Ernest Dichman to Mr. Rico, May 20, 1879

Mr. Dichman to Mr. Rico.

Sir: The impending danger of civil war, which at one time threatened to disturb the peace of the republic of the United States of Colombia, having subsided, I take this occasion as the representative of a friendly republican and American Government, to offer you my congratulations upon this happy change in the course of events. It would have been a sad calamity if the people of Colombia, who have made so many sacrifices for the establishment of free institutions in the spirit of an advanced civilization, should have been forced by unforeseen circumstances to endure the miseries and distress arising from a civil conflict, which was averted by the energetic measures of the administration, the wisdom of Congress, the loyal spirit of the government of the State of Cundinamarca, the efforts of the citizens of Bogota, and the patriotism of the people.

It is sincerely to be hoped that the patriotic spirit of conciliation and of regard for the institutions and welfare of the country which manifested itself on this occasion, will make itself felt in all parts of the republic, and will be adopted as a precedent for the settlement of any difference which may arise in the future.

Identified as are the Governments of the United States of America and the United States of Colombia in institutions and political principles, I am sure that the peaceful solution of questions which at one time threatened to engulf this country in civil war will be hailed with joy in the United States, both from a feeling of friendship and sympathy existing between the two countries, and, also, as giving an additional proof of the fact that republican institutions educate and develop a regard for law, and a spirit of restraint and self-government in the people.

As expressive of the views of the Government of the United States, I beg to add an extract from a dispatch just received from the Secretary of State of the United States, in which the Hon. Wm. M. Evarts, Secretary of State, expresses himself as follows:

“The Government of the United States could not but feel the keenest sorrow, should the territory of a sister republic be ravaged by civil strife, and it hopes, that a pacific and equitable solution maybe found whereby to avert so great a disaster.”

With the assurance of the highest consideration, I have, &c.,