The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-08-20
CRUISER GOES TO SCENE
International Complications
 May Be the Result.
Claimed That Non-Arrival of Sol diers from Buena Ventura Will Prolong the Revolution
 on the Isthmus.

Panama. Colombia, Aug 19.-The Brit ish cruiser Phaeton, as cabled to the As sociated Press. left here hurriedly on had sailed for Buena Ventura in the De- pertinent of Cacua.
 Inquiries made by the correspondent of the Associated Press regarding the war ships sailing show that serious inter national complications may arise in Bue- na Ventura, where the Colombia author tiles have been compelling the agents of the British steamer Ecuador, owned by the Pacific Steam Navigation Company. of Liverpool. to transport troops to the isthmus.
 It was at the request of the Pacific Ma vigation Company that the Phaeton left for Buena Ventura. where the Govern ment has assembled 1000 troops under General Velasco, intended to reinforce the army in this vicinity, and the Gov ernment officials at Buena Ventura threatened to compel the steamer Ecua- dor. which was at that port, to transport the achievements to Panama The agent 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 Brit ish counsul. with the result that the Phaeton was sent to Buena Ventura to protect British interest.
 The action of the Pacific Steam Navi- gation Company in refusing to trans port troops has caused indignation in Colombian Government circles. A high official who was interviewed on the hak made by the Government in 1879. with the Pacific Steam Navigation Company. by which the government granted many Hb- eraI concessions to the company, such as exemption from the tonnage and other taxes imposed by the national government the importation free of duty of the neces- saries of the companys steamers and many other exemptions and privileges. The Colombian government. it was add ed has, since the contract was signed, paid the Pacific Steam Navigation Com pany over $2000O 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 no clause in the contract, it was further asserted, pro- viding that during revolutionary out break the obligation of the company to transport troops ceased to be effective
 In conclusion the high officials of the Colombian government referred to said that the present refusal of the Pacific Steam Navigation Company to transport Colombian troops here may be sustained by the presence of. British warship at Buena Ventura. but nevertheless it Is a clear violation of the contract between the Colombian government and the steam ship company, made in good faith by the government. which has faithfully adhered to its agreements.
 In government circles 1t Is claimed that the non-arrival of troops from Buena Ventura will prolong the revolution op the Isthmus and cause unnecessary blood shed and that. consequently, the govern ment of Colombia has ground to claim damages from the Pacific Steam Naviga- ton Company. An eminent lawyer has already left Panama for Bogota. the capi- tai. to present and sustain the govern ment claims. which. according to the terms of the contract. must be decided by the courts.