The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-08
COLOMBIA TO FIGHT.
CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE.)

CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE)
Tomorrow for that port, may be regarded
as fully qualified to discharge any diplo-
matte duties that may devolve upon him.
Mr.. Gudger called at the State Department
to-day for q further conference with Secre-
tary Hay. at whose instance he later con-
rerred with the President over the situa-
ton.
The British government has requested
the State Department to look after British
subjects on the isthmus, and similar re-
quests from other European nations are
expected, all Of which will be promptly
granted. There are reasons why IL is de-
sirabie that a large foreign naval represent
tation In isthmian waters should be dis
couraged just now, and until the new gov
eminent Is ~ermanently established. 1t is
expected here that there will be little delay
about such establishment and as soon as
there is a regular government at Panama
in place OF the present junta, the State
Department expects to take UP negctia-
tons for the execution of the canal project.
The State Department has decided that, so
for as IL is concerned, IL regards the
treaties that governed as to Colombia or as
to New Granada, as still in force, and that
therefore all of the concessions, including
that of the Panama Canal Company, are
valid and in force.
The State Department has also decided
that notwithstanding the fact that the
Spooner canal act in terms required the
United States government. before begin
ming the canal, TO conclude a treaty with
Colombia, the spirit of the act will be met
by the conclusion of an arrangement with
the new state u IdHGLld OH Tie INES OIL
the Spooner act. and it will proceed to this
end. In other words. IL is held that. just as
the engagements entered into by the United
States with New Grenada have ever since
been regarded as binding in regard to CO.
lombia, so, accepting the common law doc
trine in such cases as binding, the depart
ment is authorized TO read Panama in
stead of Colombia in the Spooner act. In
this sense, it is pointed out. the President
will find il unnecessary, unless he cares TO
do so, to go to Congress for further legis-
,%fo- 80 onfhnrizn tho continuation Of fha
Panama canal.
Significant Of the strength of this deci-
sion was the appearance at the State De-
partment to-day of Rear Admiral John G..
Walker, L. $. N, retired. president Of the
Isthmian Canal Commission, who has been
IN frequent conference with the President
and Secretary Hay in the past three days.
Upon him will probably devolve the initia-
ton of the practical working out of the
fully posted as to every development here
I'm Washington, while Col. William l..
Black, of the engineer corps of the army,
who happens TO have been engaged in look
ing after the physical aspects of the canal
problem on the isthmus for the past few
months, has been furnishing information
from that quarter.
under to-day's date as Follows: absolute
tranquility in Roman. Porfirio Melendez
has been appointed Governor OF Colon. and
proclaimed at 10 o'clock yesterday. English,
French and American consuls present.
Launch has been sent to Bocas del Toro to
proclaim independence there.
A cablegram from United States Minister
Beaupre, dated at Bogota, Nov. 8, stated:
There are rumors in Bogota OF serious
disturbances on the isthmus, and 1t is
thought there will be an immediate move
ment for independence. 1t is very difficult
to obtain trustworthy information"
The battleship Maine has been ordered
TO Colon. She has sailed from Martha's
Vineyard for Hampto Roads, where she
will coal and proceed 10 her destination.
1t was said at the Navy Department that
the sudden dispatch of the Maine TO Colon
is not because there is any particular ne
cessity for the presence there of the big
battleship. The navy. it is said. is deficient
in squadron movements, and the navigation
bureau desires 10 remedy this deficiency
wherever practicable. TIL Maine, Ii Is fur
ther said, has been at the navy yards
during a good part of the past year and
the cruise TO the isthmus will be beneficial
To discipline.
The State Department having received
unofficial but reliable notification OF the
appointment OF Mr.. Varilli as diplomatic
representative at Washington. the new Re-
public of Panama has decided TO recognize
him in that capacity.