Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay.
Bogotá, November 11, 1903. (Received November 14.)
The situation here under control, but how long this will continue is uncertain, as there is intense feeling against the Government. There [Page 228] is also a bitter feeling against the United States because of the belief that the Government of the United States has encouraged the secession movement, and of the statement of telegram received by the Government to the effect that the United States forces interfered with Colombian troops under General Tobar at Colon, necessitating their surrender.
An army ten thousand strong being raised here, and one of five thousand in the Cauca to operate against Panama, commanded by General Reyes, provided the United States will allow Colombia to land troops.
A meeting was held under the leadership of Senator Caro, and a resolution was passed requesting the Government to call a convention for the purpose of amending the constitution in order to render possible immediate ratification of the treaty. This is opposed by the Government and General Reyes as being inopportune.