Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-09-23
Canal Situation at Bogota is
Unchanged.
ADVICES FROM BEAUPRE
CONGRESS IGNORES
THE WATERWAY.
Playing Politics Thought to Have
Caused the Death Of the Hay
Herran Treaty.

The Department of State this afternoon
received from Minister Beaupre at Bogota
a telegram dated September ~, Pm, stat
ing that since the introduction Of the pro-
posed law in regard to the canal treaty and
its first reading there has been no discus
sion of the measure in the Colombian con-
gress and that the situation is unchanged.
A report had been current here that the
Colombian congress in secret session had
clothed President Marroauin with full pow
er to negotiate treaty. Had this report
been true. President Marrouuin. who is
counted friend of the treaty. could pro-
coed untrammeled by the fear OF future
reckoning with his congress. In any event
President Roosevelt must now take the
next step. He can elect to proceed under
the Spooner act and take up the Nicaragua
route or he can allow matters to drift for
the present in the hope that way may
yet be found to straighten out the present
difficulties in the path of the Panama route.
Death Of the Treaty.
The HayHerran treaty for the construc-
ton of the Panama canal by the United
States government expired by limitation at
midnight last night, so far as the State De-
partment and DR.. Herran, the Colombian
charge, are informed.
DR.. Herran authorizes the statement that
Colombia has made absolutely no repre-
sensations Of any character to this govern
ment looking toward canal negotiations.
He firmly believes. however, that his gov
eminent has not abandoned the project
and predicts that before the Colombian con-
gress adjourns the question will be taken
up officially between the Bogota and Wash
1ngton governments.
Cause Of Treaty's Defeat
The defeat Of the treaty is generally as
cribed to Colombian politics. A presidential
election is to take place in Colombia in
December. and the price to be obtained for
the canal concession is looked to as
means Of lifting the government out Of the
present depressed financial condition. Each
Of the candidates for the presidency, Of
whom there are several, naturally wishes to
control the situation, and each, therefore,
has opposed conclusion of the negotiations
at the present session Of the Colombian
congress.
1t is doubtless, however, the desire Of all
to have an understanding with the United
States by which the negotiations may be
reopened Immediately after the Inaugural
ton Of the new administration. when. it is
believed, the Colombians will be more dis
posed to get down to business.
The Colombian Election.
The Colombian election will decide
whether President Marroquin Is to be re-
elected or General Rafael Reyes will Sue
coed him. The canal politics of the situa-
ton seems to be that. whichever candidate
Is elected. the administration will be able
to control the election Of enough members
Of congress to insure the ratification Of
the treaty. How long this will take is not
particularly dwelt upon, but the Colon
bians evidently think that. when President
Roosevelt understands the situation. 1t can
be accomplished within the reasonable
time he will take before turning to Mic
aragua.
Colon bias Wish.
Colombia. it is known. is anxious to keep
the canal negotiations alive. What form
her new proposition with that object in,
view will take is not known in Washington.
One interesting feature in connection with
tho legislative situation in Colombia is the
fact that the terms of one-third of the
members Of the senate numbering nine,
will expire July 20, 1904. when the life of
the present congress ends.
These nine senators, 1t Is said. are op-
posed to the canal treaty The hope of the
advocates of the treaty will be to elect
senators in their places who are favorable
to the convention. 1t Is expected that the
campaign for the legislatures will be made
on this issue.