The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-11-05
MANY CONFERENCES.
President and Cabinet Discuss Pana-
ma Situation.

Washington, Nov. 5.-President Roose-
welt had many conferences on the Pan
anna situation today. His information
regarding the exact condition of affairs
on the isthmus is still too meagre to
warrant a statement outlining the pol
icy the administration is to pursue
toward the SeparatistS. In view of this
fact the president refers all inquiries
for news on the subject to the state de-
partment. While undoubtedly optimistic
as to canal prospects, Admiral Walker,
chairman of the isthmian canal commits
sion declined to express his views for
publication. After seeing the president,
Secretary Moody said there was no lack
of American naval vessels in the vicinity
of the isthmus to protect American in
terests.
The naval cablegrams were declared
to be the only ones from the isthmus
that had reached either the state or
navy departments over night or in the
forenoon today. The withdrawal of the
marines from Colon leaves. the town
technically in the possession of the Col
ombian government thus maintaining a
condition as to ownership of either end
Of the line which may lead to clash
at any moment.
1t was pointed out in one of the de-
partments that the speedy departure
yesterday from Colon of the Colombian
gunboat .Cartagena for Savanilla, pre-
sumably for reinforcements would be
of little avail if the. revolutioniStS are
in the force described on the isthmus
because the ship would consume fully a
week in making the trip inside or
which time Colon doubtless would pass
into the hands of thesreyoluuonists- II
the Cartagena returns with Colombian
troops finding Colon in this condition,
the United States warShip certainly
would not allow the Colombian contln-
gent to land if the landing involved
conflict with the revolutlonsts, tnus
ieopardizing free transit across the
iSthmuS.
The secretary of state has been adj
vised formally of the action of the
junta at Panama in Selling the relns
of government and separating from
Colombia, but the department has not
taken any steps yet toward recognizing
the new order of things, though the
| United States conSulS have large DIS
erection in this matter and may already
| have recognized the de facto power OF
the junta at Panama. 1t is pointed out,
| however. that no such action on their
part would affect the political relations
of the new government with the United
States. In due course of time if it shall
appear that government is able to
maintain itself and preserve order, the
state department would extend formal
recognition. but there is no particular
reason for haste. it is said 1t is as
sumed that there will be no disposition
on the part of the new government to
repudiate the concessions heretofore
granted to individuals or CORPORATIONS
by the government at Bogota.
| The Atlanta which has sailed from
Kingston for Colon should arrive there
Saturday at the latest and the training
ship Dixie, which left Kingston, ia
maica, Tuesday night for Colon, is ex-
pected to arrive today. She carries q
battalion of $50 marines and will prove
a powerful factor in maintaining the
position of the United States for the
free transit of the Isthmus.
Warships on this side of the Isthmus
are at a disadvantage in this port, be-
| ing obliged owing to their draft to keeI
at least 10 miles off shore IN an oper
roadstead, a condition which greatly
hampers and delays landing operations
in an emergency. The big collier Han
nibal. which arrived at Guantanamo
| Tuesday full of coal which was destined
for the opening of the new coa1ing sta
ton there, is now held in readiness fol
instant departure for the Isthmus tc
coal American ships there if they prom
Use to be retained any length of time.