in touch with the current events, but to create favorable sentiment for the treaty.
It has been most difficult to overcome the at one time almost general belief that the United States did not seriously intend to adopt the Nicaragua route should this Congress fail to ratify the treaty, and to make it understood that the great benefit Colombia expected to realize from the construction of the canal depended upon prompt action and could never be secured by future diplomatic negotiations.
At times I have thought, from the tone of the conversation of certain opponents, that foreign hostile influences were at work, but I have never been able to be certain of this. If there be opposition from this source, it is of too secret a nature to be discovered, and can not, therefore, be particularly effective. On the whole, I am inclined [Page 166] to believe that no direct hostile influence is being used here, but that, if any exists, it comes through Colombian legations or consulates in Europe.
I have certain, but private, information that Doctor Uricoechea, a member of the special Senate committee heretofore referred to, and who lived a great many years in Germany, called on Baron Grünau, the German chargé d’affaires, to inquire what would be the attitude of the German Government in case of trouble arising out of the matter, and whether it would be willing to undertake or aid the construction of the canal in case the treaty with the United States should not be ratified. Baron Grünau replied that he had no instructions bearing upon the subject, but that he was of the positive opinion that, considering how desirous his Government was at the present moment to remain on friendly terms with the United States, it would not take any steps with reference to the construction of the canal or to any controversy growing out of the present negotiations; that he would, however, submit the matter to his Government.
My English colleague, with whom I have the most pleasant personal relations, and whose attitude I know has been one of unswerving friendliness to our interests in this matter, informs me that one of the deputies of the Chamber of Representatives called on him with an inquiry similar to the one above mentioned. To this he replied that this question was thoroughly considered by His Majesty’s Government at the time the modifications were made in the Bulwer-Clayton treaty, and that his Government was of the opinion that the safeguards contained in the Hay-Pauncefote arrangement formed a sufficient guaranty for the commerce of the world and was; therefore, willing now to leave the United States quite free as regards any further negotiations with reference to the construction of a canal.
The generality of the legislators here have thought that further and greater concessions could be obtained from the United States, and that in this particular the treaty could be amended with safety to the interests of Colombia. This has been and is the most stubborn stronghold of the enemy—at all times the most dangerous to us—and to it I have given more attention than to all else. It was because of this that I cabled the Department of the importance of informing the Colombian Government, through its minister at Washington or this legation, of its views. To be able to make an official representation would have far greater weight than an expression of opinion.
I have reason to know that the Government understands—at any rate, the vice-president does—that amendments are not to be thought of, but I hope to receive instructions from you, when cable communication is reestablished, to bolster up and strengthen this understanding.
I have believed that I could, with discretion and propriety, use my influence in creating a favorable sentiment, making the interests of Colombia the basis of my arguments; and I have not hesitated to do this whenever circumstances would permit a conversation with men whose influence would be of avail.
I have the satisfaction of knowing that I have accomplished a certain amount of good, and that, whatever be the result, all of the ability and energy which I possess shall be given to the consummation of the Department’s desires.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,