The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-12-08
TRAILS AND BYWAYS
Gunboats Are Studying the
Coast of Colombia.
CANAL TREATY SIGNED
Isthmians Rejoice Greatly
Over Success of Treaty.

Colon. Dec. 7.-Following instructions
received December from the navy de-
partment at Washington: United States
gunboats on both sides of the isthmus
have started or are starting on recon-
noitering expeditions along the coasts,
principally in the direction of Colon
bia, for the purpose of ascertaining the
condition of the trails and roads between
Panama and Colombia frontiers, the ia
cilities of the country for suetaining ex-
petitions marching on Panama and to
generally determine the United States
best course Of action in case of a colom-
bian invasion of the isthmus and also
to learn the attitude of the NarUus tribes
of Indians inha biting both coasts The
United States cruiser Atlanta has gone
to San Bias for this purpose nd prob
ably will continue TO the gulf of Darien
Another vessel will be sent Miguel, on
the Pacific and a third to David also on
the Pacific towards Costa Rica, to look
over the local conditions at Chriqui and
Make a show of force, if it is thought
necessary and study the possibility Of
Colombia's landing a small schooner ex-
petition from Southern points, The Pa
namian authorities are aiding these ef
forts. They have sent out several parties
on both sides Of the isthmus to SEEK infor-
nation and watch possible movements on
the part of the Colombians One such
party was sent out from Colon in small
sloop which was probably lost near Mea-
mar on the San Bias coast. The boat
was found bottom upward and its occu-
pants are missing. No reports have been
received from these parties to indicate
that any warlike movements are taking
place. Panamanian expeditions on the
Pacific side abe destroying canoes, etc,
found in the rivers, for the purpose of
hindering the movements of Colombians
who might wish to come down the rivers
Efforts are being made by these Pana-
maian parties to recover the Atlantic
coast as far as the gulf of Darien and the
mouth of the Atrato river, which is in
Colombian territory.
Colon, Dec. THE news of the ratifi-
cation of the canal treaty at Panama.
December Z. was carried to Porto Belle
yesterday and read on the plaza to the
assembled inhabitants The news was re-
viewed with unanimous cheers for the
Junta and the republic. The munich pail
ty of Porto Belle declared two days of
holiday making.
The United States cruiser, Atlanta.
which has just finished Charting Porto
Below Harbor and erecting a signal sta
ton on a hill on the north side of the
harbor. left Uorto Belle yesterday for the
coast of San Bias, intending TO open
communication with the condition of
trails leading along the coast toward
the Colombia frontier and whether they
are valuable for the movement of Colom-
bian troops on Panama.
Panama. Dec. AT a. m. today the
canal treaty was sent to Colon on a spe-
cial car. preparatory to shipping it to
the United States.
Colon, Dec. 1.-THE canal treaty reach
ed Colon at about 1880 a. m. in care Of
Consul General Gudger, who will hand
it today to the purser of the city of
Washing ton to be returned to the United
States. The steamer will sail at noon
tomorrow
Mr. Gudger this morning delivered the
boxes containing the treaty to the purser
of the City of Washington. taking re-
ceipt for them. The two keeps to the Sep
arate boxes in the inner one of which Is
the treaty, will go to the United States
in custody Of Major Guy l.. Eddie of
the medical department OF the United
States army, who has been here for
fortnight looking into sanitation mat
tiers.
Rear Admiral Walker will not return
home on the City of Washington tomor-
row.
The Royal Mail steamship agent here
today received a telegram from Port
Limon. Costa Rica. informing him that
the government of the shipment of Boil
var Colombia. had re-opened the ports
of Savanilla and Cartagena to vessels TO
and from Colon.
The German steamer Vsldivia sailed for
Cartagent yesterday. hoping TO enter that