The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-30
TURNED OVER TO ROOT
Secretary of War VIII Conduct
Colombian Negotiations.

the cabinet called by the president, the
Panama situation was the principal
subject under consideration. All mem
bers of the cabinet, except Secretary
Hay, who is ill; Secretary Shaw and
Attorney General Knox, who are out of
the city, were present. The meeting was
one of the longest held for several
weeks, the session consuming quite two
hours. At the conclusion of the meet
ing the members were not communica-
tive, but it was learned that, in addi-
ton to discussion of matters relating
to Panama, several departmental mat
ters of minor Importance were consids
cred.
Secretary Root was delayed nearly
half an hour in his arrival at the meet
ing, having been in conference with
General Reyes, the special representative
of Colombia. This circumstance caused
it to transpire that during the illness of
Secretary Hay, Secretary Root has been
designated by the president to conduct
the negotiations of this government
with General Reyes. Secretary Root
laid before the president the details of
his interview with the Colombian min
lister. Careful consideration was given
to the Colombian note filed with the
state department by General Reyes, but
it can be said that no answer yet has
been made to it.
The note was submitted by the Co
lombian minister in Spanish. Some de-
of the document, but finally the trans
latfon was laid before the president
and Secretary Root for consideration
Secretary Root informed General REYES
that the reply of this government was
not ready. but that it would be given
him as soon as possible. Secretary
Root Will give the response to General
Reyes when a decision as to its precise
nature has been reached No intimation
of the contents of General REYES note
nf the ran1U nf this ant &c
given from any authoritative source.
1t is known, however, that the admin
istration regards the ratification of the
treaty with the republic of Panama as
the first step to be taken in the entire
pending matter. What this government
may do subsequently will be deternain-
ed, at least in part, by the circun-
stances then surrounding the case.
Just now it is said authoritatively
there is nothing in the situation to
arouse serious concern.
General Reyes has not indicated to
Secretary Root what his intentions are
regarding his future movements. It is
presumed he will remain in Washing
ton at least until the reply of the Unit
ed States to his note shall have been
presented, but so far as can be ascer-
tanned, nothing definite is known as to
his intentions.
His frequent conferences with the
officials of the administration have
enabled General Reyes to realize that
the United States will not retrace a
step on the isthmus. Whether Colom-
bia may hope for relief from congress
in the shape of an indemnity for the
loss she has suffered in the secession
of Panama is a matter which can be
eft open for the present, it is said, as
Colombia and the United States are
concerned now with the broader ques-
ton as to the Interpretation of the
treaty of 1916.
Returning a visit of Secretary Root
made several days ago General Reyes
called at the war department and was
with the secretary for half an hour
General Reyes took occasion to reit er-
ate the great pressure he was bringing
to bear on his people to remain quiet
until his mission is finished. The sec
rotary fully appreciates the delicate
position of General Reyes, and it is
possible will be able to give him some
suggestions as to how the Colombians
may be made aware of the real situa-
ton here. General Reyes has great
admiration for the ability of MIR. Root
and has expressed his Indebtedness
both to Mr.. Root and Mr.. Hay for the
counsel they have given him.
General Reyes has asked to be ex-
cused from attending the New Years
reception at the White House. as he is
declining all social engagements while
he is here. He will request DR.. Herran
to represent his government on that
day as charge d'affaires.