The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-15

COlOn, DeccmDer l4.-A company Ol Hld- rines from the United States cruiser Prai- rie was landed here this morning under the command of Captain Smedley D. But Ter and immediately started by train for Panama. The destination of the marines is said to be Yaviza, up the San Miguel gulf and Tuira river.
 It is believed that the decision of the naval authorities thus to station marines at Yaviza may possibly be owing to the reports that Colombian troops have been sent in that direction, but up to the pres ent time there is no reason to believe that any large force is under orders to march on Panama from Cauca.
 The opinion seems to prevail that the few Colombian soldiers seen, were prob ably scouts, who were endeavoring to learn what preventive and protective measures were being taken by the repub lie of Panama, and that it was their pres ence which gave rise to the exaggerated rumore of a speedy attack by Colombia on the isthmus. It is more likely that the movement of marines to Yaviza is in con- formity with the policy of the naval au- thorities to concentrate forces at points which offer the best facilities for getting immediate information of any movement by Colombian troops towards Panama, and at the same time affording the ma- rines some relief from their confinement on the ships. The marines carried with them all requisites for camp life and also a number of machine guns.
 General Reyes Would Accept.
 Washington, December 14-If elected to the presidency of Colombia by the over whelming majority which Bogota dis patches indicate. General Rafael Reyes, Colombian minister to the United States. the Associated Press learns would regard the call of his country as @ command which 1t would be difficult to refuse to obey. General Reyes has consistently de- clined to discuss the question of his cleo ton, but to an intimate friend he is quot ed as saying that he could hardly refuse to serve his country in the hour of her need, although he is not a politician and had never sought the presidency. Sew eral friends of General Reyes confident ly predict he will accept.
 It is further learned that General Reyes is still undecided as to the nature of his note to the state department formally setting forth Colomba's views on the Panama situation. A brief memorandum has been submitted to his counsel, Wayne MacVeagh. but this itself is only tenta- tive It can be stated that Colombia will first express her protest against the events on the isthmus. but further than this General Reyes has not decided what form his statement shall take.
 A Significant Shrug.
 General Reyes called at the state de- partment today, and was closeted with Assistant Secretary Loomis for nearly an hour In reply to a question. the general said he had given assurance to this gov ernment that pending his diplomatic mis- sion to Washington there would be no hostilities upon the part of the Colombian troops As to what would be done after that the general would not make any statement, but significantly shrugged his shoulders. He would not disclose the na- ture of the paper which he is preparing for presentation to the state department. but wanted it said that Colombia did not make any demands for the part of the sl0 coo 900 to be paid to Panama in con- sideration of the canal treaty. General Reyes expressed the hope that there would be no war between the United States and Colombia. "The United States wants civilization" he said. 'She wants to be on friendly terms with the coun- tries of the south.
 Fighting in San Domingo.
 San Domingo, December 14-A rumor is in circulation here that troops of the provisional government have attacked the revolutionary troops stationed at Monte Cristo The government troops were re- pulsed, and are now besieged in fort in Santiago city. All is quiet in the neigh borhood of the fort though the situa- ton may become serious at any moment.
 The United States gunboat Newport left here yesterday.
 General Bell Arrives.
 Washington, December 14-The news of the movement of marines southward from Panama based as it was on the reported landing of Colombian troops in that part of the isthmus. was received with keen interest in army circles where there has been exhibited for some time a desire to participate with the navy in any military movements on the isthmus. The general staff gave the subject immediate atten- ton.
 There was, however no outcome In the shape of orders to troops. though the Bell superintendent of the general staff college at Leavenworth. was regarded as confirming the previous statements that the army is making ready to do it's share at a moments notice. General Bell was in consultation with some of the mem- bers of the general staff during the af- ternoon.