The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-11-21
WILL FIGHT TO THE LAST Colombia DefieS the United
 States. PEACE MUCH PREFERRED With It Must Go Restoration / of Panama. Distinguished General Says His Ma !tion Will Receive the Support
 of the Other American Republics.
'EACE MUCH PREFERRED
Distinguished General Says His Ma

Colon, Nov 20.--After much difficulty, an Associated Press correspondent suc- ceeded this afternoon in interviewing General Reyes, the distinguished Colom- bian soldier. who came to the isthmus on peace mission representing his Gov ernment. General Reyes said:
 ''The day I left Bogota, on the 11th instant, United States Minister Beaupre and Secretary of Legation Snyder were well. though little anxious. I assured your minister that he was in no danger. and today I am able to give the same assurance to the Associated Press. At the time I left. Mrs. Beaupre was pre- pairing to go down the river.
 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. promised Admiral Coghlan that Colombia would not take such action until I reach- ed Washington. whither I am proceeding via Port Limon and New Orleans
 Must Fight Colombia. . T also told Admiral Coghlan that If my efforts at Washington failed to bring about some arrangement concerning the present situation on the isthmus satis- factory to Colombia. the United States would have to fight the entire Colombian people. and that 1t would be a second Boer war.
 ''I am going to Washington for the pur- pose of doing my utmost to arrange af- fairs anicably. Colombia Is In despera- tion. I doubt if the Washington Gov ernment or President Roosevelt, for whom I have the highest respect, real izes the seriousness of establishing this precedent. The large German colony in Rio Grande du Sul, Brazil, is declared to
 
 for independence, which the success of Panama will stimulate.
 ''The Government of Colombia Is re- ceiving the sympathy of all South Amer ica, which is fearful of further Ameri- cap teEritoglai agsrandisement in thls dfrRctfoA " a4s 4 ss9 's->
 Has Plan for Peace.
 T may propose when in Washington a plan contemplating the re-entranee of Panama into the Colombian union and the moving of the Colombian capital to Pan- anna City. I am sure that this idea will receive the support of all Colombians.
 'I do not just know what my course of action will be, but I am going to Wash ington in the interests of Colombia and of civilization"
 Asked whether Colombian troops could reach the isthmus by land. General Reyes answered: Yes; I can get hundred thousand men. build roads and. if 1t were not for the Americans. could subdue the isthmus in 8 fortnight. I would rather die for the honor and in the defense of the integrity of my country than sit with hands folded and see her lose the isthmus I will do all can at Washington to ef- feet a diplomatic arrangement. if such be possible. I know the sentiments of my countrymen."
 GanaroI today gant a CahlaRr0 to Bogota advising his government that it was impossible to reach any agree ment with the government of Panama and hence that Colombia's relations with that government were severed and that he, accompanied by the other commis- was proceeding to Washington to fulfill his mission.
 Departments are Loyal.
 Questioned as to the rumor that the de- partments of Cauca and Antioquia were anxious to join the Department of Pan anna, General Reyes said:
 The report of dissatisfaction In these is not only untrue, but am able to say to you that the entire repub- iic Is united to restore the isthmus to the union"
 General Reyes. who was a candidate for the presidency of Colombia, issued decree dated at Barranquilla. November l6. addressed to the members of the cleo toral college at Bogota, which said:
 Having accepted a military mission empowered with all presidential faculties .n almost all departments of the republic at moment when my country Is prepar- Ing for a presidential election, deem it my duty to relinquish my candidacy. Hence, I renounce irrevocably, offering my services to my country in any other position"
 General Reyes's attitude Thursday night. as indicated by his remarks, was more or less belllcose. He seems disturbed by the rapid march f events in the Uni ted States and Is fearful that Congress may ratify the canal treaty with the new republic. He appears Respondent over the general outlook for his mission.