Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
A.
[Translation.]
UNITED STATES OF COLOMBIA—EXECUTIVE POWER OF THE
UNION—DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS—SECTION 4—BUREAU OF
PUBLIC WORKS—NUMBER 184.
Bogota,
November 3, 1866.
The President of the Union has been made acquainted with the memorial
which you have addressed him, asking the exclusive privilege for the
laying of submarine telegraphs, connecting the isthmus of Panama
with the most important ports of the Pacific and Atlantic, with
branches to the principal Antilles, uniting in Cuba with the cable
between the island and Florida—that is, with the telegraphic network
of the civilized world.
The realization of this idea will bring to the Latin American
continent immense benefits, particularly to the Colombian Union, and
had already occupied the attention of the President, who, without
ceasing, labors for the aggrandizement and progress of the nation
which has intrusted its destinies to him.
The undertaking of an enterprise so grand, overcoming numerous
obstacles, has already erected its first monument with such
brilliant success, crowned the desires and interests of
civilization, and could not but be accepted by the President with
patriotic enthusiasm; and although he does not believe himself
authorized to grant such privilege, he accepts the idea with the
most fervent interest, and will give it the protection and
encouragement which it merits.
To that end he has resolved to submit his decision to the next
congress of Colombia, and doubts not that the enterprise will have a
favorable result.
I have the honor to communicate the foregoing to you in answer to
your representation.
FRANCISCO AGUDELO.
Messrs. John C. Beales, Pedro de Zer, and Beales,
Labarra & Co.
Note.—Under the same date and No. 285, the
same answer was given to Warren C. Foster.
