The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-09-17
TRAINS TO BE GUARDED
TRAFFIC ACROSS THE ISTHMUs WILL
NOT BE INTERRUPTED.
Commander Mclean, of the Cruiser
Cincinnati, Determined to Pro-
tect American Interests.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16.-Secretary of
the Navy Moody to-day received the fol-
lowing cable from Commander Mclean. of
the Cincinnati. who arrived at Colon yes
terday:
Yesterday I went to Panama. Train
stopped twice by obstructions-plate iron,
etc., placed on track. After train passed
saw government soldiers replace obstruc-
tions. Accompanied by consul and Com
mander Potter, of the Ranger, 1 called on
the Governor for a friendly conversation.
Returning to Colon this morning we were
stopped by distractions. Soldiers were COM
PEELED to remove them. Soldiers then stood
on the track. By my direction the train
moved on and the soldiers jumped away.
VIII guard trains. No revolutionists in
| sight. but they are rumored to be coming
toward the railroad"
The above dispatch was not dated, ex-
cept as coming from Colon, but is accepted
as referring to events of Monday. The
officials at Washington are not inclined to
jump hastily at the conclusion that the OBJ
struction OF traffic by government soldiers
was inspired by the m government
itself, but are more ready to believe that
the act was for the purpose of ascertain
ing If any revolutionists occupied the train.
4 SOfnIIlduQtE AlCl<tdnS QlSDdtCn, as given
above, is not in full, some portions con-
tanning expressions of opinion on the COM
mander's part having been eliminated. 1t
is understood that at the meeting of Com
manders Mclean and Potter and the
United States consul with Governor Salazar
at Panama the latter disavowed RESPONSE
bility for the act of the government troops.
| Acting Secretary of State Adee and Sec
rotary Moody were in consultation for some
time to-day in regard to the iSthmian sit
uation, though the conference took place
before the receipt of Commander McLean's
dispatch. However, the dispatch was re-
ferred to the State Department Immediately
upon it's receipt, and it is understood that
some representations will be made to the
government at Bogota with a view to pre-
venting a repetition of the incident and OBJ
tanning some expression from Colombia
which may simplify the rather complex sit
uation which comes of the conjunction OF
the government, Liberal and United States
forces. BY the treaty of Grenada, Colombia
and the United States mutually guarantee
free and Uninterrupted traffic across the
isthmus, and in the event that one or the
other showed a disposition to interfere with
free transit 1t would be the right Of the
other to step in and insure ii.
Commander McLean's action in placing
guards on the trains creates a situation
similar to that which existed some months
ago, when Captain Perry, with the Iowa,
and Commander McCrea were at Panama
and Colon, respectively, and each train was
occupied by a force of American blue.
jackets or marines. Captain Perry at thai
| time was IOTceu 10 take POSSESSION OF the
Panama railroad, and it is probable hat
further interference will result in similar
action on the part of Commander Mclean
Six trains are run across the isthmus each
day-two passenger and four freight trains
and each one may have to be provided
a guard.
orders were issued to-day detaching Com
mander Mclean from command OF the Gin.
cinnati on the arrival of his successor. Com
mander Mason, who sailed from New Yorl
to-day for Colon, but 1T was stated at tn,
Navy Department that If the situation re
quires Ii Commander Mclean will be KEEP
I'm command beyond the appointed time fol-
his detachment.