The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-11-21
f His Negotiations Fail at Washington United States
 VIII Have to Fight
THE STRUGGLE WOULD BE
 LIKE ANOTHER BOER WAR
"coIombia Is In Desperaton'-He Doubts If the Washington Govern ment or Roosevelt Realizes
 Seriousness of Situation.

Colon, November 20-After much diffl- eulty an Associated Press correspondent succeeded this afternoon in interviewing Gen. Reyes the distinguished Colombian soldier, who came to the isthmus on peace mission representing his govern ment Gen. Reyes said
 The day I left Bogota, on the 11th inst. United States Minister Beaupre and Secretary of Legation Snyder, were well, though a little anxious. l assured your minister that he was in no danger, and today I am able to give the same assur- ance to the Associated Press. At the time I left, MT. Beaupre was preparing to go down the river.
 This morning Admiral Coghlan in- formed me officially that the United States would prevent the landing of Co., lombian troops on any part of the isth mus. l promised Admiral Coghlan that Colombia would not take such action un- til l reached Washington. whither I am proceeding via Port Limon and New Or leans.
 'T also told Admiral Coghlan that if my efforts at Washington failed to bring about some arrangement concerning the political situation on the isthmus satisfac- tory to Colombia, the United States would have to fight the entire Colombian people and that it would be a second Boer war. q am going to Washington for the purpose of doing ny utmost to arrange affairs amicablY
 Colombia Desperate.
 "Colombia is in desperation. l doubt if the Washington government or Presi- dent Roosevelt, for whom l have the highest respect realizes the seriousness of establishing this precedent. The large German colony in Rio Grande de Sul, Bra gil, is declared to be inclining to revo- lutionary movement for independence, which the state of Panama will stimulate. ''The government of Colombia is re- ceiving the sympathy of all South Amer ica, which is feared of further American territorial aggrandizement in this direc- ton.
 ''I may propose when in Washington plan contemplating the re-entrance of Panama into the Colombian union, and the moving of the Colombian capital to Panama city. I am sure that this idea will receive the support of all Colom- ban..
 II do not know what my country's course of action will be, but l am going to Washington in the interests of Co., lombia and of civilization"
 Asked whether Colombian troops could reach the isthmus by land, Gen. Reyes answered:
 Can Get Troops.
 "Yes; 1 can get a hundred thousand men, build roads, and if it were not for the Americans could subdue the isthmus in a fortnight. I would rather die for the honor and in the defense of the in- tegrity of my country than sit with hands folded and see her lose the isthmus. 1 will do all I can at Washington to ef- feet a diplomatic arrangement. if such be possible I know the sentiments of my countrymen."
 General Reyes today sent a cablegram to Bogota advising his government that it was impossible to reach any agreement with the government of Panama, and hence that Colombas relations with that government were severed, and that he, accompanied by the other commissioners, was proceeding to Washington to fulfill his mission.
 Questioned as to the rumor that the de- partments of Cauca and Antiquoia were anxious to join the department of Pan- anna. General Reyes said:
 ''The report of dissatisfaction in these departments is not only untrue, but I am
 
 is united to restore the isthmus to the union.'
 Reyes a Candidate.
 General Reyes who was a candidate for the presidency of Colombia. issued a decree dated at Barranquila, November 16, addressed to the members of the cleo toral college at Bogota which said
 Having accepted military commis- sion, empowered with all presidential functions, in almost all departments of the republic at a moment when my coun- try is preparing for presidential cleo tion, I deem it my duty to relinquish my candidacy. Hence, l renounce it irrevoc- ably offering my services to my country in any other position.
 General Reyes attitude Thursday night, as indicated by his remarks. was more or less bellicose. He seems disturbed by the rapid march of events in the United States and is fearful that congress may ratify the canal treaty with the new re- public. He appears Respondent over the general outlook for his mission.