New-York tribune., 1901-09-09
COLOMBIA IN STRAITS FOR MONEY.
FINANCIAL DEPRESSION PREVAILS AND
CURTAILs CHANCES FOR SUCCESS
VENEZUELA.

Colon, Sept. s. via Kingston, Jamaica, Sept
( CRefused at Colon by the censor and for
warded by steamer 10 Kingston) n)-Colombia,s
financial straits are extreme, and she is pushed
70 the last point 10 obtain funds. The Colon-
bian paper peso is now worth less than three
cents and gold continues 10 depreciate. Seventy
or eighty per cent Of the people Of the country
sympstlize with the revolution and are op-
posed TO the present government. largely, IL is
asserted, on account Of the governments exac-
ton of taxes and imposts and other vexatious
efforts 10 raise money.
This financial distress, coupled with the ex-
tent OF the revolution, which monthly becomes
more threatening-this being especially the case
in the Venezuelan ENHANCEMENT. it is asserted
constitutes the strongest reason why Colombia
cannot go 70 war with Venezuela with any hope
Of success
A decree dated Bogota. July IS practically
disrupts the country and deprives the Bogota
government Of the power TO take national action
IN which the various departments could be ex-
pected 10 take a responsible part 1t is almost
impossible 10 expect Colombia to take concerted
action on an International matter because Of the
weakening effect Of this decree.
THE OUTLOOK NOT PROMISING.
The future contains no promise Of financial
Improvement and the people become daily more
burdened. Forced loans are common, and their
daily recurrence is expected. In some cases Gus
toms receipts have been h s,othecated months in
advance as security for these loans, and in other
cases no security is given. The continuation Of
such governmental impositions increases the
Liberal ranks. and the prolongation Of the pres
ent situation viii, st IS believed, increase the
liberals chances Of success.
The government is holding the army, which it
s. making strenuous efforts 10 pay, and which,
with the Official employees. seems strong enough
tc prolong the present situation, but unable TO
deal 10 the revolution crushing, effective blow.
Time viii strengthen the rebels position through
the country but in the isthmus district they
notably lack leaders. The government to-day
owes the fifteen hundred troops on the isthmus
$4,000 in gold i0 back pay.
It IS expected that the return to the isthmus
Of General Alban, commander-in-chief Of the
Colombian forces. will be attended with strin-
gent measures and forced loans in order TO raise
money 10 pay these troops.
FOREIGNERS FEAR FORCED LOANS.
Although the governments financial extremity
IS asserted TO be continually increasing, Il has
not yet been authentically reported that the
government has molested or attempted to effect
forced loans from foreigners. Many foreigners,
however believe the probability OF such occur
reuces TO be approaching especially since the
going into effect Of the decree OF July IS which
gives 10 minor officials full power TO take any
measure they may consider necessary to crush
the rebellion and preserve the dignity Of the
country.
Reports are again in circulation that the LIB
erals are concentrating at Chorrera, on the Pa
cifc Coast, fifteen miles north Of Panama. SINH
lar reports have been current for weeks past
LITTLE WORK FOR GUNBoATs.
The gunboat General Pnzon, with General
Alban on board. is still cruising along the coast.
Her presence is greatly needed at Bocas oei
Toro 10 drive the rebels from their position on
Provision Island. Apparently no efforts are be
ing made TO use the gunboat effectively. At the
same time Colombian officials say that Colombia
intends buying other similar craft
The Colombian gunboat Cordoba mas oeeh
sent 10 Martinique for repairs. il having neeh
discovered that she was practically useless.
Minor Colombian officials unite III blaming
Venezuela for conditions which exist upon the
frontier.
II the Liberals come into power they WILL II
is believed ind the country bankrrpted and I'M
poverished through rnaladministration. There Is
nothing 10 show conclusively that the Liberals
are any better administrators than the present
Conservative government. To-day the Liberals
are as straitened financially as is the govern
ment. -.,
AL the Colombian export and import duties
are payable in gold local paper on goIo
valuation The present departmental and ma
tional paper money is without any guarantee
whatever.
THE IOWA AT PANAMA.