Eustacio Santamaria to Ernest Dichman, October 14, 1880

Señor Santamaria to Mr. Dichman.

Mr. Minister: I have the honor to inclose to your honor the circular which, under date of the 11th instant, I have sent to the republican governments of Spanish America, inviting them to be represented before my government at Panama in the month of September, of the coming year, with the object that all of them may give adhesion to the convention celebrated between Colombia and Chili upon the subject of the preservation of international peace, which I also inclose to your honor.

As the reunion of all the representatives of the republics of this part of the world may, and doubtless will, give an occasion for establishing the principles of international law, which should rule in the future in their relations among each other and with the nations of Europe, and as your honor has demonstrated to me the convenience (apparent from every point of view) of the reunion of a congress for the indicated object, for the cause of democracy and the civilization of these peoples, I beg your honor to have the goodness to interest yourself with the Government of the United States, to the end that it may use its good relations with all the others of America, excepting that of Brazil, to induce them to send their representatives to Panama at the designated time.

The co-operation of the government of your honor will doubtless be of the greatest efficacy in furthering an object so important for all America.

With sentiments of most distinguished consideration, I subscribe myself your honor’s attentive and obedient servant,