New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-10
TROOPS FOR PANAMA.
TRANSPORTS ARE READY.
One Regiment and a Battery Prac-
ticaUy Sure to Go.
rFRou THE TRIBUNE BUREAU.

washington. Dec. 9.-The landing OF eleven
hundred Colombian troops near the mouth OF
the Atrato River, reported from La GuaSlA'
revived interest in the situation In Panama IL
happened that the joint Army and Navy Boaro'
without knowledge of this report held session.
this morning, at which the subject OF military
occupation of Panama was discussed. The STU
alton seems to be one in which the defence Oh
Panama is rendered comparatively easy through
the geographical difficulties which must attend
the invasion OF Panama by military FORCE
from Colombia
The project reported being entertained by
Colombian officers. taking army over the
Darien Mountains into Panama. is not regarded
seriously by military officers. They believe 1t
must be the intention of the Colombian authori-
ties TO bring this force into Panama by sea
rather than by land. since a land invasion would
necessitate not only the crossing of the noun
tsins but perilous morasses and treacherous
sWamps.
1t is authoritatively announced from the War
Department that everything depends upon the
Developments of the situation. There VIII be
plenty of time for taking an ample military
force to Panama. if needed for the Colombian
troops can hardly get into the isthmus in
month"; unless they should come by sea. and
American troops could be sent from any placs
along the Atlantic seacoast TO reach the isthmU1
in ten days.
While there is idea that there will occur
any hostilities of importance on the isthmus It
is the expectation of the authorities that regi-
ment of soldiers and battery will be sent
TO Panama TO guard American interests as soon
the Panama treaty is ratified. and the mill
tary authorities have lately discussed the prof.
ect of sending troops from some Southern port
Mobile. Charleston. New-Orleans or Galveston
- h. . ,ortS NV
rail. The best point of departure. however, for
troops not already in New York is Newport
News, where any number of soldiers could be
embarked from the railroads which run to the
piers, and which would bring troops from any
point far West Fort Thomas. Kentucky;
Fort Sheridan Illinois; Fort Riley, Kansas. and
Fort Smelling, Minnesota Within twenty-four
or thirty-six hours a large body of troops could
be landed at Newport News, in readiness for q
transport which came from New-York. and
everything would be ready at the time the
vessel reached Hampton Roads. The present
intention is to take troops when needed, from
the neighborhood of New-York, and arrange
ments have been made with the commercial
lines TO have in readiness on short call, vessels
capable of transporting any forces which may
be required on the isthmus
No in authority in the War Department
to-day quite understood the significance of the
Colombian move 1t is hardly expected that the
Coombians intend to go into Panama by land,
and they would be beset with effective opposition
if they undertook TO make invasion by the
water route. where their progress would be
blocked by the navy. Preparations were long
ago made by the Navy Department to prevent
any demonstration on sea, and the Colombian
transports, laden with troops and ammunition,
are certain TO be interrupted and turned back
f. they undertake to approach Panaman terri
tory. Army officers who are familiar with Co
iombia and Panama say il would be q hazardous
undertaking. fraueht with much suffering for
the troops, if military force attempted to pass
overland from Colombia TO Panama. the noun
| tains considered almost impossible, while
| the sWampS cover vast areas Of the undiSCOV-
| cred and practically uneXplored country.
The army transports now in New York, with
| the exception of the Fitzpatrick, do not offer
much opportunity for sending troops by water
from New York to Colon. and it is unlikely that
| the Fitzpatrick which is to sail on December 20
| for Manila, will be diverted from the trip. The
existing arrangements with the commercial lines
are deemed sufficient for any military emergency
/ which may be presented.