The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1903-11-19
NO PANAMA FIGHT
Reported Army Marching Found to
Be a Fake
ONLY FEW TRAMPS TURNED BACK
The Isthmus VIII Never Again be the
Seat of Warfare While Under OUR
Protectorate.

Washington, Special.-The STATE
Department has no knowledge OF tie
marching of an army from Colombia
upon the Isthmus and the officials
state that if any such movement were
in progress, would certainly be IN
formed by it's agents in the South, the
cables being still open. These officials
scout the idea that any such ma:cn
il in progress, as the President OF
Colombia is reported to have de-
scribed to the President OF Ecuador.
II is assumed here that the army
said to be marching on Panama was
nothing more than the few men, per-
haps 500 all told, who were about to
embark at Buena Ventura, a few days
ago. when they were turned back from
the Isthmus by notice of the deter
mination of the United States naval
commanders to allow no landings in
that quarter. These torops cannot
reach the Isthmus by water and the
officials here are positive that they
cannot do so by land, on account OF
the nature Of the intervening coun-
try.
But there are more than physical
obstacles in the way Of the approach
Of an army upon Panama. The officials
do not care to express publicly their
plans. but enough has been learned
from the instructions given to our
naval commanders to make it evident
that never again will the Isthmus be-
come the seat Of warfare, SO long as
the United States government can pre-
vent it. The difference between the
present situation on the lsthmus and
that which existed last year when
Commander Mclean prevented armed
troops from crossing the Isthmus by
rail Is Just this: The authorities have
now determined to extend the lines
of protection to the railroad. They will
not allow hostile forces, no matter
whether they are Colombian or Pan
ANA troops, to come into collision any
where near the railroad and to pre-
vent such collisions it will be neces-
sary to extend the neutral zone clear
to the north and south boundaries OF
the Republic of Panama. Officials here
will not make such statement pub
licly, they simply say: Wait till the
emergency arises" But it is known
that such were the plans Of the naval
commanders and as there is no indica-
ton of a change in these plans, not
the slightest apprehension is felt here
Of the encroachment Of any Colombian
army upon Panama.
nr. Gudger Returns.
Pnama, by Cable.-United States
Consul Central Gudger arrived here
Sunday evening and was met at the
railway station by great number
Of persons, including the members Of
the provisional government, army Of
ficers and other persons. General
Abaldia was also among thosepresent.
AS Consul General Gudger alighted
from the train a military band played
"The Star Srangled Banner" Mr..
Gudger was welcomed by a commit
tee composed of representatives of
the junta, and by Senor Bird, repre-
senting the municipality Of Panama.
Senor Arias delivered a speech in
which he expressed the gratitude of
the Republic of Panama for the recoS-
milton accorded it by Presiden Roose-
welt and also the pleasure of the peo-
pie of Panama at Mr.. Gudger's re-
turn. Consul General Gudger return
ed thanks for his reception and said
that he and Rear Admiral Walker
would call upon the members of the
junta officially soon. The United
States cruiser Boston has returned
from her cruise to the south, which
was without incident.