New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-08
INVASION OF ISTHM Us.
n WAR RUMOR At COLON.
United States WarshipS ActiUe
Along the Coasts.

Colon, Dec. IA rumor is in circulation here
to the effect that three thousand soldiers have
left Cartagena for the purpose of invading the
isthmus No details are known, and the rumor
cannot be confirmed tonight. 1t probably had
its source in Port Limon, Costa Rica. where it
was brought by steamer from Cartagena. The
only possible means of approaching Panama IS
by narrow and difficult mountain passes through
the Indian country.
Following instructions received on December
4 from the Navy Department at Washington.
United States gunboats both sides of the
/ isthmus have started or are starting recon-
NOTHING expeditions along the coasts, princi-
pally in the direction of Colombia for the pur-
pose Of ascertaining the condition of the trails
and roads between the Panama and Colombian
frontiers, the facilities of the country for sus-
tanning expeditions marching Panama, to de-
termine generally the United States best course
of action in case of a Colombian invasion of the
isthmus and to learn the attitude of the various
Indian tribes inhabiting both coasts.
The United States cruiser Atlanta has gone to
San Bias for this purpose and probably will con-
tinue to the Gulf of Darien.
Another United States warship will be sent
to San Miguel, on the Pacific. and a third to
David also on the Pacific, but toward Costa
Rica, to look over the local conditions at Chiri-
sary. and study the possibility of Colombia's
landing small, schooner expeditions at Chiriqui
from southern points
The Panaman authorities are aiding these eff
forts They have sent out several parties on
both sides of the isthmus to seek information
and watch possible movements on the part or
Colombia One such party was sent out from
Colon in a small sloop, which was probably lost
near Meamar, on the San Bias coast. The
boat was found bottom upward. and its oc-
cupants missing. No reports have yet been
received from the scouts to indicate that any
warlike movements are taking place. Panaman
expeditions on the Pacific side are destroying
canoes and boats, for the purpose of hindering
the movements of Colombians who might at
tempt to come down the rivers
Efforts are being made by these Panaman par
ties to cover the Atlantic Coast so far as the
Gulf of Darien, and the mouth Of the Atrato
River which is in Colombian territory.
Advices received by cable from BuenaVentura
saw that all is quiet there and that there is no
indication on the part of the Colombian gov
eminent to move troops in any direction Inc
Colombian gunboat Bogota, which is still at
BuenaVentura without COAL is considered harm-
less
The Royal Mail steamship agent here received
this morning a telegram from Port Llmon, IN
forming him that the government OF the De-
partmenu of Bolivar had reopened the ports OF
Savanilla and Cartagena to vessels to and from
Colon The German steamer Valdivia sailed for
Cartagena yesterday, hoping to enter that port
The batteship Maine is coaling near Bocas
del Toro The supply ship CulgOa has arrived
here. The United States gunboat Bancroft Will
so to POrtObello.
The United States auxiliary cruiser Dixie will
go into camp at Empire Station, near Culebra
Cut.