Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-04-03

II.
Gooeoos
a Washington special - ths New
York 1sm<s says Al seon e Secretary
Whitney received Commandss Kans's
dispatch that Aspinwall had ben
burned. he sent for copy ofths treaty
regarding tde tzanzit across the Isthmus
and read It through carefully. Then
he had long consultation with the
Secretary Of State on the proper inter
probation Of the treaty, and how much
responsibility for keeping the passage
across tho isthmus free rested upon the
United States. II was decided to con-
fer with the Attorney-General upon
the subject, and the three Cab
met officers met for that purpose
this evening. In the treaty with
New Grenada 1t was provided that that
country should guarantee the isthmian
passage, and that it should always be
free. That New Grenada should do
this was in turn guaranteed by the
United States. The only question
which seemed TO be raised in the minds
Of the Cabinet officers was whether or
not the United States should interfere
in the case Of purely domestic broil
like the present troubles. There was
no doubt that this Government was
bound to interfere il trouble arose from
any attack by any foreign Government.
ST." said Secretary Whitney this eve-
ming, "we decide that we are under
treaty obligations to maintain the
freedom Of passage across the isthmus.
prompt and decisive action will
be taken by the Navy Department in
that direction" In view OF to-day's
news from the isthmus, Secretary
whitney's orders to Commander Kane,
issued yesterday, have been read with
more than usual interest. The direct,
uncompromising tone Of the orders has
met with universal approval, and it is
felt here that if it is decided to be the
duty of the Government to take hand
in the troubles the Secretary's in
structions to the naval force at his dis
posal will be such as to permit no half
way work. In the absence Of no def
mite information of the doings Of the
insurrectionists, there are some persons
inclined to criticise Commander Kane
as having waited too long for instruc-
tions instead Of promptly using force to
prevent destructive acts.
The consultation between Messrs.
Whitney, Bayard, and Garland was
held at the White House and the Presi-
dent took part. The result was the
decision that while the Government has
probably no responsibility for Internal
broils at Panama. it has by treaty
guaranteed free and uninterrupted
transit across the isthmus. Secretary
Whitney went from the White House to
the Navy Department and an hour Of
activity followed, several naval officers
and clerks having been called in. Orders
have been issued to gather the available
marines at the Brooklyn Navy-Yard to-
gether, with number of Calling guns
and men to handle them. II the present
advices from the seat Of the insur-
rection prove accurate these men and
guns will be shipped to Aspinwall as
soon as possible. kilograms have been
sent to Commander Kane, of the Galena,
and Consul Adamson, at Panama, call
ing for the facts as to the condition of
the railroad and steamship property,
and asking whether or not transit across
the isthmus is open. The Alliance and
the Swatara have already sailed for AS
pinwall, the former going from Key
West and the latter from New Orleans.
Having disposed of these matters. Score
tary Whitney sent the following dis
patch
~. 3. Houston, President Pgc,fe Nail
Company, Neg York City:
1.-THE Government proposes to have
the transit from Panama TO Colon open
and uninterrupted in the shortest posi-
bic time. In order that your company
may avail itself of the advantages of
this action a few days delay Of your
steamer to receive shipment Of armed
force will be necessary. How many
men car you take!
"W. c. WHITNEY.
Secretary Of the Navy"
The Administration has taken hold Of
this matter with firm grasp, and will
follow with all the rigor necessary to
protect American interests and dis
charge all treaty obligations.
secreisry whitney Moving Aeiivsly to Pro-
tect American Interests.
lRy telegraph TO the Dispatch
WASHINGTON, April I'm an
swer TO telegram sent last night
by Secretary Whitney to the pre-
sident Of the Pacific Mail Steam
ship Company at New York rela.
tive to the number of men the compa-
ny's vessels can take to Aspinwall
without delay, the following reply was
received this morning We can carry
200 men in the City of Paro tomorrow
at noon and GOO In the Acapulco next
Monday"
Secretary Whitney replied - We
will ship 200 men by your steamer to-
morrow noon, with tents and camp
equipsge. The Tennessee, with Adj
mlrsl Jouett, will leave New Orleans
probably to-day with an extra compile
ment Of marines for Aspinwall and with
extra provisions. This will place four
ships and between 400 and 500 avail
able men at Aspinwail for land service.
AS to Mondays steamer will commu-
nicate hereafter"
Men will be taken from the Brooklyn
nayy-yard.
In reply to a telegram sent to Com
mander Kane, Of the Galena, the fell
lowing was also received to-day:
" Transit is closed. Steamship proper
ty safe and in my possession also, rail-
road property at north end of the
island. 1t is advisable to send another
yessel.n
When it was learned in the Navy De-
par.ment this morning that the Secre-
tary had determined to protect Ameri-
can interests on the isthmus by force.
there was considerable excitement
among the navy officers on duty here.