New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-04
He DEFENDS COLOMBI4.
Senior Pedro VeIee TALKS of His
Counhy'S Rights in the Canal.
CALLS AMERICAS MANNER UNKIND.

CALLS AMERICAS MANNER UNkIND.
Senior Pedro Velez member of the Colon
bian Congress from Cartagena and one of the
House Committee which has charge of the
Panama Canal treaty, will sail for Colon to
day on the steamer Alliance, after a stay of
several weeks in this city and Washington.
After visiting his home town he will go 10 Be-
gotta to take part in the canal debate.
During his stay here Senior Velez has care
fully studied the sentiment relative to the canal.
and he will use as a guide in the deliberations
Of Congress the information he has gathered on
his trip
Regardless OF the great advantage Of the
Panama route. he said yesterday, those who
favor it over the Nicaragua waterway are
greatly in the minority. However. in this coun-
try of free speech and free thought, the Colon
bian legislator did not object to the opinions
expressed, but he did take exception to many
statements published by newspapers, which. he
declared, rather hotly at the Hotel Majestic.
were absurd and unfounded fabrications pub
lished either through ignorance or a malicious
intent to discredit the Colombian Congress"
Senior VeIez took occasion to defend his coun-
try against criticisms, and gave to q reporter
the first interview of Importance that has been
had with member of the Colombian Congress
since the canal negotiations began He ex-
pressed himself vigorously
THE Tribune" he said. was the first TO men
ton that my mission here was not a political
one. l came on personal business. have de-
clined to give my personal opinion on the Hay
Herran treaty. I have also ignored the many
ridiculous statements printed regarding our atti-
tude. These. however will figure as q decided
factor in the defeat of the canal treaty, if it
should be defeated.
"A portion Of the American press has at
tempted to deny to Colombia the right 10 dis
cuss her own interests and the least delays by
our Congress at Bogota have been the subject
Of the most insulting insinuatIons. Colombia
should be permitted to attend to her own affairs
in her own way. without fear of force or in
timidation. One article in particular seemed to
me most Objectionable 1t said that the United
States would decide. if it wanted TO- the width
of sovereignty il would take. The honor Of this
government and the righteousness of its people
must answer this. To take property against
the will Of its owner has a name in interna tional
affairs as well as in private and many things
look very easy at a distance and to uncon-
cerued persons that afterward 90 not turn out
quite so easy they looked at first
L have heretofore made slight reference to
the rights of Colombia TO the French Panama
Canal COmpany'S plant. II is a moral argument,
be taken into consideration by our people
and government We are not making bargain
at the expense Of the French interests. We
have twice or three times extended the conces-
sion of the first French company, and only q
short time ago there was another extension
Surely. Covetousness is not the name for such
policy; and may go further If this present
treaty negotiation with the United States Gov
eminent should come 10 a standstiu feel our
government and people would not in any case
try TO impose on or sacrifice the French people,
With whom our relations have always been
cordial
But then this is aside from what rights Co.
lombia has in the matter The position of the
French company is q difficult one. as it was
oh airE II
loss of everything; and yet one has said any
thing unkind Of the party that had the upper
hand in the transaction. The talk Of a double
purchase is nonseC Sc. II is q bargain for this
government Never mind the arguments pre-
scented. The canal will be great benefit to the
world and 10 Colombia, but the sentiment here
does not tend toward the advantag Gus Circunn-
stances that would induce TO strengthen the de-
sire TO more intimate and fraternal relations