The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-22
Diplomatic Pressure Being Used to Prevent War With
 United States
GENERAL REYES FEARS HE
 CAN'T KEEP PEOPLE QUIET
Is Doing Everything in His Power to Prevent Outbreak Before Conclu- sion of His Mission, But He
 Met With Failure!

Washington, December 21.-Diplomatic pressure will be brought to bear upon Co., lombia by several European powers to prevent war between that country and the United States. The first step in this direction already has been taken by sev- eral foreign powers through their repre- sentatives here, who have informed Gen. eral Rafael Reyes of the futility of any attempt by Colombia to retake Panama, declaring that it will result only in pre- war with the United States, and have said to him that the result of such ca tastrophe Colombia herself must realize.
 If this is not sufficient the representa- tives of these countries at Bogota will be instructed to inform President Mar roquin that Colombia can expect no sym pathy from the European powers in any move she may make on Panama, which would inevitably involve her with war with the United tSates. The members of the diplomatic corps have been informed by General Reyes himself that he fears he can with difficulty check his people much longer.
 MOI dlkn9 TOT FupiiCdIlOIis
 General Reyes is not talking for publi- cation, but to several European ambassa- dors he has confided his fears with frank ness and has said that he is doing every thing in his power to prevent an out break before the conclusion of his mis- sion, but that although his influence with the army is considerable, he is so far away that it is difficult for him to make tlds felt as strongly, as If he were on the ground and in command
 Diplomats whom General Reyes has approached on the subject, say that what he most fears is the result of the an- nouncement at Bogota of the failure Of his niis SieE.
 He himself realize that the most he can hope from the government of the United States Is that it will use persua- sion to prevail on Panama to assume her portion of the Colombian debt. Further General Reyes has been told that he can expect nothing.
 T came to Washington to save what I could from a shipwreck," he said to a diplomat of high rank.
 Realization of the true situation will not prevent General Reyes from calling on the United States for reference of several questions at issue. It is on this point that European diplomats have told General Reyes that IL IS eXpectlHS toO much to expect this government to sub init any phase of the Panama matter to The Hague.
 Expect No Sympathy.
 Several ambassadors have earnestly advised the general to impress on his people the fact that Europe wants the isthmian canal, and that Colombia can expect no sympathy from that quarter. It has further been pointed out by these diplomats that the preferred sympathy of several South American republics can avail Colombia nothing in the event ot war with the United States.
 It is hoped that the receipt of this news in Bogota will do much to calm the feel ing there and hold the Coombians in check until General Reyes can return.
 Great Britain and The Netherlands have taken pains to let General Reyes know indirectly that Colombia reckons without her host, if she interprets their delay in recognizing the republic of Panama as an evidence of their sympathy for Colombia, or as due to other than a desire to pro- tect the interests of their flnanciers who are the largest holders of government bonds.
 It Is said to he unlikely that our naval commanders in isthmian waters will go to the extent of dslodging the Colombian troops who have landed on the Island of Pines. On this point however, the poli- !. ey of the government has not been defi- nitey decided.