Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-11-01
Colombians Awaiting Arrival
Of Gen. Reyes.
FRIENDS SUMMON HIM
TOLD THAT THE TIME IS RIPE
FOR HIS RETURN.
Friendly to the Building of Panama
Canal by the United States-In
Voluntary Exile.

At any time a man now living in the Mex
lean republic may land on the soil of Co.
lombia and solve all the problems connected
with the efforts of this country to build a
canal at Panama, as far as they relate to
the treaty pending between the two repub-
lies. He is the man who is regarded by
the people of Colombia as is no one else.
He has been in voluntary exile for three
years, or ever since the beginning of the
revolutionary movement now nearing its
close in Colombia. He is Gen. Reyes, who
stands in the same relation to the presi-
dent of Colombia as the vice president OF
the United States stands in relation to the
executive Of this country, with the added
power of being able, in the opinion of many
of his countrymen, to take the reins OF
government, as the power behind the
throne, at any time he desires to do so.
In Voluntary Exile.
Gen. Reyes when he left Colombia was
not in accord with the policy of the domi-
nant party, but, for reasons of his own, he
did not wish to join any revolutionary
movement. By his retirement from the
country he retained his legal status of be-
ing the legal successor of the president,
should that Office be vacated. He believed
that the result of the revolutionary move
ment would be condition of dissatisfac-
ton that might at some time make it op-
perfume for him to return and to administer
the government as he saw fit. He was sat
isfied that no other man possessed the
qualifications to play this role successfully.
His friends believe that time has come, and
many Colombians are expecting to see him
on his native soil within the next few
months.
Gen. Reyes is man Of large wealth anG
OF undoubted ability. He was educate
1h and boc tra,- I'D
country, but in Europe, coming in contact
with the foremost political leaders every
where He has studied methods of govern
ment. and it is believed that his residence
Tor three years in Mexico has taught him
important lessons in relation to the build
ing up OF a country composed Of popnla-
tlon similar to that of Mexico Although
there are four millions of people in Colom-
pa, three-quarters Of them are native In
dians, who do not figure in the political
control of the aountry. The balance of the
population is largely dominated by com
paratively few leading families, among
"hom Gen. Reyes has for years been one
OF the most influential men.
Reyes Friends in This City.
There are many men in this city who are
well acquainted not only with the personali.
ty of General Reyes but also with the DO.
lit1cal situation of Colombia. -,...- ..,
These men are confident that if General
Reyes. within the next few months. as
sumes control Of affairs in Colombia his in.
ftuence will be exerted in favor Of prompt
action by that country for the ratification
of the canal treaty. The treaty, will result
in giving timely aid to the Impoverished
country In which gold dollar is worth
$l40 Of the deprecated paper currency now
circulating there. Money will be needed
and, of the purchase money paid for the
canal property, it is thought, from seven
to ten millions will go into the treasury of
Colombia in consideration for its approval
of the treaty and the transfer of the prop
erty. This will be much needed sum to
use In the adoption of methods for the re-
establishment of a prosperous condition
Without it the Colombian government will
be in an embarrassing position.
Assured That the Time is Ripe.
General Reyes is now in Mexico His
friends have assured him that the time has
come for his return to Colombia. He has
not yet signified what his future course
would be. He has been assured that he has
only to let it be known that he is on The
soil of his native country before leading
men will welcome his coming. They say
he would be the power behind the throne
during the balance of the term of the in
cumbent president and his election to sue
ceed him would be assured. Many people
believe that Reyes will become the Diaz of
Colombia. 1t Is said the two men have
much the same characteristics and that as
Diaz has built up great and prosperous
community in Mexico so will Reyes be able
to build up prosperous conditions in Colon
bia. t.rs....s...--
No doubt Is expressed that his influence
will be exerted toward satisfactory arrange
ments for the prosecution of the work on
the Panama canal by the United States
government.