Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-12
Minister Vanilla is Clothed
With Necessary Powers.
ADVICES FROM PANAMA
CANAL AGREEMENT MAY BE
READY BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
Democrats Have Decided to Oppose It
in the Senate-Atitude Of Their
Steering COMMITTEES.

The only cablegram that has been re-
ceived during the past twenty-four hours
from the Isthmus of Panama at the State
Department came to hand this morning Is
in the shape Of notice from Acting Consul
General Ehrman at Panama that Philip
R,lnau varilla,i the Panama minister 10
Washington, is the person charged by MS
government with power to negotiate
canal treaty with the government OF the
United States and that Messrs. Boyd ana
Amador, the commissioners who sailed two
days ago for Washington. were charged
with other missions, and would act only IN
an advisory capacity as to the treaty.
Mr.. varilla is disposed to put forth every
effort to hasten the treaty negotiations; IN
deed, his pace is beyond that usual In the
department in such matters. He called 10
see Secretary Hay today to make prepara-
lions for his reception by the President TO-
morrow in his capacity as minister LOT
Panama. Just as soon as that mas Deen
done he will ask to have the treaty nego-
tiatiOnS formally opened, and there IS some
probability that the new treaty Will De
ready for transmission to the Senate BEFORE
Christmas.
The new Panama const.. ation is not ex-
pected to include the provision in the Co
ton of territory, so that the State Depart
ment hopes to disarm criticism on the score
that it has not been able to obtain an alb
solute title in fee simple to the canal tract
1t Is also expected that this tract Will be
nearly double the size of that provided for
in the Hay-Herran treaty, a precaution in
the interest of maintenance of order along
the line of the canal.
Democrats Will Oppose Treaty.
Democratic senators have determined to
oppose the ratification of a canal treaty
with the new republic Of Panama should
the administration enter upon treaty nego-
tiations with that country. The democratic
steering committee is said to be unanimous
in condemnation of the recognition the
United States has given to the creation of
a new government on the isthmuS, though
the announcement has been made that no
course of opposition has been definitely
adopted.
1t has been learned upon the authority of
member of the democratic steering COM
mittee that the sentiment of the committee
Is to attack any effort to open negotiations
with the new republic, and go before the
country in support of the Spooner act to
show the party Is not antagoniStic to the
building of a canal. 1t is claimed that the
law is on the side of the democratic pro-
gram, inasmuch as the Spooner act is a re-
publican measure. This act authorizes the
President to proceed to the construction of
route in the event negotiations with Co
lOmbia are not concluded within a reason
able time for the Panama route.
American Troops on the Isthmus.
The general staff of the army is consid-
ering the possible necessity of sending
troops to the Isthmus of Panama. While
that is not regarded as probable in the
near future. it is appreciated that the
necessity may arise. as may also that of
sending a force to Bogota to protect the
American legation there. 1t is the opin-
inn of hn nIrfh hot u
along the line of the Panama railway
will be required for a considerable time
and that 1t would not be surprising If it
became necessary to establish garrisons
at Panama and Colon, to be continued
possibly while the canal is under con-
struction. The opinion of officials is that
the treaty about to be negotiated will
provide for a fortified canal and that
garrisons at either end of the canal zone
Will be necessary.
British Steamship Released.
The State Department has been informed
that the two British steamships which were
delayed at the port of Buena Ventura by
the Colombian government with the inten-
ton of using them to transport troops to
the isthmus have been released and have
left that port.
The British government knew nothing of
the detention of these British vessels until
notified by the State Department through
the embassy here. 1t was the intention of
the Navy Department to have the Colom-
bian authorities informed that no troops
could be landed on the iSthmus from the
vessels, but their release and departure
from Buena Ventura without troops made
that course unnecessary.
Presentation Of Minister Varilla.
When NJ Philippe Bunau- varilla conclud-
ed his conference with Secretary Hay yes
terday afternoon he said that he would be
received by the President at the White
House tomorrow morning at half-past
O'Clock as minister plenipotentiary and
envoy extraordinary of the republic of Pan
anna to the United States. That hour he
said. will mark the passing of the de facto
government to de jure stage.
M. Bunau-Varilla will first call at the
will accompany him to the White House
and make the presentation. The ceremony
will occur in the blue room.
These details were arranged at the con-
ference yesterday afternoon
A Request Of Panama.
The State Department has decided to re-
quest the authorities at Panama to receive
General Reyes, who is going to the isthmus
a peace mission from Bogota. 1t is esti-
mated that he cannot reach his destination
within two weeks.
The State Department has received a
cablegram from Ambassador Porter at
Paris saying that the sympathies of the
French people are with the Panama re-
public.