Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay.
Bogotá, August 31, 1903. (Received September 5.)
August 31, 1903, 2 p.m. I had an interview with Senator Ospina to-day. He informed me that he is willing to remain so long as there is hope for the treaty, but he is convinced that there is none, and will leave, therefore, on the 6th proximo. Confirms General Reyes statement concerning presidential candidate, and says that the next Senate was made certain for the treaty; that he bears instructions to Governors Signares and Barrios concerning the elections which will be held next December; that in accepting governorship of Panama he told the President that in case that the department found it necessary to revolt to secure canal, he would stand by Panama; but he added if the Government of the United States will wait for the next session of Congress canal can be secured without a revolution. Senator Campo, from the Cauca, is about to leave, thinking the treaty gone.
Confidential. My opinion is that nothing satisfactory can be expected from this Congress. Caro’s party has been joined by Velez and Soto and their followers, constituting a decisive majority against the treaty. General Reyes seems to still entertain hopes.