The Minneapolis journal., 1903-11-04

Washington, Nov. 4.-vice United
States Consul Ehrman, at Panama,
cables the state department, under to-
days date, that the Colombian govern
ment warship Bogota is sheiling the
city Eleven Cinnamon have been
killed.
Mr.. Ehrman has been instructed to
protest against the bombardment.
If the consurs protest is not suff-
cient the commander of the U. S. S.
Boston, which by this time is on her
way to Panama from San Juan del
Sur, 500 miles distant, will promptly
seize the Colombian gunboat, If neces-
sary to stop the bonn bardment.
This bombardment Is in violation OF
all the rules Of war, beginning as 1t
did, without the required notice.
Moreover the United States takes the
ground that it certainly interferes with
the freedom of transit across the
isthmus which this government is
treaty bound to maintain.
The greatest activity was exhibited
in the state and navy departments.
sis morning and there were frequent
consultations between the officials, the
naval officials particularly being intent
in working out the details for the plan
of protection Of the sisthnnian traffic
outlined by the state department
Success of Revolution.
1t is quite evident that the navy is
making preparations for a larger
demonstration in isthrnian waters than
it has made for many years and that
the fact is not disguised that all of the
information that has come from the
secret agents Of the government point
to the ultimate success of the revolu-
ton.
d. ,.,oa.urt,;,a az~trax,a,,, = 5aJ,.a4 IL.
questions are to be answered for the
occupation Of one end of the Panama
railroad by the government force and
of the other by the revolutionists
make the situation extremely compli-
Gated. That is one reason the con-
ferences are being held and why it Is
desirable that the most exact instruc-
tions possible under the circumstances
shall be sent to our naval commanders
and to the consular officers on the
tsthmus to prevent them from making
any false move that would place the
United States government in position
OF violating treaty sttpulations or dis
playing power In derogation of Co
lombia's just rights.
To Avoid Bloodshed.
you will protect American interests
Mt all points and do everything possible
to avoid bloodshed," is the substance
of the instructions cabled by the navy
department at the instance of the state
department to the naval commanders
now at the isthmus or on their way.
The last part of the instructions is
particularly significant, as 1t forecasts
a more active tnterposition by the
United States government in the
troubles on the isthmus than has per-
haps ever before been displayed.
These orders are the result Of the
conferences that were held last night
at the White House between the
president, Secretary Hay and Assistant
Secretary Loomis, Acting Secretary OF
the Navy Darling and Rear Admiral
Taylor, chief of the bureau of naviga-
ton. 1t is not doubted that under the
authority thus conveyed, the United
States naval commanders will land
marines and sailors at the railroad
terminal; indeed, it Is not doubted that
Commander John Hubbard of the
Nashville has already placed a marine
guard ashore at Colon to protect the
railroad property, and the commander
of the Boston will probably take the
same action when he arrives al
Panama.