The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-30
REYES MUST DEAL WITH
THE SECRETARY OF WAR
Mr.. Root VIII Reply to the Co
lonlbian Note in Behalf of the
Administration.
MEETING OF CABINET
At Which the Panama Situation
Was Discussed for Full
Two Hours.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29.-At a meeting
of the Cabinet called by the President for
4 o'clock, the Panama situation was the
principal subject under consideration. All
members of the Cabinet except Secretary
Hay, who is i'll. Secretary Shaw and At
torney General Knox, who are out OF the
city. We're present. The meeting was one
of the longest held for several weeks, the
session consuming quite two hours. AT
the conclusion of the meeting the members
were not communicative, but il was learned
that in addition TO discussion of matters
relating to Panama several departmental
matters of minor importance were con-
sidered.
Secretary Root was delayed nearly half
an hour in his arrival at the meeting, hav-
ing been in conference with General Reyes,
the special representative of Colombia. This
circumstance caused ii TO transDire that
during the illness of Secretary Hay Secre-
tary Root has been designated by the
President to conduct the negotiations or
this government with General Reyes. Sec
rotary Root laid before the President the
details of his interview with the COLON
bian minister. Careful consideration was
given to the Colombian note filed with the
State Department by General Reyes, but IL
can be said that no answer yet has been
made to It, The note was submitted by
the Colombian minister in Spanish. Some
delay was encountered in the translation OF
the document but finally the translation
was laid before the President and Secretary
Root for consideration. Secretary Root IN
formed General Reyes this afternoon that
the reply of this government was not ready,
but that II would be given him as soon as
possible. Secretary Root will give the re-
Spouse to General Reyes when a decision
as to its precise nature shall have been
reached.
No intimation of the contents of General
Of fhn rnralNr
eminent is given from any authoritative
source 1t is known, however, that the
administration regards the ratification OF
the first step TO be taken in the entire
pending matter What this government
may do subsequently will be determined at
surrounding the case. Just now 1t is said
authoritatively there is nothing in the sit
uation to arouse serious concern.
MAY REPLY ON THURSDAY.
Preparations Of the answer of this gov
eminent TO the communication from Gen
! eral Reyes is progressing, but il is said
that it will not be ready for presentation
before Thursday. The death OF Mr.
| Thomas, the translator in the State De-
| partment, has caused some delay in the
work. No intimation can be obtained Off
| cially as to the character of this govern
| ment's reply, but it is stated the continu-
ance of negotiation with General Reyes for
some little time is quite likely. His fire.
quent conferences with the officials of the
| administration have enabled General Reyes
| to realize that the United States will not
retract a step on the isthmus. Whether
| Colombia may hope for relief from Con-
gresS in the shape of an indemnity for
| the loss she has suffered in the secession
| of Panama, is matter which can be left
| open for the present, it is said, as Colom-
bia and the United States are concerned
now with the broader question as TO the
| Interpretation of the treaty of 1876.
| Returning a visit of Secretary Root,
made several days ago, General Reyes
| called at the War Department this after
! noon and was with the secretary for a
| half hour General Reyes took occasion TO
| reiterate the great pressure he was bring
| ing to bear on his people to remain quiet
| until his mission is finished. The secretary
| fully appreciates the delicate position OF
| General Reyes and it is possible Will be
| able to give him some suggestions to
| how the Colombians may be made aware
| of the real situation here. General Reyes
has great admiration for the ability of
| Mr.. Root and has expressed his indebted
ness both to Mr.. Root and Mr. Hay for the
| counsel they have given him.
| General Reyes deprecates the pubica-
| tions which have appeared purporting to
give the substance of his note to this gov
| eminent. He pronounces them TO be In
| correct. He does not want to discuss the
| matter at this time, but deemed il expedi-
ent TO make the statement that Colombia
| in her initial note has dwelt upon the sew
| eral clauses of the treaty of 1876, which,
| in her opinion, the United States has vio-
lated. AS to what, If any, redress the
| United States will offer, that is regarded as
| a matter for discussion in future notes.
| General Reyes has asked to be excused
| from attending the New Years reception
at the White House, as he is declining all
| social engagements while he is here. He
| will request DR.. Herran to represent his
government on that day as charge daft
| flares.