The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1903-12-25
FEAR 4 CLASH
IS INEVITABLE
GREAT ACTIVITY IN OFF,
ClAL CIRCLES
Caused by the Attitude Of
Colombia.
MARINES IN READINESS


To Sail for the isthnus 1 Conditions
Do Not lmprove-Great Secrecy Pre-
walls in Washington, But No Attempt
is Made to Conceal Fact That Situa-
ton is Critical.
Washington, d. c., Dec. 21.-Secre-
tary Of the Navy Moody this afternoon
admitted that preparatory orders had
been given General Elliott, command
ant of the marine corps. to go to the
isthmns and take charge Of the land
forces. 1t has been decided to send a
battalion of marines south on the Dixie
If conditions do not improve.
A number Of cablegrams were receiv-
ed today from the scene Of activity but
up to a late hour no information as to
their contents was made public.
President Roosevelt conferred with
Secretary Hay at the latter's home to-
day.
Colombian government has retained
Mr.. MacVeagh to assist General Reyes
in his negotiations here with the gov
ernment. Mr.. Maeveagh and General
Reyes have informed the Colombian
government to make no overt act 1t
is believed some headway is being
made here toward partial settlement
of the differences, but it is feared the
limpetuosity Of the Colombian leaders
may bring about a crisis.
Appearances about the great state,
war and navy building, present many
of the aspects of the conditions imme-
diately preceding the Spanish-Amer-
lean war. The secret Office of the chief
of the bureau of navigation in the sub
basement has again been utilized and
conferences are being held several
! times day between Rear Admiral
Taylor and his lieutenants. Cable
grams are translated and discussed un-
der conditions most private. These
quarters were used regularly during
the war that gave Cuba her freedom.
For obvious reasons information of
only the most general character OF the
cablegrams being received from Rear
Admirals Glass and Coghlan are made
public. There is no attempt to con-
ceal the fact that the situation along
the isthmus is critical and frequently
| the only means of discovering that ad-
| vices are being received and orders dis
patched is in noting the unusual activ-
Iity in the Office Of the chiefs of the
bureau in which the conferences are
held and the scurrying to and fro Of
messengers.
The war department is now free from
the infection of suppressed excitement
While it is believed the navy can cope
fully with future conditions on the
fsthmus, the greatest precautions have
been taken and it is understood that
arrangements for the rapid movement
Iof troops have been perfected.
The Office of the quartermaster gem
eral is the scene of the most activity.
This is due to the general belief that
clash with Colombia is inevitable.
Propositions are being submitted in
person by the agents Of railroad and
steamboat lines for the transportation
of troops.
The stress of business is such at the
department of state that it has been
found necessary to call attention to the
fact that Thursday is diplomatic day.
In the hope of relieving the oficial
pressure as much as possible. ManJ
of the representatives of the diplomat
ic corps have been disregarding ~tbe
rule and have fallen in the habit of
paying their official visits on any day
that suits their convenience Only am
bassadors have the privilege of CALI
Ing upon the secretary of state under
these conditions. The announcement
| is made that important information is,
of course, to be communicated at any
time.
This announcement is made especial
ly significant by the report that for
several nights past President Roosevelt
and Republican leaders have been hold
ling long conferences with Secretary
Hay at the latter's home, Just a square
away from the white house and state
department. Secretary Hay has been
reported for several days as being IN
disposed. His trouble Is not snch as
to interfere with the holding OF these
conferences and yet 1t doss relieve him
of the burdens that wonld be imposed
upon him at his Office.
| Too Much leniencv