The Washington times., 1903-11-15
DIR. HERRAN'S STATUS
IN DIPLOMATIC LIFE
Son of Former Minister,
He Is Popular Here,
He ONCE SERVED AMERICA
Should Colombian Charge d'Afaires Be
Recalled, He VIII Return to Ne
deIlen, His Home.

Dr. Thomas Herran, Colombian charge
d anaires. whose recall is expected at
any moment. has long been an inter
csting personality in Washington life.
He came 10 this city in 1900 as secre-
tsry OF legation for Senior Don Jose
vincentc Concha. envoy extraordinary
and minister plenirStentary The latter
returned to Colombia in November, 1900.
having been relieved from duty.
DR.. Herran has been in charge since
November % OF that year. He and his
family have been popular members Of
the Diplomatic Crops. They occupy an
attractive home at 1915 n Street, and
have taken part in the social life OF the
diplomatic representatives.
At HIS home in Medellen. Colombia,
DR.. Herran has extensive interests in
the leather industry, operating several
tanneries He has always maintained
an active interest IN that industry. and
not long ago sent his son TO Pennsylva-
mia to make a practical study Of the
tanneries there.
Father Minister Here.
DR.. Herran came to this country at
the age Of three HIS father was min
lister 10 Washington from 1876 70 1863
and assisted in the negotiation OF the
treaty OF New Grenada in 1916. by which
the United States pleged itself 10 main
tain free transit across the isthmus
He also represented his government in
drafting the Panama Railroad contract
OF 1850.
Upon his graduation from George
town University. in 1853. Dr. Herran
went 10 London as private secretary
to the Colombian minister He return
ed to Colombia IN 1867. Later. he serv-
ed this county as American consul at
Medellen. He was appointed secretary
OF public instruction IN 1898. and re-
turned to this country in 1900.
Practically at Head
Throughout the regime Of Minister
Concha. DR.. Herran has been practical
~ the executive head OF the legation.
Minister Concha was relieved from duty
by the Colon 3ian government, on &C
count OF not being disposed 10 make an
agreement IS 20 the Panama Canal up
on any convention that would be ac-
ceptable to the State Department. The
conditions were that the State Depart
Inenr felt Itself bound strictly by the
letter OF the SpoOner law. and the car
dinal point OF that act was the re-
quiremeat that the United States should
have perpetual control" of the STRIP
wherein the canal was to be dug Min
mister COncha held that 10 comply with
this requirement meant an abrOgatoT
Of Colombian sovereignty over the terri
tory. such az was obnoxious 10 The Co.
lombian constitution, and. besides. was
Objectionable 10 the people
Dr.. Herran's Attitude.
DR. Herran did not regard any of the
ques lions as serious obstacles TO the me-
gotiations Of "a treaty that would alike
sly the Washington and BoSota gov
eruments- He said the question of SOW,
creguty was not involved lie inter
preted the perpetual control clause Of
the Sp0Oner acU 10 mean such authority
on the isthmus as enabled this country
project the canal
with these views existing. the settle
naent OF the Hay-Herran treaty wa:
brought about. and the treaty was sign
ed by DR.. Herran in December OF las
year.
DR. Herran anticipates with pleasure
return 70 his old homo at Medellen IL
case diplomatic affairs so shape them
selves as 70 bring oout that end
though. he regrets o course, the fac
that relations with this Government a.
parentlv are 70 be severed so summar
fly In addition 20 his legation work DIT
Herran has always n aintained an &C
tive interest in foreign affairs. He stud
led in Germany and all Of his children
sneak German.