Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-18

| the Colombians against the presence
OF an American warship in our waters.
You are citizens of a powerful country
immensely rich and possessing vast
numbers of inhabitants. On the con-
trary we are bankrupt and our i'm
mense territories are depopulated. Co
lombia has been bled by fabulous civil
wars, but, today, in the Panama mat
ters and regarding yourselves, we be-
lieve we have right and justice on our
side. Do not doubt. The God of ma
tions will be on our side. Against Him
squadrons and cannon shall not pre-
vail. Every Colombian, man or woman.
is capable of rising to heights of hero
ism. (Signed) D. ORTIZ"
Gen. Ortiz sent another communica-
ton to Commander Turner asking what
orders the commander had from Wash
ington regarding the movements of
Colombian warships i'm Colombian wa
ters, to which Commander Turner an
swered saying that they would be
treated as would the vessels of any
other power with which the United
States is at peace.
After saying that he was satisfied
with Commander Turner's answer, the
general said in part:
y beg that you will leave this port,
because the waters surrounding it are
part of the department of Cauca. l
permit myself TO inform you that the
rebel department of Panama borders
on Cauca and Tiburon. So long as
only just and natural that American
,t,lr PC h CHI tap ta
south of Tiburon.
(Signed I'D. ORTIZ"
Commander Turner dsregarded this.
Having accomplished the purpose Of
his visit to the gulf, namely, to locate
the Colombians, the Atlanta started
for Colon on the night of Dec. IS.
The Colombians carefully and sys-
tematically made efforts to avoid fur
nishing any information as to what
purpose had brought them to the gulf,
or whether they were building Il road
toward the republic of Panama. But
it can be said reliably that they are
awaiting orders from their superiors
In the meantime there is strong prob
ability that they are building a road
toward Panama. The distance sepa-
rating Titumad and Yaviza is 60 miles.
The COlombianS declared they had 1000
men between the mouth of the Atrato
and Tiburon, we'll supplied with food,
clothing and ammunition. They also
have several pieces of artillery mount
ed advantageously at coast points
Their demeanor. though polite clearly
showed hostility and deep chagrin at
having been discovered. Many ind-
cations pointed to their intention of
bringing further men and supplies to
the gulf
The Atlanta is going to the Chiriqu
lagoon, where she will coal from a COL
lier.
Rear Admiral Coghlan is not send
ing any other ship to the Gulf or Da-
ren.
During the conference with the Co
lombianS ashore. Lieut.. Perrill was sur
rounded by Gen. Oritz's staff. while in
land few PAGES away, there Was a
semi-crcle of armed sentinals. The
beach III both directions was also lined
by santintis.
Gen. Ortiz did not permit Lieut. Per-
rill to leave the point of the beach
where he landed. While Perrill was
awaiting the Colombian protest. Lieut.
Edward d. Manwaring, L. S. NJ c.,
roWed up in cutter for the purpose of
communicating With Perril and TO gain
certain Information. Lieut.. Manwaring
went ashore and the cutter joined tho
Whaleboat.
Lieut.. PERIL returned to the Atlanta
at p. NJ. Lieut.. Manwdring before re-
turning pulled in the cutter along the
coast observing the COlombans' camp
Later in the day Gen Ortiz reuested
the Atlanta to leave.