The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-09-04
WAR RETwEEN REpuRL1cs.
Colombia Making Preparations to Fight
Venezuela.

NEW YORK, Sept. S,-The Herald
says:
George j. Goulds famous yacht Alta
lanta. converted into an armed cruiser
and provided with rapid fire guns OF
the latest pattern. will leave this port
at an early date bound upon a mission
about which the representatives OF the
Colombia Republic. TO which she be-
longs. maintain secrecy.
Information brought by travellers re-
turning from Central America indicates
that the United States Of Colombia
having suppressed recent rebellion OF
unusually sanguinary character is de-
termined to call Venezuela to account
Cor permitting the rebels to organize
there and cross the line into Colombia.
The Atlanta, noted for her speed, was
purchased under special instructions
from the Colombian government on July
20. Since that time the yacht. which
was built for Jay Gould. has been un-
dergoing a quiet transformation in the
Erie Basin. From a luxurious pleas
ure craft she has been changed into a
war vessel. Her armament consists Of
six machine guns and a rapid fire Al
inch rifle mounted forward. The day of
the Atalanta's departure and her desti-
nation are automatically secrets.
According to trustworthy adviees
from Colombia there is a strong pOpu-
lar feeling against Venezuela as the
result of the recent internal struggle.
Charges are openly made that Venezu-
ella instigated the rebellion and gave
comfort to the enemies Of Columbia.
It is asserted that at least 1900 Of the
rebels crossed The line from Venezuela
into Colombian territory and that in the
fighting that ensued 500 government
troops were killed by the invaders. The
total losses during the war are placed
at 1900.
When Colombia is ready it is stated
she win ask an indemnity from Vene-
zuela OF 5000 for each of the 5000 SOL
diers killed or s2.5OO.OOO in all Addi-
ticnal claims may be made for proper
ty destroyed and also for the cost Of
suppressing the rebels from Venezuela
permitted to cross the borders.
Venezuela viii also be asked to sur
render General Sarmiento and his fol-
lowers together with two gunboats cap
tured in a Venezuelan port. General
sarmiento and members Of the crews Of
these two vessels were thrown into pris-
on in Caracas and their ships confis-
Gated. as the rebellion had been sup
pressed in Colombia. The enemies Of
Colombia are about to be set free by
President Castro.
All these incidents have combined to
anger the Colombian government and
populace of Venezuela. Besides heavy
money indemnity policy and guaran-
tee for the future will probably be
asked. Venezuelans say that these de-
mands viii be refused and that if they
are insisted upon war will probably re-
suit between the two countries. Repre-
sentatives Of both republics have re-
Gently purchased arms and ammunition
in large quantities in this country. Col
ombia has just ordered 1900 new Rem
ington rifles firing a small bullet similar
TO the Spanish Mauser. The guns are
light and carry sword bayonets.
Although the revolution in Colombia
has been put down, their army is said
TO number $4,000 and is still kept and
there is no talk Of disbanding it. Ed
uardo Espizina, consul-general in New
York and at present charge d'affaires
of the Colombia Republic in this city,
said last night that he could not discuss
the plans Of his government.
1T is true that We have purchased
theAtalanta and that she is being armed
and is about ready to sail" said Senior
Espizlna. "She is being armed and will
have a new name. No. I cannot say
what day she will sail or to what port
sue VIII SO' may 50 Oh ASi i"JSS4A
but in that case a new representative
Of my government will be appointed.
IF Colombia gets into difficulty over
the recent rebellion she has $1,000 regu-
lars ready for service. and the 10000
rebels who have been disbanded would
take up arms for their country so that
we would have 100000 men in the field.
Venezuela could not resist such an
army"