New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-20
Il POLICY OF CAUTION.
"Let CoI0mbians Take InitiatiUe,"
Secretary MOodys Instructions.

washington. Dec. 19.-"Let Colombians take
the initiative" is the restraining keynote Of spe-
ciic instructions which Secretary Moody has
cabled to the American naval commanders in
isthmian waters. The Secretary has taken
active part in shaping the naval policy on the
sthmus, and from now on the instructions.
whether to naval or marine officers will, so far
as possible, be prepared at his personal direc-
ton It was announced to-day that, while the
situation the isthmus was in way alarm
ing TO the Washington government, It was suf-
ciently delicate to call for the most careful
and diplomatic handling. and for this reason Sc
crecy has been enjoined upon officials OF the
department regarding the operations Of the
ships and marines. The only official Informal
tion on the subject Will be given out at the d.
rection Of the Secretary.
At a conference held this afternoon between
Secretary Moody and Brigader General George
f. Elliott, commandant of the marine corps the
latter reported that on twenty-four hours notice
he could get under way to Colon with the new
Caribbean Sea battalion which is under orders
to assemble at Philadelphia This battalion,
which it is intended shall go South on the
cruiser Dixie, now on her way to Philadelphia
from Colon, will probably sail between Deem
Der % and January l, the exact time depending
on the condition Of the Dixie on arrival and
the repairs she may need.
General Elliott has been informed that unless
the isthmian situation enters on a decidedly
more peaceful phase in the mean time he will
command this battalion, and on his arrival
organize the three battalions OF marines on the
isthmus into a brigade, of which he will assume
supreme command Although General Elliott
Will have a conference with the President be-
lore sailing and will be in daily conference with
Secretary Moody, from both Of whom he will
receive instructions regarding his conduct of
operations on the isthmus he will have wide
latitude, much being left to his own discretion
There We're several conferences at the Navy
Department to-day regarding the location of the
camps for the marines on the isthmus. Lest the
administration may be put in the light of antici-
pating the Senates ratification of the canal
treaty by assuming obligations provided for in
that convention. it has been practically settled
that General Elliott shall not mass his forces
along the Panama border unless the safety of
the republic absolutely demands II. 1t is be-
leved that a more efficient scheme will be to put
the three battalons among towns and villages
other than the cities Of Panama and Colon, leaV-
ing 10 the navy the protection Of these termi-
mails. 1t is possible that some marines will be
encamped on the highlands near the border line,
but General Elliott must determine this after his
arrival on the isthmus A potent factor IN
shaping the naval policy on the lsthmus will be
the health OF the marines. Care will be taken IN
the selection Of camps and every precautiOn
against tropical Illness possible viii be observed.
Some Of the towns in which marines will prob
ably be stationed Empire, GorgOna and
Portobeo
Captain Harry Leonard, assistant aid to the
commandment Of the marine corps, who lost his
erm in the march to Picking, and advanced
for conspicuous bravery, has asked to be ordered
to- the isthmus. The matter is now under con
sideration by Secretary Moody Other officers OF
the marine corps have applied for similar or
GERS, although thus far Captain Evans aid to
the commandment. is the only officer. except Cen
eral Elliott, who has been definitely selected
There are several vacancies among the officers
in the marine corps on the isthmus which will
be filed IN a few days, the reliefs going on the
Dixie with General Elliott.