New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-05-13
COLOMBIAN AFFAIRS

The accession of General Reyes to the Presl-
dencv of Colombia. If the report concerning it
shall be confirmed. will probably, Oh the whole,
be for the good Of that country. 1t seems oesil
able that there shall be change IN the fresl-
dental office Dr. Marroquin, who mas nlleu
the place for some time, is, scholar Oh me
parts and high ideals. He has performed MS
duties well, considering the exceptional diln-
cuIties with which he has been Contributed
But he never desired the place; his inclinatons
are scholarly rather than political, and 1t has
been an open secret for some time 1haL he
would welcome release from the cares and
labors of state. In case Of his retirement
moreover. General Reyes has been looked to
as the most eligible successor. He is man Of
marked ability, who has not been particularly
identified with either of the factions which
have of late so rent that land asunder, and he
is regarded bv those who know him best as
fitted to play in Colombia much the part that
General Diaz has played in Mexico-an auto
Graf dictator, perhaps. but an enlightened
and benevolent one, leading his country into
maths of peace, prosperity and progress.
In one respect, however, important to both
Colombia and the United S.ates, the change
from DR. Marroquin to General Reyes. II ef-
fected NAV not prove advantageous. Dr. Mar
roo,in has been an earnest friend Of the 18TH
milan canal nroiect, and has desired the ratif-
cation of the pending treaty with the United
States by the Colombian Congress. General
Reeves. on the other hand, has not committed
himself upon that subject, but Is suspected OF
some lukewarmness, if not Of actual GOODNESS
toward the treaty. He has not expressed OPPOSE
ton to it. but neither has he spoken in Its favor
while he has declared that there is a strong
sentiment against it in Colombia. Now. ses-
sion of the Colombian Congress has been called
for June 20 to act upon the treaty. There has
already been some canvassing OF the SITUATION,
and conflicting reports of the result have been
put forth. among them the confident statement
that the majority of the Congress will vote
against the treaty. That may not be true We
trust it is not But if 1t be true, it is concelv-
able that Dr. Marroquin has decided to resign
the Presidency in advance of the rejection OF
the measure to which he is committed, relin-
gushing it to a man to whom the adverse vote
NAV not be unwelcome.
That may be q somewhat pessimtstic view OF
the situation, but It is at least one for which
there is warrant. 1t would be depiorable and
embarrassing to have it realized, and would BE-
too, not for the good Of either OF the countries
concerned. But 1t must be frankly confessed
that no small share OF the blame for 1t would
rest at Washington as well as at Bogota. Inc
factionaI spirit of opposIuon TO the canal prof.
ect which was manifested at Washington dur
ing the late session was most unwtse 1t was
proper to express dissent from the policy Of the
government and to set forth reasons for that
dissent; but it was another and regrettable
thing to foment i'll feeling between the two
countries. to give studied offence TO Colombia
for the purpose of making her antagonistic to
this country, and thus practically to appeal to
the passions Of foreign country for the defeat
Of our own government Such doings were not
new. They had been known at Washington
since the early days Of the republic. But they
were, and they in every case, unworthy OF
American craftsmanship and Of American pa
triotsm. 1t is TO be hoped that in the present
case their menace viii not be fulfilled, and that
General Reyes, if he shall succeed to the Presi-
dency Of Colombia, will appreciate the value Of
the isthmian canal to that country, and also the
reasonabIeness and generosity of the terms pro-
posed by the United States for its construction.