5carried out by them. As the Department is aware, the press of this country is almost wholly in the hands of foreigners; Panamanians, Colombians and Nicaraguans, and its contributors are chiefly from this class of political emigra mines PRCHIVES THE dos, who are intensely hostile to the United States.
It is regrettable that the President did not put a stop to these proceedings in the beginning, as a word from him would have done. The best opinion is that the President naturally hesitated to prevent any political organization which this practically was in the midst of the presidential campaign, for fear of establishing a precedent that ubon would be most awkward in case he should be called by rival parties to prevent other political demonstrations, which frequently occur.
The President suggested to the members of the pres the advisability of delaying all action until this rumor was confirmed, but, nevertheless, he permitted the mass meeting to be held.
The commercial and business classes, as distinguished from the political element, had no sympathy with this movement, believing it to be a great mistake to risk compromising the friendly relations with the United States on an unconfirmed newspaper rumor.
The press of the following days announces, as a justifying excuse, but with serene indifference, that the reports as to the intention of the American Government were without foundation. Enc. No. have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, Tauhan (Buhorn.
Chargé Affaires Enclosures: As above and various handbills and clippings