New-York tribune., 1881-10-27
NEUTRALITP OF THE ISTHMUS.
COLOMBIA AND THE CANAL
TALK WITH THE COLOMBIAN MINISTER TO FRANCE
THE GOVERNMENT FAVORABLE TO THE INTER

|
| A TALK WITH THE COLOMBIAN MINISTER TO FRANCE
THE GOVERNMENT FAVORABLE TO THE INTER-
| EsTs OF THE UNITED STATES
General SantO Domingo Villa, of the Repub-
| lie of Colombia, who signed in behalf OF MS Govern
men the protocol between and the United States was
seen by TRIBUNE reporter at the Westminster HOTEL
yesterday. The General has recently been appointed
Minister from Colombia to France and Is on his way 10
the latter country. In speaking OF the Panama Canai
| complications he said:
~ have read carefully tho dispatch Of Secretary
Blaine to Minister Lowell and my Interpretation OF 1t
is correct perfectly agree with it, and think my Gov
ernment will II has been suggested that MI Blame
means imply that the United States will not suffer an
agreement the European Powers in regard to the
neutrality the canal hut take it that the Secretary OF
State means that the United States Government will not
look with favor any such agreement to which it Ia not
party"
"what ia the sentiment ofy your Government in regard
to the matterF p
"The Colombian Government recognizes the vital in
terest which the United States have in any highway
which may he constructed across the Isthmus; how
much more the States interested than any European
power be. The sentiment OF the government and OF
the people strongly I'm favor Of this country ana we
desire that the dominant influence in the Affairs OF the
canal may be that Of the United States our form of
government and commercial relations incline rs 10 this
country Sti other nations to be considered in the
matter"
"Docs not the Government OF Colombia fear that the
European powers may make their guaranty of the ne
trolity of the canal II they should make preteNt
foI having a foothod the ishmus, and Thus endanger
the liberties of Coowb'aor at least take from It entirely
| the control Of that part OF the country |"
NO, fear nothing of the sort, nor would we permit
H. TIE Government Of Colombia could say: This is
our land this s our territory Will let whoever we
please and whatever nation we see III, build canal
ac,oss the Isthmu Of Panama and win give guaranty
-, vftf Tao 10
fact that though We are Independent nation, and
have a right TO regulate affairs best suits our
selves, yet there Il duty which owe to other
nations OF consulting their wishes I'm affairs In which
they are interested. And all the world IS deeply IN
"Is the policy Of the Colombian Government in ac-
cordaure with the Monroe Doctrinel
ayes. When signed the protocol with this MARION
my Government declared itself being In accord win
the Monroe Doctrine and in favor ~ s Application 10
the affairs a the ishmus. We would wish that the stock
In the canal more largely held IN the umteu states
aud that the work being prosecuted under tie pat
rOnagc OF this country rather than at oil any European
mo you think that De Icsseps Is pushing his work
"Yes, he ii doing all he can and getting ahead" ill.,,
and lt end does he not take measures calculated to
"Wcll vce. DE Lessons docs want money and makes
every effort 10 get a. But think he Is sincere and
makes the best possible OF It after he get. IT, lie
6onbt nrrd the 4nbscTiVtion of much stock De Les
scps woud have been glad 10 carry on the work OF dig
l.ing the Panama Canal under the patronage of the
United States Failing IN this, he did what he could TO
procure the -eWbsgct ~ patronage from this country
have doubt thai be- Is sir and that the money OF
the stockholders will bc expended most Judiciously.
"Why did the Colombian Government want 10 anuuI
| the prOt0cOlF
"Tnc protocol was. OF course. only mcmorandum an
outline, which treaty 10 De based The Govern
desired that lt be abrogaed aud formal treaty
substituted in which all existing phases of the case could
be attended TO- We do not desire IN way to tax"
rom tie United States any right "a protect her in
tcrcsts tho ishuus. A ] was leaving Bu-Ota the
Minister from the United states was arriving and
DO know what CHANCES may have been made IN the
plans and policy of the Colombian Government since.
Ny dispatches await me iu Paris, where should have
been this time had not been delayed On the coast
trust hat the whole matter ~ the Panama Canal VIII
have cause 10 complain