New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1901-02-13
UANTIT on COLOMBIAN SOIL.
THE SECRETARY OF STATE OF THE
SOUTH AMERICAN REPUBLIC HERE
IN THE INTEREST OF THE
PANAMA CANAL. ROUTE.

DR.. Carlos Martinez Silva. Secretary OF State
OF the Republic of Colombia. one Of the fore
most men Of that republic. arrived on the steam
ship Allegheny yesterday from Savanilla on a
special mission 10 induce This Government to
enter into negotiations for acquiring the rights
OF the CFrench) Panama Canal Company and
locating the isthmian canal across Colombian
territory rather than through Nicaragua. After
conferring with New-York people Interested IN
the Panama route. he viii go 70 Washington.
where he is well known TO the State Depart
ment. Or. Silva will stay here for perhaps six
months and will then be succeeded by per-
manent Minister 70 this country. In his party
were Thomas Herran United States Consul to
MedelIin; his SON. Thomas Herran, jr-; fernando
Martinez and T. T Ford
"Au that 1 can say about the canal matter
now" said DR. Silva, lis that believe the Co
Iombian Government is in position 10 facilitate
the transfer OF the French interests in the Pana-
ma Canal Company to the United States Gov
ernmant II the latter should show a disposition
to consider favorably the Panama route for its
proposed canal. Colombians want the big ditch
on Colombian soil and shall work earnestly
TO bring that about. Colombia cannot give any
nation its consent 10 build canal across Pana-
ma without the consent Of the French company.
which has done so much work there. What
French interests. so that the canal may be built
without unnecessary delay. The French COM
pany has recently secured an extension of time
for the completion OF it's work. There is grow
ing need for a great waterway across the 18TH
mus and in Colombia believe that the Pana-
ma route is by far the hest"
What of the revolution by the followers of
Tribe -Uribe?" the doctor was asked
oh" he answered. lit is practically all over.
Only stray bands of guerillas left TO annoy
the Government troops Tribe Uribe
badly worsted in the last series of engagements
on the Magdalena River that his so-cailed army
has dwindled away his arms We're captured and
he is a fugitive in this country. I am told. He
escaped 10 Rio Hache and from there he went
to MaracatbO and Caracas. Tribe is in this
country, 7 understand. as supporter of the Cas-
tro party in Venezuela. with the understanding
that Castro will help him to renew his fight
against Colombia II Castro is successful in
Venezuela The latter country as is well known,
is not overfriendly to Colombia. The Magda-
lena River is free for commerce. all the steamers
seized by the Government for it's temporary use
have been returned to their owners and traffic
has been resumed all over the country"
Mr.. Herran. in speaking of the resources and
development of Colombia. said: Two or three
American concerns are inspecting the asphalt
deposits in Tolima. the upper Magdalena
River. with the idea of developing them. Some
of this asphalt has been used commercially. but
don't know about its merits. The gold mines
I'm Antioquia doing first rate. The output Is
more than $3,OOO,000 year Native help is en-
ployed almost exclusively There are two Eng
Iish companies and one French company. and an
American company has just started in Wages
are very low for ordinary laborers. when the de-
preciated condition of the currency is taken into
account Laborers get about 81 in paper money
day. but this In reality is worth only about 20
cents. Placer and quartz mining are both 60
Ing on.' -----------------