No. 201.
Mr. Scruggs to Mr. Fish.
Bogotá, August 15, 1875. (Received September 10.)
Sir: Recurring to the subject of my dispatch of yesterday, No. 116, I may remark that the President, in conversation this morning, said his administration had fully decided to put down the rebellion on the coast by force of arms; that the general government was abundantly able to do this; and that, so far as he was concerned personally, he would resign his office and leave the country rather than enter into any compromise with the rebels.
In this determination the general government is said to be supported by the State authorities of Cauca, Antioque, Santander, Boyaca, and Tolima—five out of the nine. Cundinamarca, one of the most powerful [Page 440] and wealthy States of the union, is doubtful. I think it probable, however, that Governor Salgar will finally declare himself in support of the national government. The other States are understood to be in open hostility to the national authorities.
It would be difficult to say just what all this trouble is about. In my former dispatches, I have mentioned that both the presidential candidates are members of the liberal party. The conservatives, being wholly without organization, have heretofore taken no part in the contest. But it is now very generally understood that they will support the government.
As between the two candidates, there is really no issue involved. It is a mere politicians’ quarrel over the spoils of office.
I have, &c.,