The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-22
GETS NO SYMPATHY.
Colombia Can Hope for No Aid
From Europe.

Washington, Dec o. Diplomatic
pressure will be brought to bear upon
Colombia by several powers to pre-
vent war between that country and the
United States. The first step in this
direction already has been taken by
several foreign powers through their
representatives here. who have in
formed General Rafael Reyes of the
futility of any attempt by Colombia to
retake Panama, declaring that it will
result only in precipitating the I3ogota
government into war with the United
States and have said to him that the
result of such a catastrophe Colombia
herself must realize. If this is not suf-
f1cient the representa- of these
countries ct Bogota will be instructed
to inform President Marroquin that
Colombia can expect no sympathy
movement she may make on Panama
which would inevitably involve her in
war with the United States.
The members of the diplomatic corps
have been informed by General Reyes
himself that he fears he can with diff
Guilty check his people much longer.
General Reyes is not talking for publ
cation, but to several European anbas-
sailors he has confided his fears with
frankness and has said that he is doing
everything in his power to prevent an
outbreak before the conclusion of his
mission, but although his influence with
the army Is considerable, ne Is so lar
away that it is difficult for him to make
this felt as strongly as if he were on the
ground and in command.
Diplomats whom General Reyes has
approached on the subject say that
what he most fears is the result of an
announcement at Bogota of the failure
of his mission. He himself realizes that
the most he can hope for from the gov
eminent of the United States is an offer
that it will use moral SuaSiOn to prevail
the Colombian debt. Further General
Reyes has been told that he can expect
nothing.
II came to Washington to save what
l could from a ShipWreck, he said to
a diplomat of high rank
Realization of the true situation, it is
said will not prevent General Reyes
from calling on the United States for a
reference to The Hague tribunal of sew
eral of the questions at issue. 1t is on
this point that European diplomats
have told General Reyes that it is ex-
pecting too much to expect this gov
eminent to submit any phase of the
Panama matter to The Hague. Several
ambassadors have earnestly advised the
general to impress on his people the
fact that Europe wants the isthmian
canal and that Colombia can expect no
sympathy from that quarter. 1t has
been further pointed out by those di-
plomats that the proffered sympathy of
several South American republics can
avail Colombia nothing in the event Of
war with the United States.
It is hoped that the receipt of this
news of Bogota will do much to calm
the feeling there and hold the Colom-
bians in check until Gen. Reyes can re-
turn.
Great Britain and the Netherlands
have taken pains to let General Reyes
know indirectly that Colombia reckons
without her host if she interprets their
delay in recognizing the republic of
Panama as an evidence of their SYM
pathy for Colombia or as due to other
than a desire to protect the interests
of their financiers who. are the larg-
est holders of government bonds
1t is said here to be unlikely that
our naval commanders in isthmian
waters will go to the extent of dislodg-
ing the Colombian troops which have
landed on the island of Pines. On this
point, however, the policy of the gov
eminent has not been definitely de-
cided