Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-11-30
C0L0MBIA'S OFFER.
Will Give Us Canal Grant
Without Cent of Cost.
Secret Of Gen. Rafael Reyes Visit to
United States.
Colombia Finds She Wants and Must
Have Canal. ~

Washington, Nov. Z9.-Ien. Rafael
Reyes, the so-called peace envoy Of the
republic Of Colombia, who, with his as
sociates, arrived here, Saturday, will
call upon Secretary Hay, Monday, and
inform him of the nature Of his visit to
this country. Gen. Reyes refuses to
divulge now the character Of the in
structions which he brings to this
country from his government, but in an
authorized statement given out, Sat-
,lrday, he declares that the republic of
Colombia is ready and willing to grant
canal concessions to the United States
without the payment of a cent by this
country.
In fact, Gen. Reyes was anxious to
give the impression that the real rea-
son which prompted the Colombia Con-
gress to reject the Hay-Herran treaty
was the general prevalence in Colon
bia of a strong and patriotic feeling,
which demanded that no part Of Co
lombian territory should be taken from
her sovereignty. He was very positive
I'm his declaration that the money con-
sideration had nothing whatever to do
with the matter.
Gen. Reyes and his party, after long
conference with DR.. Hergan, the Colom-
bian charge here. spent the day visiting
the South American members of the
diplomatic corps. Through DIR. Herran,
Gen. Reyes gave out statement to the
effect that he had nothing to say regard
ing his mission, but, nevertheless. he
talked very frankly about conditions in
his country which had FASTENED his visit
to Washington.
Gen. Reyes was very positive in his
declaration that he had not come to the
United States for the purpose of lobbying
against the ratification of the Panama
canal treaty, and whatever dealings he
might have with the officials of this gov
eminent would be in his capacity as a
representative of Colombia, and would be
conducted with the propriety which
should attach to the conduct Of diplo-
matte representative.
The possibility that Gen. Reyes might
attempt to influence senators against the
ratification of the canal treaty has caused
much speculation among officials here as
to what action the government would
take under such circumstances.
The opponents of the canal treaty in
the Senate are not inclined to approve
any possible participation by Gen. Reyes
in the matter. and it is quite certain that
officials of the government would decline
to confer with him is he were to attempt
to influence canal legislation.
General Rafael Reyes. the Colombian
peace commissioner and his colleagues
continued their conferences. today,s
with DR.. Tomas Herran, the Co1omb ian
charge daHaires at Washington, ,re-
garding the Panama canal treatySand
affairs on the isthmus. AS a preiirnis
nary to any action Gen. Reyes is faplil-
iarizing himself thoroughly with every
feature of the isthmus question about
which DIR. Herran is able to give him
information. sF
NO plan as yet has been mapped out
governing the mission of Gen. Reyes"
said DR.. Herran. tonight, land we have
no statement as yet to make to the
public
AT first opportunity DR.. Herran will
present Gen. Reyes to Secretary Hay
At this meeting, it is expected there
will be an informal discussion of the
generals mission, the results of which
in a measure at least will determine his
future course.