The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1901-09-11
WAR CLOUDS in SOUTH AMERICA.
A Warning to Venezuela and CO.
lombia to Keep Quiet.

Washington, septebmer Sit is as
certained that on August "a, during
SecretarysHay recent visit to Wash
ington, a telegraphic message was
sent to the ministers at Caracas and
and Bogota, directing them to inform
the foreign secretaries Of Venezuela
and Colombia of the distress with
which the President had heard of the
likelihood of disturbance of the rela-
tions between those two republics.
Adverting to the possibility of the in
fuence of the United States being
exerted to compose the pending ques-
tions, the ministers were directed to
say that, while the relations Of this
government with both nations are
equally intimate and friendly, and
every opportunity is taken to show
the good will we bear them, any
offer of the Presidents kindly Offices
to arrange any differences which may
exist between Columbia and Vene-
zuela would be Ineffective without
the acquiescence of both. Neverthe-
less, inspired by the sentiments which
are common to all governments Of the
American republics, the United States
would sincerely deplore breach of
the amicable relations that at this
time happily exist between the sister
nations of the Western world, and es
pecially regret any action by either of
them which might menace the securi
ty of the transit across the isthmus or
the neutrality of its territory and
thereby constrain the Government OF
the United States to consider its re-
sponsibilities and functions under ex-
isting treaty engagements with Colon
bia.
The text of Mr.. Hays telegram has
not been made public. It is under
stood that an acknowledgment Of its
receipt has been made by the Venezue-
Ian Government, but its purport has
not been made known, although it is
said to be friendly in tone. While
charging invasion by Colombian forces
on the Venezuelan border, and refer
ring to the temporary suspension OF
diplomatic intercourse which has oc-
Cured, the way appears to be open Tor
explanations. Venezuela has not de-
clared war against Colombia. No ac-
knowledgment has been received from
Bogota, but this IS supposed to be due
to the reported delays in telegraphlc
communication between Bogota and
the coast stations.
Colombia also, it is said, has made
response to the note of Secretary Hay.
While its contents are not obtainable
tonight, the statement, is made that 1T
is conciliatory in character and ex-
presses an earnest wish that war with
Venezuela may be avoided. War, it
is stated, would be cause of genuine
regret to the people Of Colombia. Co
lombia, it is said, stands ready to ac-
cept the friendly Intervention of the
United States to avert war and reposes
full confidence in the latter country.
Caracas, Venezuela, September ),
via Haytien Cable.-The Repubilca,
semi-ofhcial of the Government, pub
lished today an inspired article end
ing as follows:
1.-THE hour for notes has passed and
the time for action has arrived. Dip
lomacy has laid before the world the
just reasons which it has had, and
has, for asking compensation for the
grievances suffered. It has exhausted
all the means at its disposal for set
Ting threatening questions between
nation and nation. We have waited
long enough. Now is the time for
reprisals. -