No. 199.
Mr. Scruggs to Mr. Fish.
Bogotá, July 17, 1875. (Received September 10.)
Sir: Since the date of my No. 105, of June 7th, the political situation in Colombia has undergone some changes for the better. A “peace commission” from the interior States, composed of the leading adherents of both candidates, and headed by General Salgar, governor of the State of Cundinamarca, left here for the coast some three weeks since. The commission is now in Panama; and although we are without definite information as to the result of their visit, hopes are entertained that possibly the worst has passed.
It is observed, also, that during the past few weeks there has been less bitterness and personality indulged in by the partisan press at the [Page 437] capital. Whether this is because the vocabulary of incendiary language has been already exhausted, or whether the violent partisans are being held in check by their respective managers, in the hope of reaching a compromise, is a matter of conjecture. As there are really no issues involved in the presidential contest other than mere personal ambition, perhaps a compromise may yet be effected which will save the country from the calamities of civil commotion at a time when the government and people of Colombia can least afford such expensive pastimes.
I have, &c.,