The sun., 1901-08-20
COLOMBIAN SITUATION.
An Official Announcement Regarding
1t by Minister Silva.
TRAFFIC rs UNRESTRICTED.
Secretary Hny Assured by Colom-
bias Representative That His
Couatry Is Able, Moreover,
to Keep 1t Open.

Washington, Aug. 19.-The Colom-
bian minister, DIR. Silva, had con-
ference during the day with Secretary
Hay. 1t was the first personal eX-
change between the secretary and the
representative of Colombia since the
present disturbance started. Dr. Silva
gave Mr.. Hay information to the effect
that traffic Oh the isthmus was entirely
unobstructed and also assured him OF
the ability of Colombia to keep the
traffic open.
The minister's communication to Sec
retary Hay did not take any formal or
written shape, but was an Informal
discussion of the situation based on
the minister's latest advices. He in
formed the secretary that cable dis
patch from Bogota stated that traffic
across the isthmus was entirely unob-
structed as result of the efforts of the
Colombian authorities. He also ex-
pressed the fullest confidence that Co
l0mbia was able to maintain free traf-
fic across the isthmus.
So far as the United States govern
ment is concerned, there never has
been any purpose to exert any military
force in keeping open isthmian traffic
unless it became perfectly plain that
Colombia was unable to do so. This
view was doubtless made known to
DIR. Silva, although the nature of the
exchange is known only in the most
general way.
The assurances given by DR.. Silva
make clear certain features of the sit
uation.
First.-There is no interruption OF
traffic Mt the present time, Colombi;
giving official assurance of this, ant
the United States having no advice,
from its representatives showing N
actual stoppage of traffic within recen
days.
Responsibility on Colombia.
Second. : Both governments ar
agreed that the first responsibility 70
maintaining free traffic is on Colombi;
and that the United States Is not calle,
upon to act until Colombia finds her
self unable to fulfill the primary IL
sponsibility.
rd-The United States undoubt
edly will judge for itself when any ot
casion arises for exercising its author
ity ON the isthmus. A request from CO
lombia would be strong evidence tina
such occasion had arisen. But it
not essential to await request or M
tice from Colombia, although such
communication undoubtedly would rt
ceive the fullest consideration. Tli
actual conditions as to whether traffi
is open or closed win determine fnall
whether there is any occasion for til
exercise of force by the United States
Although the foregoing is not an o
fetal statement, yet 1t is believed
cover the main questions involved ;
the present time. 1t discloses that I'll
movement of our warships southwar
has been entirely a precautionai
measure to look after American inte
ests in case of an actual obstruction
traffic and that the situation as it g,
lists today does not call for an exerci'
of any American authority on the list
mus.
1t was stated at the navy departmol
that the battleship Iowa, now at Sa
Francisco, will probably sail for Pa
ANA in the morning. The Iowa is II
dergoing repairs to her boilers. Th
work is heing pushed with all possib
expedition in order that there shall
as little delay as possible in her IT.
sOuthWurd,