The Washington times., 1902-07-09
State Department and
Colombian Government
Close TO Agreement
TREATY MAY BE SIGNED SOON
Formal Discussion Not Yet Initiated
InsuTrection in Southern Republic an
Urgent Reason for Haste-Gratify-
ing Responses from France.

Such satisfactory progress has been
made IN the arrangement Of a treaty
with the government of Colombia fo-
right of way along the route OF the pro
posed Panama Canal that it is confident
ly expected by officials of the State Dc
partment that the treaty will be signed
in the near future.
Formal negotiations have not been in
ftinted, but each of :hc two governments
concerned is SO we'll acquainted with
the views of the other OF ell points that
there will be little, il any. necessity
for prolonged discussions when the ne
gotiations are formally begun.
Urgent Reason to Avoid Delay.
On the surface IL would appear that
there is 10 occasion for the eXpedi-
tion which has marked tho exchanges
preliminary to the perfection of treaty.
but there is very urgent reason in
the opinion OF both governments why
there should be no delay.
The Colombian government has
stubborn insurrection on its hands.
While the revolutionary party has not
made progress lately. the authorities
here have had sufficient experience with
Latin American uprisings to know that
the unexpected frequently happens.
It is regarded as desirable, therefore.
10 push the treaty to conclusion while
the present governmental authority ex-
lists at Bogota than take the chance o!
q change in administration which would
certainly cause great delay and perhaps
develop embarrassments that it would
be well to avoid. If the treaty is signed
by the existing government of Colombia
the successor to that government must
stand by it or reckon with the United
States.
No Serious Differences.
From officials familiar with the pro-
gress of the unofficial exchanges the
idea is obtained that no serious differ
ences have arisen. There will be some
changes. said to be slight, from the
terms of the engagement or protoco,
recently signed here, by which Colon
bia agreed to make a treaty covering
certain specified points, in considera-
tion of promises made by the United
States.
Generally speaking. however, the
treaty will follow the lines Of the "en-
gagcment," copies OF which were sub
mitted to Congress while the isthmian
canal question was under considera-
tion. Presumably, therefore. Congress
IN selecting the Panama route assented
TO the terms upon which Colombia was
willing 10 cede right Of way and other
privileges to this Government.
The treaty will not require the sane
tion of the House. except in the appro-
priation Of the $1,000, coo. which Colom-
bia is to get for the canal concession.
Mr.. Hay to Complete Negotiations.
Secretary Hay. while far from well.
will remain in Washington until the
treaty has been signed Mr. Hay IS reti-
cent as to the date OF his departure
from Washington, but it is not unlikely
that he will get away from town this
week.
The rough draft OF the formal treaty
is being drawn at the State Department
and viii probably be submitted today TO
the Colombian Minister. Seror Coacha.
who is so well aware CT the views OF his
government that it will probably be un-
Necessary for him 10 communicate the
terms OF the convention TO Bogota, anG
await response before signing.
Through the American embassy in
Paris, the State Department has beer
in communication with the French gov
eTn-Eent TO ascertain whether France
MA ,1,-., l. T..
the construction OF the canal under the
exclusive control OF the United States.
Gratifying responses have been received
from Paris. and the indications are that
The French government will show cor
cial spirit in clearing away any en-
tarr3ssments that may arise through
the deterrent efforts OF French share
hclGcrs ii the Panama Canal COMPANY
whS nay think they have not been fairly
treated in the transfer of coatral.
Attorney General Knox's Task.
1t VIII be for Attorney General Knox
to ascertain during his visit 20 Paris
whether there is any Gaw IN the title
10 the canal properties conveyed to the
United States by The French Panama
COMPANY. and, having done so. to de-
termine what means are necessary to
Obtain clea- title. Some uncertainty
exists as TO the method 10 he ompioycd
TO remove the flaws in the title. il any
exist.
II is not known whether The assent Of
the French legislative chambers viii he
necessary TO that end. or whether The
question should be referred t. tho
French courts FOR adjudication. II
either course is open. It viii be for Mr.. |
kEcx TO decide which IS the better "a
pursue to attain a settlement satisfac-
tory D. the United States.
What Mr. Kncx Is to Lean.
The mission OF the Attorney General
to Paris has three objects:
First--To ascertain whether there OK
lists any defecta 10 the title.
Second-If defects exist. TO quiet title |
by friendly suit in French courts.
Third-If the above method is not |
feasible or Is less speedy to obtain per- |
lection OF the title through 4 special at |
OF the Chambers.
DaI;oyad of noea of aud.r.