The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-08-20
COLOMBIA IS
IMPOSED ON
Navigation Company Refuses
TO Land Troops on Isthmus.
BRITISH CRUISER CALLED
Phaeton Is Sent to Protect
British Interests.

Panama. Colombia. August is.-Thc
British cruiser Phastoa. as cabIed to the
Associated Press yesterday. left here hur-
riedly on Saturday and it was believed
that she had sailed for Buena Ventura. in
the department OF Caucz- Inquiries made
BY the correspondent OF the Associated
Press regarding the warships sailing show
that serious international complications
may arise al Buena Ventura. where the
Colombian authorities have been endeav-
oring 70 compel the agents Of the British
steamer Ecuador. owned by the Pacific
Steam Navigation company OF Liver
pool. TO transport troops 10 the isthmus.
II was at the request OF the Pacrnc
Steam Navigation company that the
Phaeton left Panama for Buena Ventura,
where the Colombian government has as
sembled ECO troops under General Val
ezco. intended 70 reinforce the army in
this vicinity and the government officials
at Buena Ventura threatened 10 compel
the steamer Ecuador. which was az that
port. 70 transport the reinforcements to
Panama The agents OF the line. however.
refused TO embark the troops. and ap-
pealed TO the company's representatives
here, which in turn placed the matter be-
fore 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 70 transport
the troops has caused indignation ia Co
Iombian government circles. A high OIL
c!al who was interviewed on the subject.
said that a contract was made by the
government in 1879. with the Pacific
Steam Navigation company. BY which
the government granted many liberal con-
cessions TO the company, such as ex-
emption OF the tonnage and other taxes
imposed by the national government, the
importation free OF duty. OF the coal nee
essary for the cornpany's steamers and
any other exemptions and privileges
granted 10 no other companies any time
The Colombian government. IL was added.
since the contracts were signed. paid the
Pacific Steam Navigation company over
5000 in subsidies. in consideration OF
which the company agreed TO transport
Colombian civil and military employees.
prisoners. mails and soldiers at special
rates. There is no clause IN the contract,
1, was further asserted. providing that
during revolutionary outbreak the OBJ
legation OF the company 70 transport
troops ceased TO be effective
In conclusion. the high official Of the
Colombian government referred 10, said
that the present refusal OF the Pacific
Steam Navigation company 10 transport
Colombian troops here may be sustained
By the presence Of y British warship at
Buena Ventura, but nevertheless it is d
clear violation OF the contract between
the Colombian government and the
steamship company. made in good faith
by the government. which has faithfully
adhered TO its agreements.
In government circles il IS claimed that
the non-srrival OF the achievements Of
troops from Buena Ventura viii prolong
the revolution on the isthmus and cause
unnecessary bloodshed. and that conse-
quentlv the government OF Colombia has
ground to claim damages from the Pacific
Steam Navigation company. There lie no
doubt that the government will bring suit
against the company. An eminent lawyer
has already left Panama for Bogota. the
capital. to present and sustain the govern
msnt. which. according 10 the terms OF
the contract. must be decided By the Co
Ioubfan courts