The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-21
which, He Intimates, IL Not Accepted,
May Result I'm Turning Other Re-
pubIics Against Uncle Sam.
CONFERENCE ON A STEAMER
COMMISSIONERS FROM BOG0TA RE-
BUFFED BY PANAMAIANs.
Informed that the Isthmian state
Would Remain Independent Under
Uncle SANS Protection.

COLON, Nov. 20.-After much difficulty
an interview was secured this afternoon
with General Reyes, the distinguished Co
lombian soldier. who came TO the isthmus on
a peace mission representing his govern
ment General Reyes said: 1.-The day I
left Bogota. which was on the 11th inst.
United States Minister Beaupre and Secre-
tary of Legation Snyder well, though
a little anxious. I assured your minister
that he was in no danger. and to-day am
able to give the same assurance. AT the
time left Minister Beaupre was preparing
to go down the river.
"This morning Admiral Coghlan informed
me officially that the United states would
prevent the landing of Colombian troops on
any part OF the isthmus. / promised Ad-
miraI Coghlan that Colombia would not
take such action until 1 reached Washing
ton. whittier 1 am proceeding via Port
Limon and New Orleans.
al also told Admiral Coghlan that if my
efforts at Washington failed to bring about
some arrangement concerning the present
situation on the isthmus satisfactory to CO.
Iombia the United States would have to
fight the entire Colombian people, and that
II would be a second Boer war.
'I am going to Washington for the pur-
pose of doing my utmost 10 amicably ar
range affairs. Colombia Is In desperation.
i doubt II the Washington government or
President Roosevelt. for whom L have the
highest respect realizes the seriousness OF
establishing this precedent. The large Ger
man colony in Rio Grande do Sui. Brazil.
Is declared to be inclining to revolutionary
movement for independence which the sue
cess of Panama will stimulate.
'"The government of Colombia is receiving
the sympathy of all South America, which
Is fearful OF further American territorial
ACKNOWLEDGMENT In this direction.
'T may propose when in Washington
plan contemplating the re-entrance of Pan
anna into the Colombian union and the NOV
ing OF the Colombian capital to Panama
City i am sure that this idea will receive
the support OF all Colombians. I do not know
what my course OF action will be. but
am going to Washington in the interests OF
Colombia and OF civilization"
Asked whether Colombian troops could
reach the isthmus by land, General Reyes
answered.: "Yes, 1 can get a hundred
thousand men, build roads, and, II 1t were
not for the Americans. could subdue the
isthmus In a fortnight. / would rather die
for the honor and I'm the defense Of the in
tegrity of my country than sit with hands
folded and see her lose the isthmus. / will
do all can at Washington to effect a dip
Iomatic arrangement II such be possible.
/ know the sentiments of my countrymen."
General Reyes sent a cablegram TO Bo-
gotta advising his government that 1t was
impossible to reach any agreement with the
government of Panama and hence that CO.
lombia's relation with that government
were severed and that he, accompanied by
the other commissioners. was proceeding to
Washington to fulfill his mission.
Questioned as to the rumor that the de-
partments of Cauca and Antioquia were
anxious to join the Republic of Panama,
General Reyes said: '"The report of dissat-
isfaction in these departments is not only
untrue. but am able to say that the en-
tire republic Is united In Its determination
to restore the isthmus to the union.'
General Reyes. who was a candidate for
the presidency OF Colombia, issued a de-
cree dated at Barranquilla. Nov. l6. ad-
dressed to the members OF the electoral
college at Bogota. which said: Having
accepted a military mission empowered
with all presidential faculties in almost all
departments OF the republic at a moment
when my country is preparing for presi-
Dental election deem 1t my duty to relin-
Quish my candidacy. Hence renounce ir-
rsvoeabiy. offering my services to my
country In any other position"
General Reyes's attitude as indicated by
his remarks. was more or less bellicose.
Though still beIlicose he is more hopeful
to-day. He seems disturbed, however by
the rapid march of events in the United
States and is fearful that Congress may
ratify the canal treaty with the new re-
public. He appears despondent over the
general outlook for his mission.