New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-21
MARR0QUIN THE TARGET.
WHY TREITY WIS KILLED
bitterness against ColombiQ's Presi-
dent Cause of Defeat.

NOW that ii is a certainty that the Panama
canal Treaty will not be ratified by the Colon
oian Congress, as the time limit for such action
expires Tomorrow, there is naturally a deep in
teTest ia learning the exact reason for its de-
Feat There are several reasons but the
most important. and the only one which argu-
ment failed 20 affect. was the unaterable cppo-
sition in the Senate TO President Marroquin. 1t
is considered by persons in an excellent position
TO know the private views of the Senators that
even in the event Of an extension Of time being
granted by the United States the result Of fur
Their consideration is likely to BE- the same.
A reporter Of The Tribune yesterday went
carefully over the roster OF the Colombian SEN
ate with prominent Colombian in this city to
learn the attitude Of the members toward the
treaty. OF the twenty-six members who con-
stitute this body only one-Senor J. Domingo
de Obaldia, % ranama-was in favor Of the
Hay-he'ran treaty it stood, without any
amendments
In letter 10 a friend in this city Senior de
obaldia writes that his ardent advocacy Of the
original treaty almost resulted in his political
and social ostracisni He was insulted and
snubbed for mis- views. Recently Senior Obal-
ola was appointed Governor OF Panama b.
President Marroquin. This weakened material
~ the support Of the treaty at Bogota.
OF the other twenty-five Senators fourteen
are opposed TO the treaty in any form, while
eleven want it amended. Some Of the changes
desired are 50 radical that it is suggested that
the United states would never accept them.
The leader Of the opposition is Senator Miguel
a. Caro-, ex-President Of Colombia. who repre-
sents the department of Antioquia-
An instance illustrating the assertion that the
canal debate has resolved into a question of
s1aNa
and killing him politically is the inconsistent be-
havior Of Senator Juan B. Perez. OF Panama.
Notwithstanding that the Department of Pan
anna is more directly interested in and would
receive greater benefits from the completion of
the canal than any Of the other States Senior
Perez is one of the bitterest enemies Of the
treaty, and has even gone SO far in his opposi-
ton as TO esta blish a newspaper in Panama in
which TO present his views.
Those who remember the coup d'etat Of a
few years ago. whereby Senor Marroquin. who
was Nice-Iresident OF the republic, uncere-
moniousy snatched the Presidency from DR..
Sanclemente, Will readily understand the feel
ings Of the Nationalist Conservative Senators
toward President Marroquin, who is an His
torical Conservative, and why they are anxious
TO defeat the canal which he strongly favors
As the treaty has not come up in the House
OF Representatives. IL is not definitely known
how that body stands toward it.
According 10 the informant OF The Tribune
two or three notes sent to the Colombian Gov
eminent by Minister Beaupre. Al Bogota. which
were read IN the Senate caused some indigna-
ton. their frank. firm terms were construed
as threats OF punishment to come II the treaty
was not approved.
The election for President takes place in De-
cember. There are about half a dozen candi-
dates for the Office. Some are members Of the
Senate and have supporters there.
To Colombia 100000 which she was to
receive indemnity from the United States is
a large amount OF money, especially at this
time, the country is in a bad financial condi-
tion. 80 il is limited that II this money. or d
larger amount. is 10 be paid TO Colombia IL
shall be 70 the next government, Of which each
of the i've six candidates hopes TO be the
head.
"Of course" said the Colombian who gave
this information. lit is asserted that the
SONS for rejecting the treaty the objections
10 reliuquishing our sovereignty over the canal
territory and inadequate compensation. but
the truth IS that the personal opposition 10
President Marroquin is responsible for il. Poll
tics the death Of the project"
II Is said a great loss will be sustained by
persons who purchased large tracts Of land and
houses Oh speculation near the canal route, IN
exyiectat ton Of the treaty going through.