Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, with the Annual Message of the President, December 6, 1875, Volume I

No. 198.
Mr. Scruggs to Mr. Fish.

Legation of the United States,
Bogotá, May 17, 1875. (Received June 14.)

No. 101.]

Sir: Since the date of my No. 86, of the 16th February last, the presidential contest in Colombia has assumed a more serious aspect. The four coast provinces are understood to have declared their adhesion to the candidature of Nuñez, while those of the interior support the claims of Parra, the administration candidate.

The contest having thus become sectional, grave consequences are apprehended. It is known here that the adherents of Nunez are secretly purchasing arms, and preparing for revolution in case of defeat. One of the prominent partisans of the candidate named, Senor José Maria Samper, has been imprudent enough to reveal the plans of his party in confidence to a member of the diplomatic body in this city. They are, in effect, that, should the five interior States of the confederation refuse acquiescence in the choice indicated by those of the coast, then the latter will seize the ports and custom-houses, and set up a separate government. In other words, they will secede, and ask for recognition.

Señor Samper is a politician of considerable prominence here, having at one time been minister for foreign affairs, and his statements are fully corroborated by the movements of Generals Vila and Wilches, who are now on the coast, as also by those of Seiior Carlos Martin, late Colombian minister to the United States, General Acosta, an Ex-president of the republic, and other known partisans of the Nunez movement.

This revolutionary scheme, which I have reason to believe actually exists, may, it is hoped, be abandoned; but its attempt is not improbable, and I therefore respectfully solicit instructions in anticipation of such an event. I also submit herewith a copy of a circular of this date, addressed by me to each of our consuls on the coast, and express the hope that the same may meet the approval of the Department.

Her Britannic Majesty’s minister-resident here will, I apprehend, in the event of attempted disruption, order a naval force from Jamaica to take possession of the port and custom-house of Savanilla, as a means of securing the English, bondholders and creditors of the Colombian government. Indeed, he has told me as much, adding that such action would be under precedent and by express sanction of his government.

* * I have, &c.,

WILLIAM L. SCRUGGS.

[Inclosure in No. 101.]

Circular addressed to United States consuls in Colombia by Mr. Scruggs.

Legation of the United States,
Bogotá, May 17, 1875.

Sir: The presidential contest between Messrs. Parra and Nunez seems to have become purely sectional, the four coast States being united upon the latter, while those of the interior are equally unanimous in the support of the former candidate.

I have also information, which is deemed reliable, that, in anticipation of defeat in the five interior States, the partisans of Nuñez are secretly purchasing arms and preparing for revolution. Their plan is said to be to seize the ports and custom-houses, preliminary to forcing their recognition as a separate government.

Foreign powers, representing important interests in Colombian territory, or as creditors of that government, cannot be expected to view with indifference a movement so serious in its consequences.

You are therefore requested to have special care to keep the legation here and the Department at Washington accurately informed of all political and military movements in your section; and in case disintegration should be attempted, to carefully refrain from any and all acts or words that may be construed either as an encouragement to the movement or the official recognition of the insurgents.

I am, &c.,

WM. L. SCRUGGS.