New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-18
PANAMA NOT TO SECEDE.
Too Patriotic. Prominent COlOmbidns
Sdy-Treaty Doomed.
CALL 100000 INSUFFICIENT.


tn. Panama Canal Treaty will not be ratified by
the colombian Congress. according to opinions ex-
messed last evening a Tribune reporter by Gen
eral jorge Roa and DR.. Rufno Gutierrez, ooth Tor
many years prominent in the politics OF COLOMBIA
who just arrived In this city rom 6osota the
capital OF the republic
General Roa occupied for several years the Office
OF sub-Secretary Of War. while DIT. Gutierrez was
formerly Governor OF Bogota- In discussing yes
terday the chances for the ratification OF the canal
treaty both OF the same opinion-that despite
decided reaction the time they left the capital
IN favor Of the treaty il is not likely that it will
be approved. They intimated that the defeat OF
the measure for the completion OF the isthmian
waterway would likely be sacrificed 10 the ambi-
ton Of several men who seeking the presi-
dency, as the election for presidential electors
takes place in December rext- Internal politics.
General Roa and Dr. Gutierrez fear, will prove
the death OF the treaty. They were conservative
in their expressions.
We both favor the treaty" said DR.. Gutierrez.
and would like to the canal built But there
is a strong and influential opposition TO H. Par
ticularly is this in the Senate. and this, am
afraid. will prevent its ratification.
While the Senator. who oppose the approval OF
re treaty are members Of the historical Conserva-
tive party 10 which President Marroquin also be-
longs. they divided into separate bodies. The
tremendous advantage Of the canal 10 Colombia. by
reason OF the close relation which the republic
would enjoy with this rich ana powerful country, Is
becoming daily more appreciated In fact il has
a great extent dlsspated the objection early in
the negotiations OF giving the United States SOW
ereignty over part OF our territory. However.
the opinion is general that the 100000 which the
United States is 10 pay indemnity is not sUfi-
cient The commercial value Of the territory is
greater
When we left Bogota the Senate was discussing
a bill providing for the enactment OF a la 10 give
President Marroqusn authority raufv a new
treaty with the approval Of Congress. At Panama
heard that this bill probably would be de-
featec."
General Roa said that there least hve
candidates for the Presideucy-General Rafael
Reyes, who. II has been believed here, can nave
the office whenever he cares Tor il. Lorenzo Mario
oUin. q OF President MarroQuin: General Joa-
GUN Velez General Pedro Mel Ospino ard General
Gonzalez Valencia
As to reports 1hat in the event Of the treaty not
being ratified. the Department Of Panama would
secede from the republic and organize its ma
riOnsl government. DR.. Gutierrez said:
4 think that the people Of Panama will abide by
the decision Of the majority They are too patri-
Otic sever themselves nom the mother govern
ment. There IS no reason added DR.. Gutierrez, 10
look for cOnfiict between Venezuela and Colombia.
which has been predicted
The movement OF the Venezuelan troops in the
State OF Tachra. Re continued. has siEnif-
canoe The economic condition OF Colombia Is very
bad as a result OF the indiscriminate issuance OF
Taper money during the rebellion The rate Of eX-
change BarranquIa 1880 per cent and at
Bogota IL $3.50 per cent
General Roa and DR.. Gutierrez said that there Is
United States. They came merely for recreation.
They intend. though. 90 Washington in a
few days 70 cal on Dr. Tomas Herran. Colombia 3
rharv