Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-11
instruction to Naval Force.

AS result of further consideration of
the question, the orders to the naval COM
manders in isthfnian waters have undergone
an important modification. In the execu-
ton of the present naval policy the naval
commanders will be expected to use moral
suasion rather than physical force, to pre-
vent the sending Of Colombian troops to
the isthmus for the purpose of restoring Co
lombian authority over that territory. AL
though force will not be employed to pre-
vent the departure of Colombian troops 1t
will be used to prevent such troops from
making landing in any part OF the new
republic of Panama. In the latter event
the naval authorities are authorized, 1t Is
said, to go to extremes.
News was received at the State Depart
ment yesterday to the enect that the Co
lombian government had chartered two
British merchant steamers. the Quito and
the Mindoro. for the purpose Of transport
ing loyal troops from Buena Ventura. the
nearest Pacific port to bogota' the capital,
to the isthmus for the purpose Of reassert-
ing the sovereignty Of Colombia over that
territory. This news was the subject of a
conference between the President and his
advisers, with the result that orders were
sent to Real Admiral Glass to send ves-
sci at once to Buena Ventura for the pur-
pose of notifying the authorities and the
commanders of the two British merchant
men that the United States will not permit
the landing Of any Colombian troops on 18TH
milan territory for any purpose that might
result in interrupting the traffic of the
isthmus. The instructions were simply to
otherwise with the departure of vessels in
case the warning was not needed.
Subsequently the Navy Department learn
ed from Admiral Glass that he had dis
patched the gunboat Concord to Buena Ven
tura for the purpose indicated.
A cablegram was received from Admiral
Glass this morning, saying simply that at
fairs were quiet at Panama The gunboat
Mo- I.oo 1nP rofn Ia
OF the isthnus. for Cartagena, to see II any
Colombian troops are being embarked there.
and, IL SO. to warn them that they will not
be allowed to land on the isthmus.
Those responsible for the changed orders
held that while the United States govern
ment was legally empowered to suppress
bloodshed on the isthmus. It had no author
ity to enter Colombian ports outside the
isthmus for the purpose Of preventing the
embarkation of troops.
warning will stick to the merchantmen II
they persist in going to the isthmus SO as
to be close at hand If any attempt to land
the soldiers Is made.
Will Use Force II Necessary.
While the American naval commanders
have not been specifically instructed to re-
sort to force to prevent a debarkation. it is
admitted that the instructions are broad
enough to permit them to take the most
stringent measures to carry out the Presi-
dents policy that peace must be preserved.
and bloodshed prevented on the isthmus.
I'VE intend to have peace il we have to
fight for it, Is the way the case is put by
oficers of the administration.
Minister Varilla Returns.
An important conference will be held this
afternoon between Secretary Hay and M.
Philippe Bunau-varilla, the envoy from
Panama. at the residence of the Secretary.
for the purpose Of considering the opening
Of negotiations with the republic Of Pana-
ma for the early conclusion of canal
treaty.
NJ Bunau-Varilla returned from New
York last night. The commission which is
coming from Panama. the envoy points
out, Is merely for the purpose of facilitate