Delaware journal. [volume] (Wilmington [Del.]) 1827-1832, 1829-04-07
DEPARTMENT OF STATE.
WasLington, 8M .Nuy 1895.

Washington, 8M .Nuy 1895.
GrsT1EmEN-The relations in which the United
States stand to the other American powers, and the
duties. interests and sympathies, which belong to
those relations, have determined the president to
accent an invitation which has been gwen ny the re-
publics of Colombia, Mexico and Central America
to the United States 10 send representatives 10 the
congress, of Panama lie could not, indeed, have
decliued an invitation proceeding from sources SO
hph,y respectable, and communicated III the most
delcate and respectful manner, without su5ect'ng
the United States to the reproach OF insensbty
Ia the deepest concerns ofthe American hemisphere
and. perhaps to IA want OF sincerity m most impor-
tant declarations, soemnly made ny ms predeces-
sor 10 the face of the old and the new world. In
Welding therefore, to the friendly wishes OF those
three REPUBLICS, communicated in the notes OF their
resnective minister's at Washington, of which CO.
uies are herewith the United States act in perfect
CONSISTENCY with all their previous conduct and pro-
fessions 10 respect TO the New American states.
The assembling of congress at Panama, compos-
ed of diplomatic representatives. from independent
American Nations, will form new epoch IN human
affairs The fact itself, whatever may be The issue
at the conferences ofsuch congress, cannot fail TO
challenge the attention ofthe present generation OF
the civilized world, and to command that OF posterl-
~. But the hope is confidently INDUCED, that 1t will
have other and stronger claims upon the regard OF
mankind than any which arse out oil the mere cir
cumstance of its novelty, and that 1t will ent'tle
nsef to the affection and lasting gratitude OF all Am
erica, by the wisdom and liberallty OF its prlnoI-
ples, and by the new guarantees It may create Tor
the great interests which will engage its delibera'
tions On an occasion so highly important and res
Dsnsbe. the president has been DESTROYS that re-
presentation from the United States should be com
uosed of distinguished citizens. Couh1lng In your
zeal. ability and patriotism, by and with the advice
and consent of the senate, he has selected you fo
this interesting service. And It Is his wish that yol
should proceed, with all practicable despatch, t.
/ Panama. For the purpose oil carrying out Mr.
Sergeant, the United States ship Lexington ha
been prepared, and is now ready to sail from I'M
mort of New York to Porto Bello. MIR. Anderson
having been notified Of his appointment, has beef
directed TO leave the affairs of the United States a
Boqota ia the charge OF such person AS he may, to
that purpose, designate, and ojoin Mr. Sergeant a
Porto Bello, from whence it is supposed that it vii
be most convenient to proceed, by land, across tn
isthmus to Panama. Ministers from several OF tn
mowers have, probably by this time, reached tina
place, and they may even have proceeded to com
parisop oftheir respective credentials, and to
ferences on some Of the objects OF the congress
but il is probable they will have deferred unit
YOUR arrival, consideration Of those, in dellbera
lions on which it was expected that we should TAX
part.
Your power, accompanying this letter, Is JOINT an
several, authorisiDg you to confer and treat wit
ministers, also duly authorised, from all or any 6
the American powers. Of peace, friendship, CON
1nerce, navigation, maritime law, neutral aud bell
verent rights, and other matters interesting to tn
Continent of America. After the mutual exchang
Of powers, it will be necessary to determine tn
forms Of de!iberation, and the modes of proceeding
of the congress. 1t is distinctly understood, by til
president, that it is to be regarded, in all respect
as diplomatic, in contradisnction to body clothe
with powers of ordinary legislation that is to sa