Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-18
A CRITICAL ASPECT
Relations Between Colombia
and This Country.
BEAUPRE INSTRUCTED
PROPOSED PAYMENT TO THE
BOGOTA GOVERNMENT.
Believed Panama Should Turn Over
to Parent Country Part of Money
Received for Canal Strip.

The situation in Bogota has assumed
critical aspect so far as the relations oe-
tween Colombia and the United States are
concerned Two days ago Mr. Beaupre, our
minister to Colombia, was approached py
the Colombian government with request
to be Informed whether or not the United
States government had recognized or in
tended to recognize the republic of Panama.
The request was in such shape as to con-
stjtute menace to the continuance OIL
good relations between the United States
and Colombia in the event that recognition
had been extended.
Mr. Beaupre was instructed promptly to
inform the Colombian government that the
republic of Panama had been recognized by
the United States in the interest OF peace
and humanity and in conformity with
solemn treaty obligations binding upon the
United States. He was further instructed
to extend to the Colombian government the
good Offices of the United States govern
ment toward the restoration of peace rela-
tions between Panama and Colombia upon
terms honorable to both. The issue is
awaited here with some anxiety.
Mr.. Beaupre, as has been stated, has in
his pocket leave of absence granted by the
State Department, and it remains for him
self to determine when he shall avail of
the leave
Colombia May Be Paid.
1t is earnestly hoped here that the reply
of the Colombian government to the repre-
sentations which our minister has been di-
rected to make will not lead to a breach
of friendly relations, the end of which
cannot be clearly foreseen. AS an earnest
of the desire of the State Department to
continue on friendly terms with the Colom-
bian government it Is pointed out that
without bringing direct pressure to bear
the department is disposed to do everything
in its power to save any equities Colombia
may have in the isthmus. Thus it is recog
nized as entirely proper that some part of
the S1O,OO0,UD which the United States gov
ernment is to pay over to Panama upon the
ratification of the treaty should be allotted
by the government of Panama to Colombia
in payment of Panamas share of the Co.
lombian national debt
1t is distinctly stated that the United
States government would not offer an af
front to Colombian dignity and honor by
onering directly sum Of money in the
nature of bribe as a salve for the separa-
ton of Panama. But while it could not
specify in Its agreement with Panama that
any part of the s10,0Oo,000 was to be di
verted to Colombia there would be no con-
cealment of the hopes of the United States
in that matter But it should be stated
that the present intention of the United
States government is 20 include in the new
treaty provision for the payment of sl0-
600 OOO to the republic of Panama and to no
other government
Failure of Peace Commission.
The following cablegram has been re-
ceived at the State Department from Rear
Admiral Walker dated at Colon, the nth:
Made a ceremonous visit to the junta.
Was cordially received. A committee from
the department of Cartagena arrived in the
German mail steamer at Colon Sunday
night and tried 10 arrange an amicable
settlement with Panama. Did not land, but
were entertained on the flagship A COM
mittee from the junta met them this morn
ing and informed them that 1t was too late.
The government of Panama is Independent
and will not retrace its steps. The Carta-
gena committee leaves tonight Oh the
Royal Mail steamer The isthmus perfect
ly quiet, with no appearance of trouble
anywhere"
The dispatch was timed S:45 last night.
New Republic Recognized.
Mr.. Jusserand the French ambassador
here, called at the State Department this
morning and notified Secretary Hay that
the French government had fully and for
mally recognized the new republic of Pan
anna. Other nations are expected to follow
the same course, and in fact several of
them already have opened business rela-
tions with the new government.
Drafting New Canal Treaty.
The main features of the Hay-Bunau-
Varilla treaty. providing for the construc-
ton of an isthrnian canal by the Panama
route, have been agreed upon and the
rough draft OF The convention is in prepara-
ton. No date for the signing of the treaty
has yet been fixed. The Panama minister
and Secretary Hay Will have another con-
ference today regarding the treaty.
1t is thought that the members of the
Panama commission who arrived IN New
York yesterday, will remain there for the
present. as 1t IS said their presence is not
Eeeded here in connection with the negotia-
tons for the treaty. IL is possl Bile that
when the treaty is signed the commission
may receive cable Instructions to ratify the
convention and thus avoid the necessity of
sending it to Panama.
Unless DR.. Herran, the Colombian charge
receives word from his government within
reasonable time he viii close the Colombian
legation here.