The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-08-20
COLOMBIANS ARE ANGRY
BRITISH STEAMSHIP DECLINED TO
CARRY GOVERNMENT TROOPS.
Alleged to Have Violated Its Con-
tract, Which May he AbrOgated
by the Courts.

PANAMA, Colombia, Aug 19.-The Brit
ish cruiser Phaeton left here hurriedly on
Saturday, and il was believed she had
sailed for Buena Ventura. in the Depart
ment of Caucau. Inquiries regarding the
warships sailing show that serious inter-
national complications may arise at Buena
Ventura, where the Colombian authorities
have been endeavoring to compel the
agents of the British steamer Ecuador,
owned by the Pacific Steam Navigation
Company of Liverpool, to transport troops
to the isthmus. 1t was at the request of
the Pacific Navigation Company that the
Phaeton left Panama for Buena Ventura,
where the Colombian government has as
sembled 1000 troops under General Velasco.
intended to reinforce the army in this
vicinity, and the government officials at
Buena Ventura threatened to compel the
steamer Ecuador, which was at that port
to transport the reinforcements to PAN
anna. The agents of the line however
refused to embark the troops and appealed
TO the cOmpany's representatives here
who in turn placed the matter before the
British consul. with the result that the
Phaeton was sent 10 Buena Ventura to
protect. British interests.
The action of the Pacific Steam Naviga-
ton Company in refusing to transport the
troops has caused Indignation in Colom-
bian government circles. high official
who was interviewed on the subject said
that a contract was made by the govern
ment in 1879 with the Pacific Steam Navi-
cation Company by which the government
granted many liberal concessions to the
company. such exemption from the ton
mage and other taxes imposed by the ma
tiOnal government the importation free Of
duty of the coal necessary for the com
panys steamers, and many other exemp-
tons and privileges granted to other COM
panies any time. The Colombian govern
ment. it was added, since the contract was
signed, paid the Pacific Steam Navigation
Company over $4,000 in subsidies in con-
sideration of which the company agreed
to transport Colombian civil and military
employees. prisoners. mails and soldiers at
special rates. There Is another clause in
the contract, it was further asserted pro-
viding that during a revolutionary out
break the obligation of the company to
transport troops ceased to be effective. In
conclusion the high officials of the Colom-
bian government referred TO said that the
present refusal of the Pacific Steam Navi-
cation Company TO transport Colombian
troops here may be sustained by the pres
ence of the British warship al Buena Ven
tura but nevertheless, IL is a clear viola
ton of the contract between the Colon
bian government and the steamship COM
pany made in good faith by the govern
ment which has faithfully adhered TO its
agreements.
In government circles it is claimed that
the nOnarrival of the achievements OF
troops from Buena Ventura will prolOng
the revolution on the isthmus and cause
unnecessary bloodshed. and that conse-
quently. the government of Colombia has
ground 10 claim damages from the Pacific
Steam Navigation Company. There Is no
doubt that the government will bring suit
against the company. An eminent lawyer
has already left Panama for Bogota, the
capital, 10 represent and sustain the gov
ernment's claim, which according 10 the
terms OF the contract. must be decided by
the Colombian courts.