The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
U, S Cruiser Atlanta Finds
 Nothing to Sustain Runof
TWO CRUISERS SIGHTED
Colombian Vessels Appear in the Gulf of Darien About Thirty-six Hours After They Were Reported
 as Leaving carthagena.

Colon December 13.--Through the exam nation of the San Bias coast made by the United States cruiser Atlanta and the converted cruiser Mayhower both Of which vessels have returned here. It has been clearly established that the Colom- bian cruisers General Pinzen and Carta- gena appeared in the Gulf of Darien about thirty-six hours after they were re- ported as having left Cartagena. No re- liahe evidence, however could De obs tained to show that any of the troops carried by the cruisers had been landed either on the gulf coast or northwest thereof
 The Atlanta and Mayfower made q therougn inspection If the entire vicinity. IL was learned that at point of the coast that the Cartagena embarked d small quantity of naval stores, q few bullocks, some corn and fifty pieces Of zine roofing. but no information could be obtained as to the direction taken by the cruiser thereafter.
 No Troops Landed.
 1t has been reported that Colombian troops were landed at q certain point on the Panama coast, but the Atlanta was pres ent at this place al the time when, according to the report, the troops should have baen landed. and saw nothing.
 The naval officers found the attitude of the Indians to be indifferent and even repellant. The traditions of the Indians for centuries have been against permit ting aliens to land in their territory and these traditions they still maintain. They often decline to answer the questions of the interpreters and on several occa- sions their information was found to be misleading
 The information obtained by the Atlan- ta and Mayfower indicates either that the Colombian troops have been returned to Cartagena. or that they have been landed at some point on the coast be- tween cartagena and the Gulf of Darien, and may be proceeding thence toward Cauca.
 Maintain Careful Patrol.
 The Atlanta again sailed 10 ward the Gulf of Darien this evening and will con- tinue d careful patrol of the coast
 It would be impossible for the Carta- gena and the General Pinzon to enter tho Atrato river because the mouth of the river has a sx-foot bar. No small boats are obtainable thereabouts, and no con- siderable number of troops could be trans- ported up the river,
 The remainder of the marines on board the auxiliary cruiser Dixie will be land ed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next, satisfactory arrangements having been completed to obtain good water for the camp at Culebra, on the line of the Panama railroad
 Colombia Is Firm.
 Colon, December 13-The Associated Press correspondent received the follow- ing telegraphic dispatch tonight from a wel-informed Bogota politician:
 "Bogota, December 3, via Buena Ven- tura, December 13.-The impression in of ficial circles shared by the people. is that Colombia should oppose by all means possible the execution by the republic of Panama of acts reserved for the republic of Colombia and against which execution the government has protested before tho whole world, and to the American na- tion. The country awaits mpatiently the result of the appeal to the government at Washington, and in the meantime is maintaining a firm attitude"
 Absconder Arrested.
 Baltimore, December 13.-The police of this city were notified tonight of the arrest in Joliet, H.. of Otto Berger. who. it Is charged, absconded in 1891 with $4O00 belonging to the Baltimore Musical union, of which he was treasurer Under the alias of Hedinberger he Is said to have been employed in the orchestra of Joliet theatre
 To Formulate Laws.
 Panama. December 13-More than 150 prominent members of the conservative and liberal parties assembled today and elected a committee which will nominate candidates for the convention called to formulate a constitution and laws for the government of the republic. The com mittee will recommend candidates from each province, the object being to bring the best men to the convention. The convention undoubtedly will go through the form of ratifying the Panama canal treaty.
 Buchanan With the President.
 Washington, December 13-W. B. Bu- chanan of New York state, who has just been appointed minister to Panama lunched with the President today. Later he called on Assistant Secretary of State Loomis and received his instructions Mr. Buchanan. accompanied by his wife. will sail from New York. Tuesday, for Colon.
 Cut His Own Throat