Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-22
Gen. Reyes Not Encouraged
by the DIPLOMATS.
GIVEN NO SUPPORT
COLOMBIA CANNOT LOOK FOR ANY
EUROPEAN AID.
Her Minister Here Doubtful Of His
Ability to Restrain His Country
men From Indiscretion.

General Reyes the Colombian minister
here is not receiving much encouragement
from the members of the diplomatic corps
who have been sounded with reference to
the best course for Colombia to follow in
the present crisis in her affairs. SO far as
known there is not a single foreign govern
ment of any consequence that will give
even her moral support, much less physi-
cal aid, to Colombia In an attempt to re-
gain the seeded territory Of Panama. Sew
eral foreign diplomatists in this city have
informed General Reyes Of the futility OF
any attempt by Colombia to retake Pana-
ma, declaring that 1t will result only in
precipitating the Bogota government into
war with the United States, and have said
to him that a conflict Of that kind would
inevitably prove most disastrous to Colom-
bia.
Gen. Reyes Own View.
The members of the diplomatic corps
have been informed by Gen. Reyes himself
that he fears he cannot check his
people much longer. He is not talking
for publication. but to several European
ambassadors he has confided his fears with
frsnkness. and has said that he is doing
everything In his power to prevent an out
break before the conclusion of his mission,
but that although his influence with the
army Is considerable, he Is SO far away
that it is difficult for him to make this
felt as strongly as II he were on the ground
and in command.
Diplomats whom Gen. Reyes has ap-
preached on the subject say that what he
mcst fears is the result of the announce
ment at Bogota of the failure of his mis-
sion. He himself realizes that the most he
can hope from the government Of the
United States Is an offer that 1t will use
moral suason to prevail on Panama to
assume her portion of the Colombian debt.
Further Gen. Reyes has been told he can
expect nothing.
II came to Washington to save what 1
could from a shipwreck, he said to
diplomat of high rank.
The Hague Suggestion.
Realization of the true situation. 1t 10 said
will not prevent General Reyes from calling
on the United States for a reference to The
Hague of several of the questions at issue.
1t is on that point that European diplomats
have told General Reyes that it is expecting
too much to expect this government to sub
nit any phase of the Panama matter to The
Hague. Several amba ssa doris have advised
the general to impress on his people the
fact that Europe wants the isthmian canal
and that Colombia can expect no sympathy
from that quarter. 1t has further been
pointed out by these diplomats that the
preferred sympathy of several South Amer
lean republics can avail Colombia nothing
in the event of war with the United States.
1t Is said that the representatives of Great
Britain and the Netherlands have intimated
to General Reyes indirectly that Colombia
reckons without her host II she interprets
their delay in recognizing the republic of
Panama evidence of their sympathy
for Colombia as due to other than de-
sire to protect the interests of their f1nan-
ciers, who are the largest holders of gov
ernment bonds.
Rear Admiral Walker Arrives.
NEW YORK, December 22-Rear Ad-
miral John G.. Walker, United States rep
resentative on the isthn1ian canal commits
sion, arrived here today from Colon on the
steamer Seguranca. Admiral Walker would
make no statement, but inquired for the
latest developments in the Panama ques-
ton. particularly desiring Information as
to the opposition in this country to the
treaty.
Topeka Off Colon.
NEW ORLEANS. December 22-The
United States cruiser Topeka weighed an
ohor today and sailed for Colon via Key
West.
Minister From Nicaragua Arrives.
NEW YORK, December 22-Don Luis H.
Corea, minister from Nicaragua, was a
passenger on the seguranca. He would not
discuss the feeling of the Central American
republics toward Panama.
Ordered to Go to Panama.
Special Dispatch to The Evening Star.
ANNAPOLIS, Nd. December 22-The
names of eghty-four privates of marines
and six non on-commissioned officers were
read out today at the Naval Academy ma
rine barracks to hold themselves in readi-
ness to leave at the shortest possible no.
tice.
The men will go from here to Philadel-
phia, where they will help TO make up a
battalion of marines to be sent to Panama
The Annapolis contingent will he In COM
mand of Capt ]. C. Breckenridge.