The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-09-06
Two Republics to BE Pitted Against
One, Which Is Already Rent
with Revolution.
CRUISER RANGER AT PANAMA
EVERYTHING QUIET ON THE PA
CIFIC SIDE OF THE IsTHMUS.
Comma Dder of the Nachias May Now
BE Able to Guard Our Inter-
ests at Bocas Del Toro.

WASHINGTON. Sept. 5.-A cablegram
was received here to-day from an authori-
tative source in Cali, Colombia, near the
EcuaGorian border, stating that Ecuador
had intervened as against Colombia with
an army well equipped and with vessels of
war. Under these circumstances the cable
gram states that it will be necessary to
meet the move of Ecuador by having Co
lombian war vessels in Pacific waters near
the Colombian Ecuador frontier. The in
formation in the cablegram is considered
clear evidence of Ecuador intention TO
join forces with the rebellious element on
the Isthmus OF Panama. Until now Ecua-
dor has maintained strict neutrality, but
the cablegram received to-day indicates
that the first overt move against Colombia
has been made.
A careful translation at the State De
partment of the published utterance of the
Venezuelan government on the subject of
the differences with Colombia discloses the
fact that it is not, as at first reported, an
identic note addressed to the powers
through their resident representatives at
Caracas Instead, it appears to be some
thing in the nature of a proclamation ad-
dressed to the world at large and signed by
Minister BlancO, in charge of foreign af-
fairs. This fact makes it impossible for
any of the governments of the world to
make response to the note, which may have
been an object with the Venezuelan gov
ernment. 1t may, however, be noted that
our own government took prompt steps to
disclose the position of the United States in
the utterance of Aug. "a, sent both to Cara
cas- and BOgota in the shape of instructions
10 our ministers, and our note was dated
n than Venezuelan
lamation.
Commander Sargent has not yet notified
the Navy Department of the reported ap-
peal to him of the German consul at Bocas
del Toro for the aid of the MachiaS at that
point The officials here say that his first
duty is at Colon. in connection with the
protection OF the isthmian transit, which is
not understood to be involved at Bocas
a cablegram was received at the Navy
Fields, announcing the arrival of the
United States ship Ranger at Panama to-
day. The cablegram added: Affairs quiet
on the Panama side The arrival of the
Ranger will make il possible for Com
mander Sargent. of the Machias, to leave
Colon temporarily to meet any emergency
even before the arrival of the Iowa at
Panama. But nothing less than an emer-
gency would move him to this course, be-
cause, to safeguard Colon in the absence
of the Machias it Will be necessary for
Commander Fields, of the Ranger, lying at
Panama to send a portion of his small
force of marines and sailors across the
Or. Silva, the Colombian minister, has
sent to the State Department formal and
written acceptance in behalf of Colombia Of
the American proposition to mediate. The
letter was dated Aug. 27, three days after
Secretary Hays offer OF mediation.
At the Colombian legation the arrival of
/ 900 Colombian troops at BarranQuilla is
regarded as a move TO strongly fortify the
isthmus and prevent the disorder which has
prevailed there.
Considerable surprise is expressed at the
y1p of bp int of n
Colombia, as disclosed by the dispatch re-
ceived from Cali. which is the most i'm
portant of the cities of the Department
Of Cauca, bordering on Ecuador. Senior
Plaza, the new President of the latter
country, who has just assumed Office, here
tofore has given evidence of his intention TO
observe strict neutrality between Colombia
and Venezuela in their pending difficulties.
The impression prevails that the invading
force is under the direction of the inter-
vening party in Ecuador, which probably
has a force OF men near the border line
and IS taking an early opportunity to act
before the new President can successfully
interfere. The real objective point is be-
lieved to be Panama, where the invaders
may assist the Colombian revolutionists
and those who may be brought from Mica =
raugua. Reliance is placed, however, by
the Colombian officials on the presence of
United States men-of-war at Panama TO
prevent any attack on the place. The bat
tleship Iowa is expected at Panama in a
day or two. and. with the Ranger now
there, will be able 10 land a considerable
force of marines should this be necessary
to prevent attack
From the acting Governor of the State
of Panama word was received In official
circles to-day that conditions on the 18TH
mus were not serious. Open traffic is being
preserved by the Colombian government.
The officials Of the latter government the
dispatch added. were expecting the expedi-
tons that have been announced from Ecua-
dor and Nicaragua.
Colombian officials here profess to have
no fear Of any serious difficulties on the
isthmus. saying that In addition TO the
forces already there to preserve the pea &c
one thousand men now at Barranquilla are
under orders 10 proceed 10 the vicinity. and