New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-11-29
CANAL CONCESSION FREE
THAT rs RECESS OFFER.
But 1t Comes Too Late for Cors;d-
Grafton by This Government.
IrRolI ruE rR1BrNr RuREAr.l


Washington Nov. 2S.-The announcement of
General Reyes. who arrived in Washington to-
day, that Colombia was prepared to give to the
United States the right to construct the Panama
Canal without the payment of any bonus is
construed by those persons who have looked
askance on the visit of the Colombian delega-
lion to Washington as an evidence that their ap-
prehension thai General Reyes would seek by
every possible means to make trouble in the
Senate looking to the defeat Of the Panama
treaty was vel! founded. 1t is pointed out that
already a few Democratic Senators have ex-
pressed the sentiment that the United States
ought not to pay Panama for the canal privilege,
and the same idea has found place in certain
anti-administration papers
With characteristic shrewdness Reyes seized
on this fact. and promptly announced that this
government could have S10000000 by destroy
ing the Republic Of Panama and treating direct
ly with Colombia In view of the treatment OF
the Hay-Herran convention and the bad faith
Of Colombia in the past. the Reyes offer would
hardly command the serious consideration Of
the administration. even if the Republic Of Pan
ANA had not already been recognized, and this
country had not given its word to Panama
That the Republic cf Colombia grant to tho
United States all the canal concessions provided
for in the Hay-Herran treaty, but absolutely
free OF cost, is the proposition General Reyes
brings. He arrived here shortly after 8 O'Clock
this morning. was met at the station by son Of
Dr. Herran the Colombian charge d'afaires
and went at once TO his hotel
COLOMBIA's BELATED ZEAL FOR CANAL.
You will readily admit" said General Reyes,
in speaking of his mission the propriety Of my
RETAINING from discussing my mission which is
of a confidential character. but OF the offers
which Colombia is ready to make desire to say
that my energies and those of my followers will
be devoted TO The granting of the canal conces-
sions TO the United States without the payment
Of a cent. Even at this Colombia will be the
gamer
Are you authorized by President Marroquin
10 make this offer 10 the Washington govern
meEt?" General Reyes was asked.
7 lat would be divuIging my instructions be-
fore I have executed them. 7 cannot say more
about this now" he replied
You can further say" the general continued.
that all Colombia is afire with yea! for the
building OF the canal by the United States, and
that the unfortunate political troubles which
were the sole cause Of the treaty's death before
the Colombian Congress have entirely disap-
peared. We want the canal. and have come
TO Washington TO see what the people of the
United States are prepared 70 accept come
with instructions from the President of Colona-
with the prerogatives Of DR.. Herran, the
Colombian charge. for whom both my govern
ment and myself personally have the greatest
respect I shall be in daily conference with him
and shall work in entire harmony. DR.. Herran
will go to the State Department with me and
present me to Secretary Hay
What is the feeling in Colombia about the
Panama revolution General Reyes was asked
Feeling is running high" he replied, and
there is indignation over the events on the
isthmus. We can and will put down the rebel
lion if not nterfered with from the outside. So
tense is the feeling and national the spirit
Of determination to bring the isthmus back into
the republic, that President Marroquin will have
no trouble in raising an army twice the size
necessary to put down the disturbance. Such
an army can march overland to the isthmus
the opinion of i'll advised persons 10 the con-
trary Notwithstanding"
WANTS TO BE LET ALONE.
What can the United States do, now that
treaty has been signed by Secretary Hay and
n. Bunau-Varilla?" General Reyes was asked
THAT treaty has not been ratified he said
The Colombian government does not ask the
limited States TO aid it in putting down the revo-
lution on the isthmus All ask is to be al
lowed 10 conduct our own affairs free from out
side interference. The Colombian government
can put down the revolution without violating
q letter of the treaty OF 1916. l refer to the
treaty that we always have respected and ad-
hered TO- and not TO the treaty as interpreted in
these later days If the United States maintains
a neutral position the revolution Will be put
down.
General Reyes was asked about reports that
his mission was TO attempt by lobbying 10 de-
feat ratification OF the treaty with Panama.
L authorize you TO say for me at the outset
NJ nv visit" he replied, that my movements
be-A shall be strictly in accordance with the
,,o,vers with which l am clothed I shall deal
with the officials OF the Washington government
direct % whom l bear letters or credence from
] Continued third page.