Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay.
Bogotá, August 12, 1903. (Received 19.)
August 12, 10 p.m. Confidential. General Reyes called to inform me that this day’s action of Congress was in accordance with plans perfected by the Government and influential Senators and citizens in the belief that the treaty could not now be passed without amendments, but that within a very short time such a reaction in public sentiment can be created as will enable the President to present the treaty again to the Senate and secure its passage without amendments. I have been aware of such a movement for some days, hence my telegram advising that there was still hope.
General Reyes asks if you will give two weeks more for the consummation of this plan before taking other action, and requests immediate reply. He doubts whether the constitution can be amended in time, and thinks it is not necessary.