New-York tribune., 1902-10-31
COLOMBIA IS FRIENDLY.
OUTLOOK FOR CANAL TREATY
GREATLY IMPROVED.
ATTITUDE OF THE BOGOTA GOVERN
MENT MIsREPRESENTED BY
MINISTER CONCHA.
lBr TELEGRAPH To 1HE TRIBUNE.


rrent in the prospect OF speedy conclusion Of
the Panama Canal negotiations has followed
sharply upon the declaration Of this govern
merits mpatienoe Colombias procrastina-
ton and Sehor Concha's obstructive tactics.
which were noted in The Tribune on Wednes-
day From several authoritative sources CON
elusive advioes have been promptly forthcom-
ing which produce much better understand
ing of Colombia's attitude. Il now appears
70 be extremely cordial and Of character 10
warrant sanguine expectations Of an early
agreement on all details of the treaty under
negotiation. The delicate question of sover-
eighty over the right Of way across the isthmus
promises 20 yield diplomacy in 2 manner
which viii he satisfactory in gratifying de-
gree particularly in view ~ the Presidents
anxiety 10 have the title ~ the Panama Com
pany pass 10 the United States and 10 have his
construction commission organized and at work
before the new year.
CONCHA SEES HIS MISTAKE.
The state Department is now assured that
sehor Concha wholly misinterpreted the senu-
ment Of Colombia. and that popular opinion
there. with domestic peace secured, 10 a large
extent. through the direct instrumentality Of
the United States. is anxious to give hearty
operation 10 the great enterprise upon which
the welfare Of the country is SO inseparably
Colombia, far as the American Minister there
can ascertain, shares with Sehor Conchs that
resentment against the course which American
naval officers have recently pursued in main
tanning free transit across the Panama Rail
way In fact il is made evident that the
Colombian Minister at Washington permitted
himself 20 get altogether out Of touch with his
own people, and that he misrepresented the
Bogota Government 20 such an extent that were
delar VII
suit II new minister had 20 be sent from Co
lombia 10 Washington. the incumbent would
he hereafter ignored by the State Department.
He has now. however apparently come 20 the
conclusion that he was utterly mistaken in as
suming a defiant demeanor toward the United
States and toward Colombia, under the impress
sion that his own extravagant ideas OF patriot
ism we're superior 10 the VIII Of both countries,
and he VIII probably be utilized 70 sign the con
vention under explicit instructions from home,
which may cothe him with no discretion.
TREATY NAY BE READY FOR CONGRESS.
Before Secretary Hay left Washington for
NeW-England last summer ample assurances
had come TO him which left practically TO doubt
that Colombia would not insist on qualifications
in the treaty which might prevent it's ratihca-
tion by the United States Senate. and that com
plete accord was being reached by all parties in
ton in the early construction Of the canal by
the United States Government practically it's
own terms. With barely a month left there is
nevertheless. such confidence manifested at the
State Department that the matter will he closed
in time for the President 10 refer 20 the fact i'm
his annual message. and that the Senate may
take up the consideration of the convention as
it meets. President Roosevelt is de-
termined that delay shall be permitted. as he
~.
construct the canal as soon the treaty is rati-
fed, and he sees no reason why the commission
should not he organized and al work by the first
Of the year.
Unofficial information received here to-day
from trustworthy sources in Colombia bears out
the idea that political conditions in that coun-
Try are becoming more favorable to lasting
understanding with the United States which
viii remove all obstacles 10 the quick construc-
tion ~ the Panama Canal The surrender Of
General Cribe-Uribe and his return TO Bogota,
it is predicted, viii soon he followed by the
capitulation OF General Herrera, who is in com
mand of the insurgent forces on the Isthmus
Of Panama.
CHANGED CONDITIONS AT BOGoTA-
The submission Of these two generals. which
Till bring all organized fnsurrection TO an end.
Is ascrbed to a change OF conditions at the
capital by which President Marroquin. VINO was
put into power before the death of the late
President Sanclemente by the Historico faction
Of the Conservative party, has passed under
the influence Of the Nationalist faction OF that
party II is predicted that General Rafael
Reyes who is The designado Of Colombia. and
stands next in line for the Presidency. viii soon
r.turn 20 Bogots after an absence of four years
ana will become the real head of the govern
rnent although Sefor Narroquin viii probably
continue in once until the expiration Of his
term
General Reyes. who has been in Mexico for a
year with the exception OF a chort visit 10 the
United States last spring. has been repeatedly
urged by mis- supporters 10 return 70 Colombia
ana assume the Presidency. il being argued that
Re was the President de jure of the country, and
Sebor Narroouin had succeeded to the Office Il
legally. He steadfastly refused 10 return. how
ever unless he could be invited by the Mario
outn as vel as the Sanclenente faction. de-
claring that ne would force his way into the
Presidency by means Of another revolution
REYES MAY RETURN
7, is nov said that President Marroquin vii
-scsu hin, and that he viii probably enter the
Cabinet. General Reyes is a man Of great force
OF character and personal magnetism ana hl'
friends predict that when he is at the heao :"
affairs in Colombia ne viii do as much toI Ni-
country as President Diaz has done Tor Mexico
He Is said 20 be favorable 20 the construction o.
the Panama Canal by the United States aho
not disposed 10 let any technical obstacles aeIas
the reaching OF an understanding. IL Is prooapie
that n he returns to Bogota he VIII come .
Washington first. and will be fuzzy , lnforIneo ~
10 the wishes OF the United states ''oN iii'4e4
before going 20 his own country -
whether General Reyes returns OF NOT IN
change I'm the controlling elements in the Mar
a., A. hall