The Washington times., 1901-08-08
THE MACHIAS GOING SOUTH
Orders ISSUED for the GunbOat to
Proceed to Colon.
Conditions in Colombia Believed to
Warrant the Presence of n War
sbip-Daager of the Interruption
of Free Traffic on the Istbmus.

AS a result of a conference between the
acting heads of the State and Navy De
partmen;s yesterday, an order was issued
by Acting Secretary Hackett directing
the sunboat Machias, now at the Boston
Navy Yard, to prepare to proceed to
Colon, Colombia. as soon as possible.
This action WAS the result of a cable mes
sage to the State Department from UniN d
States Consul Gudger. at Panama. in
which he stated that the Liberals of Co
lombia had held up train on the Pana-
ma Railroad near Matachin and captured
several Government officials. He added,
however, that there had been no footing
or damage done.
In consequence of the action on the part
of the Colombian revolutionsist on the
Panama Railroad, the fear is entertained
here that there may be some interruption
to trade across the isthmus. and for this
reasop it is deemed prudent to have a
warship in the vicinity to protect Amer
lean interests if occasion arises, and to
fulfill the treaty obligations.
The Machias will not interfere unless
there is some radical change in the situa-
tion. Events which have already trans
pired, do not. in the opinion of the au-
in intervening in any way, but lest there
might. in view of the uprising, be occa-
sion for the United States taking hand
in the affairs there, the gunboat has been
ordered to the scene.
Under the conditions of the treaty be-
tween the United States and Colombia,
the latter guarantees to the Government
of the United States that the right of
way of transit across the Isthmus of Pan
anna shall be open and free to the Gov
ernment and the citizens of the United
States. This Government guarantees the
perfect neutrality of the isthnus, with
view of having free transit from one
sea to the other uninterrupted at all
times Upon two occasions the Govern
ment of Colombia has called upon the
United States for aid in the fultllment of
this treaty. The last occasion was dur
ing the months of March and April. lsS5,
when there was a revolution in Colombia.
At that time Colombia set forth three
reasons for the Intervention Of the Uni
ted States, first that it was unable to
cope with the revolutionary forces, sec
ond that free transit across the 18TH
mus was being Interrupted, and, third,
that the Government of Colombia might
not be embarrassed and harassed by its
enemies upon the seas. This Government
decided that it could not take cognizance
of the first and third reasons for inter
vention. but did land number Of troops
for the purpose OF protecting the rail-
road and maintaining the neutrality of
the isthmus. The United States forces
took possession and held for a short time
one terminus of the road, and order was
soon restored
in the present situation there appears
to be no question to maintaining the
neutrality of the isthmus, as so far as
the State Department is advised there is
no invasion Of Colombia from the out |
side. the trouble which exists in that
apparently being from within.
The department knows of no invasion of
Colombia from Venezuela. Still, if the
interfere with free transit |
across the isthmus. this Government may |
deem 1t necessary to intervene and pre- |
vent interruption to traffic. as il did in |
1875. 1t would not of course take sides |
forces Of the Government or the army OF
the reyolutionists, both being Colombians. |
the obligations of the treaty being bind !
ing upon both.
The trouble threatened there now is
somewhat similar to that OF 1855. AS yet. |
however. the circumstances do not justify |
the United States in taking any hand in |
the difficulties. There is no report to the |
effect that trade has been interfered |
with, and the fact that the revolutionists, |
according to Consul Gnugers report. did !
no uStndBe, Dut SIMPLY captured several /
lfi1cers Of the Government. tends to show |
hat both the Government and the revolu- |
tionists realize the meaning and import |
Of the treaty.
The Machias. which has been ordered to
Colon, is a gunboat of LII tons displace- |
ment, with twin screws. She has eight |
finch guns in her main battery. six /
rapid-fire guns. and one automatic gun. |
She carries l4l men and Is marines. /
For several months she has been out of |
and undergoing extensive re- |
pairs at Boston Navy Yard. These |
have scarce been completed. She was to |
have had ten days trial test of her |
and the final inspection was
TO have been made on August 20. This |
matter will now be hurried with all pos
sible haste She has been ordered to
proceed 10 Hampton Roads. and it is pos
sible that the inspection may take place |
here, and she will then proceed to Colon.
At best 1t is said that she cannot reach |
ner destination under ten days, and 1t
will more likely be two weeks or more
before she arrives at Colon.