The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-08-20
SILVA CALLS ON HAY.
Colombian Minister Discusses Prog
ress of the Rebellion.

WASHINGTON. Aug 19-The Colom-
bian minister, DR.. Silva, had a confer
ence with Secretary Hay this morning.
1t is the first personal exchange between
the secretary and the Colombian min
isteI since the present disturbances
started. Dr. Silva gave Mr.. Hay informa-
tion to the effect that traffic on the
isthmus was entirely unobstructed, and
also assured Of the ability Of Colom-
bia to keep traffic open.
The minister's communication to Sec
realry Hay did not take any formal or
wltten shape, but was an informal dis
cussion of the situation based on the
minister's latest advices. He informed
the secretary that cable dispatch from
BOgota, sent last Thursday, stated that
traffic across the isthmus was entirely
unobstructed as a result of the efforts
OF the Colombian authorities. He ex-
pressed the fullest confidence that Co
lombia was able to maintain free traffic
across the isthmus. So far as the Unit
ed States government is concerned, there
never has been any purpose to exert any
military force in keeping open the
isthmian traffic, unless it became per-
fectly plain that Colombia was unable to
dc so. This view was doubtless made
known TO DIR. Silva, although the nature
OF the exchange is known only in the
most general way. The assurances given
by DR.. Silva make clear certain features
OF the situation. First, there is no inter-
ruption of traffic at the present time
Colombia giving official assurance of
this, and the United States having no ad-
vices from its represen tatives showing
an actual stoppage Of traffic within re-
cent days. Second, both governments
are agreed that first responsibility for
maintaining free traffic is on Colombia
and that the United States is not called
upon to act until Colombia finds herself
unable to fulfill the primary RESPONSE
bility. Third, the United States undoubt-
edly will judge for itself when any oc-
casion arises for exercising it's authority
on the isthmus. A request from Colom-
bia would be strong evidence that such
occasion had arisen. But it is not essen
tlal to await request or notice from
Colombia, although such a communica,
ton undoubtedly would receive the fullest
consideration. The actual conditions as
to whether traffic is open or closed will
determine finally whether there is any
occasion for the exercise of force by the
United States.
Although the foregoing is not an off,
claI statement, yet it is believed to cover
the main questions involved at the pres
ent time. 1t discloses that the movement
of our warships southwark has been
merely precautionary measure to look
dAIer american interests in case Of an
| actual obstruction Of traffic, and that the
| situation as it exists today does not call
| for an exercise of any American au-
| thority on the isthmus
1t was stated at the navy DEPARTMENT
! today that the battleship Iowa, now at
! San Francisco, probably will sail for
| Panama tomorrow morning. The Iowa is
undergoing repairs to her boilers This
! work is being pushed with all possible
| expedition in order that there sh@u he
as little delay as possible in her triu
| southwark
! When seen after his visit to rhe state
department, DR.. Silva expressed himself
| as largely satisfied with assurances given
| him by Mr.. Hay that the United States
would not take a hand in affairs on the
| isthmus unless a request came from the
| Colombian government itself, or else the
| need of intervention became so apparent
| as to make a request unnecessary. The
! minister stated that, some time ago, he
| informed his government that the Unit
/ ed States would not put into operation
! the treaty provision for keeping open
! traffic on the isthmus unless Colombia
| found herself unable to do So He saws
| his interview with Mr. Hay strengthened
this view of affairs, and he advised his
| government of the entirely disinterested
| purposes OF the United States. and of its
Continued on Fifth Page.