the Hon. J. Sanchez to William L. Scruggs, May 29, 1875

Mr. Sanchez to Mr. Scruggs.

Mr. Minister: In relation to the note of the 27th instant, which the honorable Mr. Scruggs, minister resident of the United States of America, has been pleased to direct to this department, the citizen President of the union has instructed the undersigned to give his excellency the present answer:

There exist, in fact, reasons for apprehending an approaching disturbance of the public peace, since certain disorders, of which there is notice, may become more extensive, and since others may take place which have been announced.

As there are, however, no causes which can justify any revolution, much less one of a general character, the executive power confides in the rectitude and virtues of the government and citizens of the States to remain superior to the passions and difficulties of the hour, and that, by means of a general patriotic effort, the safety and integrity of the nationality of the Colombian States may be preserved.

Nevertheless, if, by some lamentable frenzy, a rebellion against the public order and constituted authorities should break out, the national government has sufficient means to suppress and punish the rebels, whomsoever they may be; and it moreover relies upon a uniform and all powerful public opinion, which now more than ever asserts itself in favor of the peace and order of the country.

In regard to the interoceanic road of Panama, whose neutrality is guaranteed by the United States of America, and whose freedom is of the first importance to general commerce, the Executive judges that it can provide, with the national resources at its command, not only for the preservation of Colombian sovereignty in that part of the nation, but likewise for the preservation of the transit through that section, and that no detriment will result to any person or to any interest which has been placed under the guarantee of the federal government by the constitution and public treaties.

The citizen President acknowledges and is grateful for the noble interest which the honorable Mr. Scruggs, minister resident of the United States of America, manifests for the good order and progress of Colombia; and the undersigned, whilst expressing these sentiments, has the honor to re-assure him of his respects and consideration.