New-York tribune., 1901-08-20
IsTHMIAN TRAFFIC UNRESTRICTED.
ASSURANCES EXCHANGED BETWEEN THE
COLOMBIAN MINISTER AND SEC
RETARY HAY.

Washington, Aug. 19.-The Colombian Minis
ter DR.. Silva, had conference with Secretary
Hay to-day It was the first personal exchange
Of views between the Secretary and the repre-
sentative Of Colombia since the present disturb
ance began. DR.. Silva gave Mr.. Hay tnforma-
ton to the effect that traffic on the isthmus was
entirely unobstructed. and also assured him or
the ability of Colombia to keep traffic open
The minister's communication to Secretary
Hay did not take any formal or written shape
but was an informal discussion Of the situation
based on the latest advces. He Informed the
Secretary that cable dispatch from Bogota'
sent last Thursday, said that traffic across the
isthmus was entirely unobstructed as a result
of the efforts Of the Colombian authorities. ne
also expressed the fullest confidence that GO
lombia was able to maintain free traffic across
the isthmus So far as the United States Gov
ernment is concerned, there never has been any
purpose to exert any military force IN Keeping
open isthmian traffic unless it became perIeclIy
plain that Colombia was unable TO DO So Inns
view was doubtless made known to Dr. silva
although the nature of the exchange Is KNOWN
only in the most general way
NO NEED FOR ACTION AT PRESENT.
The assurances given by Dr.. Silva make clear
certain features of the situation:
First-There is no interruption of traffic at the
present
of this and the United states having no au
vices from its representatives showing an actual
stoppage of traffic within recent days.
Second-Both governments are agreed ina s
the first responsibility for maintaining free
traffic is on Colombia. and that the United states
is not called upon to act until Colombia mas
herself unable to fulfil the primary respohsl-
bility. -,
Third-The United States undoubtedly VIII
Judge for itself when any occasion arises lot
exercising it's authority on the tsthmus A re-
quest from Colombia would be strong evidence
that such occasion had arisen. But it is not es-
sential to await a request notice from Co.
lombia, although such a communication uh-
doubtedly would receive the fullest considera-
ton The actual condition, as to whether traI-
f1c is open or closed, will determine hnalIy
whether there Is any occasion for the exercise
of force by the United States
Although the foregoing is not an official state
rnent, yet it is believed 10 cover the main ques-
tions involved at the present time. 1t discloses
that the movement Of warships southwark has
been entirely precautionary measure, to look
after American interests in case Of an actual
obstruction of traffic, and that the situation as
it exists to-day does not call for an exercise OF
any American authority on the isthmus
After his visit to the State Department, DR..
Silva expressed himself highly 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 the need Of
intervention became so apparent to make
request unnecessary. The minister said that
some time ago he informed his government that
the United States would not put into operation
the treaty provision for keeping open traffic on
the isthmus unless Colombia found herself un-
atle to do so. His interview with Mr. Hay
strengthened this view of affairs and he ad-
vised his government Of the entirely disin-
its purpose not to act so long as traffic across
the iSthmus remains unObstructed