The Washington times., 1903-10-19
NEW PROPOSITION
FOR CANAL SENT
FROM COLOMBIA
Special Messenger Ex-
pecred to Arrive Here
Tomorrow.
HERRAN In THE DARK
Ignorant, of Dispatches, But
Thinks They May Ask
for More Money.
HERRAN IN THE DARK

The Colombian government has sent
a special messenger to the United
States bearing new propositions which
it desires to have Incorporated in a
new treaty regarding the Panama
Canal. The messenger is Senior IsmaeI
Enrique Arciniegas and he is expected
to arrive at the Colombian legation in
this city tomorrow. A letter from him
announcing his arrival In New York
has been received by Minister Herran.
Nothing is known here as to the con-
tents Of the dispatches he brings. Even
Senor Arciniegas declares he has no in
formation as 10 their purport, other
than that he believes they convey the
basis OF a new treaty ARRANGEMENT
He has personal views of his own.
however, and thinks the United States
should pay Colombia SIS, 10000 for the
privileges IL will obtain in the construc-
ton of the canal. In some quarters this
personal opinion expressed in New York
has been mistaken TO be statement of
one of the conditions named in the dis
patches. This Is declared not TO be so.
Waiting Impatiently.
Minister Herran is awaiting the arri-
val Of the messenger with some impa-
tIence. AS soon as he comes Mr.. Her
ran will acquaint Secretary Hay with
the purport of the dispatches he brings.
later presenting them in writing.
Minister Herran does not believe the
new proposals Of the Colombian gov
crnment contain any extravagant de-
mands. He points out that the terms
agreed upon In the Hay-Herran treaty
which the Colombian congress has Just
disapproved, were arrived at only after
l a - u II.
fore. In Mr. Herran's opinion. that Co
lombia is now proposing anything radi-
cally different from the terms Of that
treaty.
It IS possible Colombia may ask for a
small increase in the annual payments
from the United States to compensate
her for the loss Of income she is now
receiving from the Panama Railroad and
port and light dues in the harbors Of
Panama and Colon. different ar
rangcment regarding the administration
Of justice In the canal zone and a more
definite recognition Of ColombIa's sover-
eighty are also expected to be included
in the new plan.
Will Be Duly Considered.
There is no doubt, whatever may be
the new proposition. that 1t VIII receive
que COnSlutEdLlOu from the AQmlniStra-
tion here. So long as Colombia shows a
disposition TO treat for the canal fran
chise the reasonable time given the
President by the Spooner act continues.
| The arrival of any new offer from Co
lombla Will thus anticipate Congress
sional efforts to urge the President TO
turn TO the Nicaraguan route.
Senor Arciniegas Is young man, who
| speaks little English. and was former
/ ly attached to the Colombian legation
/ at Caracas.
! Secretary Hay has received from Min
lister Beaupre a dispatch stating that
/ the special committee of the Colombian
congress. appointed to bring in sugges
/ ton for future canal negotiations. has
made an ambiguous report II is un-
! certain whether OF not it recommend:
| the abroGation Of the extension of the
| life of the Panama Canal Company
! from 1904 to 1910, with or without return
| Of the cash consideration