The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1903-12-29
GIN. REYES FOR PEACE
"War On Panama Means War With
the United States" He Cables.
HIS NOTE TO HAY NEARLY READY

Colombian General Anxious to Return
to Boeota to Restrain the War party
Admiral Walker Explains Conditions
to President Roosevelt
Washington. Dec. 2f.-"War on Pan
anna means war with the United
States" is the substance OF cable
grams which General Rafael Reyes
the Colombian minister Is sending To
the Bogota government and TO his
more influential followers throughout
Colombia. Realizing the gravity OF the
situation. General Reyes Is endeavor-
ing to bring the Colombian people
face TO face with the situation as he
knows There. He IL convinced that
the United States will not permit a
Colombian army to land within the ter
ritory OF Penama.
The note OF General Reyes TO the
state department. although not yet
filed is nearing completion. 1t Is ok
pccted that the note will be presented
within the next few days. and that
General Reyes will then return home
at once unless he has reason to expect
an answer favorable to at least some
OF his suggestions.
Heretofore General Reyes has not
been in any hurry to complete his mis-
sion in Washington. thinking that in
the meantime the war feeling In Co
lombla would subside Dispatches
however. which he has received from
President Marroquin and from innuen-
tial Colombians nave caused him to
hasten his work, and II Is his present
intention 10 return to Colombia and
assume personal command OF the army
az soon as he has filed his statement
al the state department In Colombian
quarters IL is pointed our that unless
General Reyes returns the war party
In Bogota will gain the upper hand,
and his hitherto predominant inhu-
ence there will be seriously injured.
Rear Admiral John c. Walker re-
tired called upon President Roosevelt
and explained conditions on the 18th
mus OF Panama when he left there a
week ago. his conclusions being that
these were very satisfactory. The adj
miral had n double mission: first 10
look into the condition Of the plant
and properties OF the Panama Canal
company and the exact amount OF
work so far accomplished by the engi-
neers who are operating under the
agreement made last spring between
the United States government and the
Panama Canal company.
He informed the president that in
his opinion II would be cXpedient TO
leave to the marines the protection OF
the Republic OF Panama. and that II
was unnecessary TO increase the force
of marines already in Panama or in
Isthmian waters. Regarding the health
of the marines, Rear Admiral Walker
told the president that ii could scarce
ly be better. He said that while the
marines were welcomed and their
presence realized 10 be for the best
interests of the republic. the sending
of regular troops might cause a feel
ing OF uneasiness
Despite the peaceful reports made
by Rear Admiral Walker the prob
ability Is that two more battalions Of
marines Will sail Monday on the Dixie
from Philadelphia for Colon. 1t Is
felt at the navy department that it
will be well 10 have a sufficient force
in Isthmian waters to permit of fire.
quent reliefs for the force ashore. Be
tween now and Monday the question
will be definitely decided. The Official
announcement Is made that General
Elliott. commandant Of the Marine
Corps. will go to the lsthmus. as the
administration wishes him to make a
thorough inspection OF conditions
there. both from military and SAM.
tarv standpoint