Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-11-21
COL0MBIA'S HOPE
Is to Induce Panama to Return
to the Folds.
7~. a.r z.
Gen. Reyes Plaintiyely Speaks Of His
Hopes and Aspirations.
The Gallant Officer Seems Sincere in
.-,-. His Protestations. 5

$500 Y
@ Colon, Nov. 20.-After much diff
Guilty The Associated Press correspond
ent succeeded, this afternoon, in inter-
viewing Gen. Reyes, the distinguished
Colombian. soldier, who came to the
isthmus on peace mission represent
ing his government. Gen. Reyes said:
THE day I left Bogota, which was
on the 18th inst, United States Minis
ter Beaupre and Secretary of Legation
Snyder were we'll. though a little anx-
ious. l assured your minister that he
he was in no danger and l am, today,
able to give the same assurance to The
Associated Press.
''This morning, Admiral COghlan in
formed me officially that the United
States would prevent the landing of
Colombian troops on any part OF the
isthmus. I promised Admiral Coghlan
that Colombia may not take such ac-
ton until reached Washington, with
er l am proceeding via Port Limon and
New Orleans. l also told Admiral
Coghlan that if my efforts at Wash
ington failed to bring about some ar
rangement concerning the present sit
uation on the sthmus satisfactory to
Colombia the United States would have
to fight the entire Colombian people
and that it would be a second Boer
war.
Il am going to Washington for the
purpose of doing my utmost to AMIGA
bly, arrange matters.
COLOMBIA is in desperation. I doubt
if the Washington government or Pres
ident Roosevelt for whom l have the
highest respect, realized the serious
ness of establishing this precedent.
The large German colony in rio
Grande Do Sul Brazil, is declared to be
inclining to a revolutionary movement
for independence which the success OF
Panama will stimulate.
f. "The government of Colombia is re-
ceiving the sympathy of all South
[America, which is fearful of further
American territorial ACKNOWLEDGEMENT in
this direction.
IT may propose when in Washington
a plan contemplating the re-entrance
mept Of Panama into the Colombian
Union and the moving of the Colombian
lily. 81 L am sun eiiio
idea will receive the support of Colom-
bans. G.sI
= Il do not just know what my course
of action will be but l am going to
Washington in the interests of Colom-
bia and of civilization
Asked whether u Colombian troops
could teach the,iisthmus by land Gen.
Reeves answered: Eyes, I can get
hundred thousand men, build roads and
if it were not for the Americans could
subdue the isthmus in a fortnight.
would rather. die for the honor and in
the defense Of the territory of my
country thansits hands folded and see
her lcse thessisthmus. I will do all i
can at Washington to effect a diplo-
matte arrangement if such be possible.
I know theTsentiments of my country
men,
Gen Reyes, today. sent a cablegram
10 Bogota advising his government that
it was impossible ITO reach any agree
ment with the government of Panama
and hence that Colombias relations
with that government were severed and
that he accompanied by the other COM
missioners was proceeding to Washing
tor to fulfill his mission.
Questioned as to the fumor that the de
partments of Cauca and Antioquia were
anxious to join the republic of Panama.
Gen. Reyes said:
THE report of dissatisfaction in these
departments is not only untrue. but am
able to say to you that the entire republic
is united in its determination to rcetore
the isthmus to the union
Gen. Reyes. who was candidate Tor me
presidency of Colombia. issued decree
dated at Ba~anquilla. Nov. Is. addressed
to the members of the electoral college q,
Bcgota. which said: ..Having accepted A
military mission. empowered with ali
presidential faculties in most all depart
ments of the republic at moment when
NV country is preparing for presidential
election. 7 deem it my duty to 'eliniuisn
nv candidacy Hence | renouncc II If
revocabiy, offering my services to my
country in any other position
Gen. REYES attitude, Thursday night,
as indicated by his remarks. was more or
less bellicose Though still bellicose, ne
is mere hopeful, today. He seems DIS
turbed. however. by the rapid march Oh
events in the United States and is feartui
that Congress may ratify the canal treaty
with the new republic. He appears de-
spondent over the general outlook Tor ms
mission and over the receipt of the news
of unrest in Cauca and Antioquia. al
though he denies the authenticity of the
latter