Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States

Date.

1903.

June 10 Canal treaty. Incloses note of protest to the minister for foreign affairs against any demands on the canal and railroad companies for the cession of their concessions to the United States, and note of the minister of finance to the two companies intimating that such demands are to be made.

..do... Same subject. Strong effort is being made to change public opinion. Colombian Government has officially informed the agent of the canal company that if the company would pay about $10,000,000 ratification would be assured.

June 13 Same subject. Department's telegram of June 9 has been communicated to the minister for foreign affairs, who will lay it before the President. Reports conversation on the subject. Same subject. Members of Congress are arriving. Opposition to the ratification of the convention is very strong. Public opinion is that it will not be ratified.

June 17

do... Quarantine at Panama. Reports that he can
not obtain withdrawal or modification of quar-
antine.

June 20 Canal treaty. Incloses reply of minister for
foreign affairs to Department's telegram of
June 9.

.do... Same subject. Reports convening of extra ses-
sion of Congress, gives names of presiding
officers of both Houses, and quotes text of Pres-
ident's message.

..do

July 2

July

July 11

Same subject. Report on the organization of
both Houses. Friends of the Government are
in sufficient majority to pass any measure de-
sired by the Government.

Same subject. Friends of the Government have
control in Congress.

Same subject. Opposition Chamber of Repre-
sentatives demanded papers relating to the
treaty; the Government objected and was sus-
tained by vote 38 to 5.

Same subject. Chamber of Representatives fa-
vorable; majority in the Senate uncertain.
Same subject. Concessions of the canal and
railroad companies. Incloses note from the
minister for foreign affairs, who, while insist-
ing that the Government has a right to give or
withhold its authority for the transfer of con-
cessions, states that the matter will be referred
to Congress.

Same subject. Asks whether the Colombian
Government has been fully acquainted with
Department's instruction of April 28.
Same subject. The President had a meeting of
senators at the palace. Majority declared in
opposition to the treaty.

Same subject. Gives substance of reply of min-
ister for foreign affairs to note communicating
Department's instruction of April 28.

Same subject. Department's telegram of June 9
created sensation and was construed by many
as a threat of direct retaliation.
Message of President Marroquin to the Colombian
Congress. Transmits translation of.

Canal treaty. Reports that treaty can not be
ratified without two amendments relating to
payments by the canal company and the
United States.

Same subject. Majority in Senate opposed to
treaty. Danger lies in delay. Strong intima-
tion from the Department that unnecessary de-
lay should be avoided might be effective.
Same subject. Outline of the status of the treaty
in the Senate and the House. The Govern-
ment has been charged by the opposition with
lack of good faith and consistency in not de-
fending a treaty of its own making and for en-
deavoring to throw the responsibility upon
Congress.
Same subject

Neither amendment mentioned
July 9 would be accepted by the

146

150

151

154

155

156

157

158

163

164

Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay (telegram).

1903. July 15

July 21

23 Mr. Loomis to Mr. Beaupré.....do...

Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay.... July 22

Mr. Loomis to Mr. Beaupré July 29 (telegram).

Mr. Hay to Mr. Beaupré (telegram).

July 31

Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay.... Aug. 3

..do

....

...

Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay Aug. 5 (telegram).

Same to same (telegram)...

Canal treaty. Belief now is that it will be rati-
fied, but with amendments entailing additional
concessions. Asks instructions relating to De-
partment's position on this point.

Same subject. Review of the situation in Colom-
bian Congress to date. Attitude of German
and British representatives favorable to the
United States; foreign influence, if at all, is ex-
erted through Colombian representatives.
Same subject. Requests two copies of proclama-
tion calling for extra session of Congress.
Same subject. Incloses inquiry of minister for
foreign affairs in regard to correlation of
Spooner law with the question of transfer of the
canal company's rights and possible amend-
ments to the treaty and and his reply thereto.
Same subject. Asks information as to present
condition.

Same subject. Any amendment imposing new
financial obligation on the canal company
would be taken as voiding the negotiations.
Any other requiring additional payment by
the United States could not be approved by
the Senate, and perfection of the treaty would
be jeopardized by any amendment whatever.
Panama Canal, financial aspect and prospects of.
Incloses memorandum by British Vice-Consul
Dickson discussing the published opinion of
J. T. Ford, engineer.

Canal treaty. Acknowledges No. 67 and corrects
error in translation.
Same subject. Inquiry of minister for foreign
affairs whether modifications in the treaty
would be considered in violation of the
Spooner law and full substance of reply thereto.
.do... Same subject. Text of amendments reported by
the committee and favored by a majority of
the Senate.
Same subject. Substance of his note protesting
against amendments to articles 1 and 13.
Suspension of cable service. No cable received
since July 13.

179

Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay

Aug. 12

(telegram).

Same to same (telegram).....

.do...

179

Same to same (telegram)....

Mr. Loomis to Mr. Beaupré Aug. 13 (telegram).

Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay.... Aug. 15

ate.

Same subject. Gives reason for belief that this
rejection is not final, and substance of General
Ospina's speech proposing amendment to the
constitution by which the Executive would be
empowered to conclude the canal treaty.
Same subject. Hopes of a reaction of public sen-
timent in favor of the treaty are expressed
which would bring about some method of re-
considering the treaty, and an extension of
time is requested for this purpose.
Same subject. Amendments mentioned in tele-
gram of the 5th would be fatal to the treaty. I
Same subject. Sentiment in Colombia over the
possibility of vigorous action by the United :
States seems to have opened the way for some
compromise which will permit of a treaty be-
being concluded by the Executive.
motive for writing to the minister for foreign
affairs against amendments or delay and effect
thereof in the Senate. Gives summary of the
only debate over the treaty that took place in
the Senate, and respective position of the sev-
eral parties and of the Government on the
question.

1903.

Aug. 15

Canal treaty. Asks for additional information relating to the rejection of the treaty. ....do... Same subject. Reconsideration of the vote considered possible. Committees have been appointed by both chambers to make joint report; both appear to be disposed to find means of ratifying the treaty.

Aug. 17

Same subject. Incloses two notes from the min-
ister for foreign affairs, the first replying and
taking exceptions to that of the legation depre-
cating amendments or delay, the second an-
nouncing appointment of Senate committee
to consider means of bringing about the con-
struction of the canal.

.do... Same subject. The President states that Con-
gress will pass a law authorizing him to con-
tinue and finish negotiations.

Aug. 18 Suspension of cable service. Department's tele-
gram of July 31 the only one received since
July 13. Telegrams have been received from
Europe.

Aug. 19

Aug. 24 ..do...

do...

Aug. 26
Aug. 29

.do...

Aug. 30
Aug. 31

Sept. 1 Sept. 2 Sept. 5

.do... Sept. 8

Sept. 10

Sept. 11

Same subject. Enumerates telegrams received
and sent. Directs protest against interference
with diplomatic privilege if Department's tele-
grams have not been received.
Canal treaty. The President will make no en-
gagement as to his action on the canal matter.
Same subject. Nothing has been done, action
depending upon the attitude of the United
States, which is waited for in great anxiety.
Same subject. Incloses decree calling extra ses-
sion of Colombian Congress and articles of the
constitution therein referred to.
Suspension of cable service. Enumerates De-
partment's telegrams not received.
Canal treaty. Statement of the President's posi-
tion under the provisions of the Spooner law.
No engagement restraining his freedom of ac-
tion will be entered into.

Same subject. Committee has not yet reported,
and prospect of satisfactory report not good.
Same subject. Reports appointment of govern-
ors who are pledged to the treaty.
Same subject. Reports interview with Senator
Ospina, who believes that the treaty will be
approved by the next Senate, and who stated
to the President that in case Panama should
revolt he would stand by Panama. Gives
opinions of other public men of Colombia.
Telegraphic communications. Department's
messages have not been received.
Same subject. Received Department's telegram
of the 24th.

Canal treaty. Acknowledges Department's tele-
gram of August 29, and gives main lines of the
committee's report on the treaty. Debate will
begin next Monday.

Same subject. Review of the conditions which
brought about the failure of the treaty.
Mob attacks on Syrians. Reports serious case at
Honda in July, and action taken on behalf of
the brothers Chemas, who are American citi-
zens, and of Ricardo Deeb, at Chiquinquira.
Canal treaty, consideration of the committee's
report postponed until 14th instant. Attack on
the appointment of Senator Obaldía as govern-
or of Panama closed with a resolution equiva-
lent to a vote of censure against the Govern-
ment. No prospect of satisfactory action.
Same subject. Gives details of the debate re-
ported in above telegram, describes the waver-
ing and double-dealing attitude of President
Marroquin's Government, which resulted in de-
veloping bitter and almost unanimous opposi
tion to the Government rather than to the
treaty.

184

185

187

188

189

190

191

127

192

193

139

Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay...

1903. Sept. 18

150

Same to same (telegram)...
Same to same..

Sept. 22
Sept. 24

154

Same to same

Sept. 25

Same to same (telegram)...
Same to same (telegram)

Sept. 27
Sept. 30

164

Same to same..

.do.

Mr. Hay to Mr. Beaupré....

Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay
(telegram).

Oct.
....do...

Same to same (telegram)... Oct. 10

Canal treaty. Incloses "Diario oficial," publish-
ing text of the majority and minority reports
of the special committee, and printed text of
the report of the Senate members of the joint
committee.

Same subject. No new developments
Same subject. Reviews legislative procedure in
Columbia, and its effect on the canal treaty.
Bill is not likely to pass without amendments.
Same subject. Reports further details and gives
a general view of the situation.
Same subject. Additional amendments to pro-
jected law practically certain.

Same subject. Senate committee's report has
been prepared, and will approve rejection of
the treaty and disapprove law authorizing Ex-
ecutive to negotiate and complete treaty.
Same subject. Obtained report of special com-
mittee, to which report of the canal committee
was referred. There is a project on foot to an-
nul the arrangement between the Colombian
Government and the French canal company
extending franchise and privileges of the com-
pany.

Mob attacks on Syrians. Approves course taken
by minister.

Canal treaty. Report of committee will recom-
mend to annul extension of concessions to
canal company.

Same subject. Presentation of report postponed
until 12th. It provides for a bill granting an
extension to the company. Congress not likely
to act on the report before adjourning.
Same subject. Reports present stage of Congres-
sional action. Comments on lack of sufficient
interest evinced in official circles, and embar-
rassment of the legation in obtaining and for-
warding reliable information.

Same subject. Committee report, while propos-
ing a law to ratify extension of time granted
to the canal company points out advantages
that would be derived by Colombia from annul-
ment of concessions.

Same subject. Views of General Vélez, the prob-
able candidate of the opposition for the Pres-
idency, on the subject of the canal and foreign
aid to the development of Colombia.
Same subject. Full text of the committee report.
Same subject. Transmits information that the
Colombian Congress will be dissolved before
the end of the month and a special envoy sent
to Washington to renew negotiations.
Same subject. Inquires about his third tele-
gram of August 12, which has not yet been
confirmed by the Department.

Conditions on the Isthmus. Asks that the con-
suls at Panama and Colon keep him informed
of conditions there.

Canal treaty. Alarm in Government circles in
regard to the possible attitude of the United
States in the contingency of trouble on the
Isthmus evinced in the Senate, Senator Caro
laying the blame on the Government's action
which led to the rejection of the treaty.
Same subject. If it is the purpose of Colombia
to ask for more favorable terms, intimate that
it will be useless to send a special envoy.
Taxes on shipping at Panama. Measure was
taken to provide against invasion of bubonic
plague. Will be rescinded as soon as danger
from that cause has disappeared.

Same to same (telegram)... ..do... Canal treaty. Committee's report not yet dis

Same to same (telegram)... Oct. 27

Same to same (telegram)... Oct. 29

cussed. Colombian Congress apparently wait-
ing for the message of the President of the
United States to the extra session of Congress,
and will not adjourn until December 14.
Same subject. Substance of discussion of com-
mittee report in the Senate. Congress will ad-
journ the 31st.
Conditions on the Isthmus. Requests instruc-
tion to the consul-general at Panama to keep
him informed of matters of consequence.

194 Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay.... Oct. 30

Mr. Hay to Mr. Beaupré ....do... (telegram).

Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay (telegram).

Oct. 31

Same to same (telegram)... Nov. 1

Nov. 2

Nov. 4
...do...

Monetary reform law adopting the United States
gold dollar for the unit of currency and pro-
viding for the redemption of paper money
passed and signed by the President, but not
yet published. Recites its main features.
Leave of absence. Authorized to avail himself
of.
Canal treaty. Congress adjourned. No action
taken on committee report. Anxiety is felt
over reports of secession movements in the
Cauca and Panama.

Same subject. Substance of manifesto issued by
the Government criticizing the acts of the last
Congress and announcing proposals made to
the United States to consider new negotiations.
Same subject. Full particulars in regard to ad-
journment of Congress and its action on the
treaty. Incloses manifesto of the Government.
Same subject. Gives summary of the manifesto..
Revolution in Panama. Reports that the Isthmus
is preparing for secession and that troops are
being sent by the Government.

..do... Same subject. Independence of the Isthmus and
organization of an executive board announced.

Nov. 5

...do... Same subject. The municipality of Panama
joins in the movement of separation of the
Isthmus from Colombia and looks for recogni-
tion by the United States.
Same subject. Appointment of Philippe Bunau-
Varilla as confidential agent to the United
States and of Dr. Francisco V. de la Espriella
as minister of foreign affairs announced.
Same subject. All the towns on the Isthmus
have adhered to the declaration of independ-
ence, and the authority of the Republic of
Panama is obeyed.

Same to same 'telegram)... Nov. 6

Same to same (telegram)...

Mr. Hay to Mr. Beaupré (telegram).

130

218

219

222

224

240

238

239

.do... Same subject. Appointment of Philippe Bunau-
Varilla as envoy extraordinary and minister
plenipotentiary to the United States
nounced.

...do... Same subject. Recognition of the Republic of
Panama. The President earnestly commends
to the Governments of Colombia and Panama
the peaceful and equitable settlement of all
questions at issue between them. He holds
that he is bound to see that the peaceful traffic
across the Isthmus shall no longer be disturbed
by unnecessary and wasteful civil wars.

Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay....do... Canal treaty and revolution in Panama. Gen-
(telegram).

eral Reyes states that if the United States will
land troops to preserve Colombian sovereignty
the Colombian Government will declare mar-
tial law and will approve by decree the ratifi-
cation of the treaty as signed.

Revolution in Panama. Incloses telegram sent
to-day to the United States minister at Bogotá
announcing the recognition of the Republic of
Panama by the United States.
Same subject. Gives notice of his appointment
as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipo-
tentiary to the United States. Requests that
an expression of the grateful sense of obliga-
tion of the new Republic to the United States
be conveyed to the President.

Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay....do... Canal treaty and revolution in Panama. Gen-
(telegram).

eral Reyes will leave for Panama next Monday,
and he desires to know if the American com-
mander will cooperate with him and the
Panama Government to arrange peace and the
approval of the canal treaty on condition that
the integrity of Colombia be preserved.

Same to same (telegram).......do... Same subject. Colombian Government asks

Dr. Herran to Mr. Hay..

.do

whether the United States will allow landing of troops and whether the United States will take action to maintain Colombian sovereignty under the treaty of 1846. Have been unable to obtain from the Colombian Government confirmation of the promises made by Reyes. Revolution in Panama. Protests against the attitude assumed by the Government of the United States.

225

240

225

241

243

240

226

241

226

242

243

« Previous Continue »

Books