The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-12-23
WILL NOT GO TO THE HAGUE
 -- Europe Will Approve i American Stand. WALKER IN WASHINGTON Says ColombianS Cannot In- wade the Isthmus. Not Trail Exists Through Which Wagon Could Be Driven-No
 Change in Orders to
 the Navy.
WALKER IN WASHINGTON

washington, Dec. 22.-"Refusal by the United States to consent to a proposition from Colombia for reference of the Panama question to The Hague tribunal is expected and will be fully approved by the European Powers"
 This statement was made to a represent ative of the Associated Press tonight by a European Ambassador. It has already been made in substance or rather more diplomatic language, though General ha- faeI Reyes, the Colombian Minister, IS expected in his forthcoming note to sug- gest reference to The Hague for the set clement of the Isthmus problem. Wheth- CT the knowledge that the refusal of such a request, so far from prejudicing the European Powers against the Washington Government, will call for their emphatic endorsement, will cause General Reyes to modify his note, is not yet certain:
 The Ambassador quoted, in explaining the attitude of European powers, said:
 A Closed Chapter.
 Panama is a closed chapter in the his tory of nations and The Hague court is not the place for settled questions, but for pending problems which are referred to 1t with the full approval of all the parties interested. When Russia, Gar many and France recognized the independ- ence of Panama, they set their seal of approval on the prompt action Of the Washington Government. Nations can hardly be expected to settle questions of sovereignty or national honor at The Hague. Moreover, in my opinion, 1t would not be within the province of the Gov ernment to grant such request from Colombia. It Is to Panama, not to Wash ington, that Colombia should take sucii q proposition.
 There is a question between Colombia and Panama which with all propriety might be referred to The Hague, and to which reference the United States will scarcely offer objection. It is the ques- ton of the assumption by Panama of part of the Colombian debt. ..,fss .... ''If General Reyes should ask the United States to use its good offices to have this matter brought before The Hague, Pana- ma might safely acqueise in such action. Y Indeed Difficulty. &
 'SThe difflculty in making this request would be that Colombia thereby would recognize the independence of the new republic, but this must come sooner or later." A-
 At the Navy Department the statement is made tonight that the instructions to the naval commanders in isthmian waters to prevent the landing of forces with hostile intent" have not been modified. These instructions, it is believed, are suf- neiently comprehensive to enable the com manders to maintain open transit across the isthmus and to protect the new re- public from Colombian expeditions.
 A full and detailed report of the condi- tion of affairs on the isthmus as he saw them will be made to President Roose- welt and to Secretary Hay by Admiral John G. Walker. chairman of the Isth- milan Canal Commission, who returned to Washington from Colon tonight. The Admirals stay on the isthmus covers a period of about four weeks, during which he went over the ground very thoroughly particularly with reference to the condi- tion of the canal property Admiral Walker went to Colon as the representa- tive of the President soon after the re- public was proclaimed.
 The Admiral said the Isthmians have no fear that the Colombians will attempt to reconqueror the country. There is not, he said. trail in all Panama of sufficient width to drive a wagon. Colombia has never built trail or constructed a bridge in Panama. The impassability of the country renders 1t unlikely, in the Ad- mirars opinion. that any warlike meas ures will be undertaken by Colombia.