The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-07-10
VIII Prevent the Filing of Any Claims
by the Old Panama Company
Against the United States
THE SITUATION IN COLOMBIA
COLLAPSE OF THE REVOLUTION Is
EXPECTED VERY SOON.
Result VIII Tend 10 Expedite Canal
Matters-speclal Agent Russell
Goes to Confer with MIR. Knox.
pecial to IN. Indianapolis Journal.

Special 70 the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON. July e.-It can he
nounced on absolutely reliable authority
that the negotiations for the control of the
Panama canal by the United States have
been completed in their preliminary stage.
Not only has Secretary of State Hay made
a preliminary agreement with Colombia
for the right of way for the proposed canal.
but he has made a preliminary agreement
With the new Panama Company, the pres
ent owner Of the Panama canal conces-
sions and property. and also an agreement
with the French government that the
claims of the old Panama Canal Company.
whatever they may be. will never be pre-
sented against the United States. These
agreements make IL certain that the pend
ing negotiations with Colombia. the canal
company and the republic of France will
be completed and made permanent at an
early day and that the United States will
undertake TO construct canal by the Pan
anna route. Matters have progressed at
such A rapid pace that IL is expected that
the treaty between the United States and
Colombia will be signed within the next
few hours. and the negotiations with the
canal company and France are in such an
advanced state that nothing but the for
malities remain TO be concluded. To speak
plainly. the French government has given
assurances 10 the United States govern
ment that IL will protect the United States
in the enjoyment Of the title that the new
Panama Canal Company has undertaken 20
give TO this government. So far as St docs~
the title is perfect. and the guarantee or
the French government that il VIII pro-
tect the United States against the claims
Panama CnmnanX
the title absolutely perfect. because. under
international law, no claim can be pre-
sented against foreign government eX-
cept through the home government There
fore the new Panama Canal Company. hav-
ing Signihed It's Willingness 20 transfer "a
the United States its title TO the Panama
canal property and route, no claim that
stands behind the claim Of that company
to the canal can be presented to the United
States except through the French govern
ment. and inasmuch as the French govern
ment has given its guarantee that it will
Canal Company 10 be presented 10 this
government. fhe title 10 the canal In per-
rect and nothing remains 10 be done but TO
make a perfunctory examination of the
title.
Final negotiations for the conclusion Of
the defnitive treaty between the United
States and Colombia. which 10 10 authorize
the construction of the canal began at
the State Department to-day at meeting
of Secretary Hay and Mr.. Cromwell. rep
resenting the Panama Canal Company,
and the Colombian legation here. At the
same time. in order that the settlement OF
the legal questions connected with the
transfer OF the canal company's property
to this government might run on concur
rently with the diplomatic settlements be-
| tween the United States and Colombia
Mr.. Cromwell. at Secretary Hsyss instance.
laid before the Department ~ Justice all
the papers in his possession calculated TO
assist the attorney general I'm his work in
settling the title.
! After comforting verbally with Mr.. Crom
! well. Secretary Hay turned over 10 him
mass of papers which the counsel examined
| carefully. While definite conclusion was
| not reached at to-day's meeting. IL is stated
/ that "A distinct advance was made. Some
/ correspondence must be had with the Co.
/ lombian government, but this can be done
| by cable. and it is believed that the treaty
/ can be signed within a week
| Mr.. Concha, the Colombian minister here.
/ has received advices from the government.
| which MIR. Cromwell transmitted 10 the
! State Department, 10 the effect that the
| Colombian government had decided TO ap-
/ point nonpartisan commission 10 rear
| range the electoral and provincial district
/ OF Colombia. and, IL WAS believed the way
being clear for new elections. the Congress
| could be elected and assembled Within the
next four months, and the body could pro-
| ceed at once 70 ratify the canal treaty
/ which is to be concluded here IL is in
/ ferred from this statement that an ar
rangement has been made between the Co
! lombian Conservatives and Liberals that
| will terminate the revolution which has
| now lasted for more than two years.
Xxx
senor Don Jose Concha. the Colombian
minister at Washington. to-day made the
following statement regarding the terms
offered the revolutionists In Colombia II
they will surrender. and OF the existing
conditions in that country.
The Colombian government has offered
| 10 the rebels complete amnesty, freedom OF
prisoners. help for transportation OF the
chiefs and soldiers OF the rebel army 10
their domiciles. with true security for their
persons and property; reform OF the elec-
toral laws with the Intervention of the
prominent members of the revolutionary
party: immediate convocation OF Congress
and guarantee OF liberty and security OF
suffrage In the next elections. The Colom-
bisn President. Senor Msrroquin. was not
| in office when the revolution started i'm lS1s
| and what he offers to-day Is the same he
| offered during his frst administration. I'm
1895.
THE Liberal directory In Bogota has ac-
cepted the terms offered by the President
| and great many heads OF guerriias In the
| center of the country have surrendered but
! the leader OF the rebellion abroad SenOr
| Vargas Santos has asked for the paVmeut
| OF the debts contracted in foreign countries
| by the rebels. and for the appointment OF
| several members az the rebel party 20 some
important positions I'm the government The
/ Colombian government has not acceded to
/ these two demands. The conduct Of SenOr
/ Vargas Santos is not approved by the ma
Z jcrity OF his party. and hence this chief has
limited his pretensions 20 the appointing 90
new Cabinet, but the government has not
/ yet answered this proposition.
In Washington the matter ~ conducted
by the Colombian minister. who requested
from the rebel leader. Senor Vargas Santos.
the issuance OF a solemn protest aSai--<a