Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-21
LET COLOMBIA ACT
And Then See That United States Cen
trolls the Isthmus.

Washington, Dec. 20.-"Let Colon
bia take the initiative" is the restrain
ing keynote of specific instructions
which Secretary Moody has cabled to
the American naval commanders in
isthmian waters.
The secretary has taken active hold
in the shaping of the naval policy on
the isthmus. and from now on the in
structions whether to naval or marine
officers will as far as possible be pre-
pared at his personal direction.
1t was announced, Saturday, that
while the situation on the isthmus was
in no wise alarming to the Washing
ton government. it was sufficiently
delicate to necessitate the most care
full and diplomatic handling and for
this reason secrecy has been enjoined
upon officials of the department re-
garding the operations of the ships
and marines. Information on the sub
ject will be given out only at the di-
rection of the secretary.
At a conference. Saturday afternoon,
between Secretary Moody and Brig.
Gen. George f. Elliott, commandant of
the Marine Corps, the latter reported
that upon "a hours notice he could get
under way to Colon with the new
Caribbean sea battalion which is I'M
der orders to assemble at Philadelphia.
This battalion, which it is intended
shall go south on the cruiser Dixie,
now on her way to Philadelphia from
Colon. will probably sail between Dec.
% and Jan. /, the exact time depending
upon the condition Of the Dixie on ar
| rival and the repairs she may need.
Gen. Elliott has been Informed that
unless the isthmian situation enters
upon q decidedly more peaceful phase
in the meantime he will command this
battalion, and upon its arrival will or
game the three battalions of marines
on the isthmus into brigade, of which
he shall assume supreme command.
Although Gen. Elliott will have a
conference with the President before
leaving and will be in daily conference
with Secretary Moody, from both of
whom he will receive instructions re-
garding his conduct Of operation on
the isthmus. he will be given wide lati-
tude, much being left to his own dis
erection.
There were several conferences at
the navy department. Saturday. re-
garding the location of the camps for
the marines on the isthmus.
Lest the administration may be put
in the light Of anticipating the Sen
atcs ratification Of the canal treaty by
assuming obligations provided for in
that convention. it has been practically
settled that Gen. Elliott shall not mass
his forces along the Panama border
unless the safety of the republic abso-
lutely demands it,
1t is believed d more efficient scheme
will be to put the three battalions
among towns and villages of Panama
other than the cities of Panama and
Colon, leaving to the navy the protcc-
ton Of these terminals.
1t is possible that some marines will
be encamped on the high lands in the
vicinity Of the border line, but Gen.
Elliott must determine this after his
arrival on the isthmus.
A potent factor in the shaping of the
naval policy on the isthmus will be the
health of the marines.
Care will be taken in the selection Of
camps and every precaution against
tropical illness possible will be OBJ
served. Some of the towns in which
mann pIoE''ibly VIII Dt SlGlIDIltl are
Empire, Gorgona and Porto Bcllo
Capt. Harry Leonard assistant aid
to the commandment of the Marine
Corps, who lost his arm in the march
TO Pekin and was advanced for con-
spicuous bravery has asked to be or
dercd to the isthmus
The matter is now under considera-
ton by Secretary Moody.
Other officers Of the Marine Corps
have applied for similar orders, though
thus far Capt. Evans, aid to the COM
mandant, is the only officer except Gen.
Elliott who has been definitely selected.
There are several vacancies among
the officers in the marine force on the
istiimus. which will be filled in a few
days, the reicfs going on the Dixie
with Gen. Elliott.