Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-11-21
WHAT REYES SAID.
Colombian Commissioner En Route to
 Washington.

Washington.
 patch from Colon gives particulars of an interview with General Reyes, the distinguished Colombian soldier who came to the isthmus on peace mission representing his. government. General Reyes said:
 'The day I left Bogota, which was on the 11th inst, United States Min ister Beaupre and Secretary of the Le- gation Snyder were we'll, though lit tie anxious. I assured your minister that he was in no danger, and am able to give the same assurance now. At the time left MT. Beaupre was preparing to go down the river. Admiral Coghlan has informed me l officially that the United States would prevent the landing of Colombian troops on any part of the isthmus. I promised Admiral Coghlan that Colom- l bia would not take such action until I reached Washington, whither am pro- ] ceeding via Port Limon and New Or l leans. I also told Admiral Coghlan l that If my efforts at Washington failed l to bring about some arrangement con- corning the present situation on the l isthmus satisfactory to Colombia the United States would have to fight the entire Colombian people and that it | would be second Boer war. sT am going to Washington for the purpose of doing my utmost to amica- bly, arrange present matters. Colombia Is in desperation. I doubt if the Washington government ! or President Roosevelt, for whom have the highest respect, realizes the seriousness of establishing this prece- dent. The large German colony in Rio l Grande do Sul, Brazil, is declared to
 be inclining to revolutionary move ment for independence, which the sue
 cess of Panama will stimulate. l tThe government of Colombia is re- 1 ceiving the sympathy of all South ] America, which is fearful of further l American territorial aggrandizement in this direction.
 ] T may propose when in Washington
 a plan contemplating the re-entrance of l Panama into the Colombian union and
 the moving of the Colombian capital to
 Panama city. am sure that this idea
 will receive the support of all Colombi- | ans.
 1T do not just know what my course of action will be, but am going to l Washington in the interests of Colon1-
 bia and of civilization
 Asked whether Colombian troops
 could reach the isthmus by land, Gen eral Reyes answered.:
 'Yes. I can get 100000 men, build
 roads and if it were not for the Ameri-
 cans could subdue the isthmus in a 1 fortnight. I would rather die for the
 honor and in the defense of the integ- I rity of my country than with hands folded see her lose the isthInus. I will
 do all can at Washington to effect a | diplomatic arrangement, if such be pos. sible. I know the sentiments of my countrymen."
 General Reyes sent a cablegram to Bogota advising his government that fl I was impossible to reach any agreement
 with the government of Panama and
 hence that Colombia's relations with that government were severed and that he, accompanied by the other eommis,
 sioners, was proceeding to Washington
 to fulfill his mission.
 Questioned as to the rumor that the
 departments of Cauca and Antioquis
 were anxious to join the republic o1
 Panama, General Reyes said:
 sThe report of dissatisfaction in these departments is not only untrue, but
 am able to say to you that the entire
 republic is united in its determination to restore the isthmus to the union.' It is now known that the state
 department has received assurances
 from the German government and the
 government of Brazil that they would
 recognize the new republic of Panama
 This sets at rest the reports, which ths
 administration, it is fair to state, did
 not believe, that Germany disapproved
 of the action of the United States 1T
 recognizing the isthmian government
 so quickly. Similar assurances were re
 ceived from Brazil: