The Washington times., 1903-07-12
CANAL DISCUSSED
IN NFERENCE HERE
Senior Pedro Velez Talks
With DR.. HerraD.
VISITOR OPPOSES TREATY
Recently Elected to Colombian Con-
gress, Senior Velez Asks Charge of
Legation TO Defend Agreement.
VISITOR OPPOSES TREATY

Senior Pedro Velez, a member Of the
Colombian congress md one OF the
prominent men of that country. has
come to Washington in connection with
isthmian canal affairs He had an i'm
portant conference last night with Dr.
Herran, charge d'afaires of the Colon
bian legation. His presence here is ~e-
garded in official circles with interest.
in view of the influence ne may exert
upon his fellow members at Bogota upon
his return there next week.
Senior Velez is a nephew Of President
Joaquin Velez, of the Colombian senate,
and a brother OF Gen. Louis Velez, gov
ernor of the state Of Bolivar. He lives
at Cartagena, but has been travelling
in Europe lately. While absent he was
elected to the Colombian congress and
summoned back to Bogota. An alter
nate was appointed, in the person %
Senior Jimenez. to act in his stead until
his return. He expects TO return 10
New York tomorrow and sail for home
on Tuesday.
Conferred Until Midnight.
The conference of Senior Velez VITA
Dr. HerraS lasted until midnight, and
it is thought it may have some direct
results. He has been outspoken in his
opposition to the treaty n its present
form and says his countrymen are large
ly of the same mind. The object of his
coming to Washington is for the espe-
cial purpose of bringing up these OBJ
jections and asking Or. Herran to or
set them IL he can by substantial argu-
ment which may be repeated to the Co
lombians at home. II DR.. Herran can
do this to the satisfaction of Senior
Velez. the result will undoubtedly be a
great gain for treaty prospects.
Speaking of his personal position re-
gardlng treaty ratification. Senior Velez
said to a representative of The Times
last night:
Views OF Senior Velez.
Though l have been spoken OF as
opposed to the treaty in it's present
form, have been careful not TO PREJUDICE
the case. and do not wish to commit my
self too strongly before the matter is
finally brought to a vote.
MY countrymen are in general op-
posed to the treaty AS il now stands.
They do not think the United States has
been generous enough in the terms Of
fered. Why, we now receive $3.50 600
annually from the Panama Railroad
the same as IS offered US In the Hay
Herran compact. The uncOmpleted
canal, which Will revert TO the govern
ment in the event of the failure Of the
French company 10 fu!nll it's contract.
Is worth a great deal more as II NC.
stands than the $4,000, 900 offered by
the United States for work. right OF
way. sovereignty. ana everything. That
is how the matter appears to the peo-
pie % Colombia now.
Then the cession OF sovereignty is q
matter which is strongly opposed We
appreciate that great deal Of good VIII
come to Colombia through the building
OF the canal, but the sentimental feel
ing about the matter weighs strongly.
Even such commercial considerations as
increased shipping Facilitates from ocean
10 ocean and increased value Of land al
jacent TO the canal cannot obllterate
the popular feeling about sovereignty.
Hopeful for Solution
II hope and believe some way may be
found TO make the treaty more accept
able TO my countrymen We fully ap-
preciate what great event the compile
ton o. the canal would be for the worlds
commerce. An effort is being made ID
have the special session end July 20. al
though the regular session does not be
gin until July 20 OF next year.
This has occasioned some argument
or constitutional lines. and will result IL
a further delay to final action on the
treaty. Considering these things in ad-
ditiOn to the main subject Of the direct
arguments on the measure, any de-
cision before the end OF August is high
~ improbable"