Scruggs to Legation of the United States , Bogotá , June 2, 1876 . The foregoing is a correct translation from Spanish to English of an authenticated law, No. 33, of May 26, 1876, now on file in this legation. WILLIAM L. SCRUGGS, June 5, 1876
No. 53. Mr. Scruggs to Mr. Fish.
No. 170.]
Sir: The Department is already aware of the character and purpose of Mons. de Gogorza’s mission to this country. Its final result only remains to be stated.
On the 26th ultimo, the President approved an act of Congress authorizing him, under certain conditions, to negotiate for opening a ship-canal transit between the gulfs of Darien and San Maguiel.
This law, a copy and translation of which I inclose, forms the basis of a contract with Gogorza, a copy and translation of which I likewise inclose herewith.
It will be observed that under this arrangement the syndicate have eighteen months’ time, from the date of the contract, in which to make a report of the exploration of the proposed route of the canal; that should this prove satisfactory, eighteen months more are allowed in which to form a company for construction; and that within ten years thereafter, or at farthest seventeen from the date of this concession, the canal must be opened to the public service.
I have, &c.,