The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1904-01-19

COMPLAINT
Gen. Reyes Grows Indignant over
the Alleged Violations
Of Our Treaties.

WASHlNGlON, Jan. l3.-EreSluent
Roosevelt has transmitted to the SEN
ate additional correspondence touch
ing the relations of the United States
with Colombia and Panama, covering
the period from Dec. %, 1903, to Jan.
6 last.
A statement Of grievances on the part
of Colombia was presented to the state
department by General Reyes on Dec.
Is. General Reyes says that the course
Of the United States has worked deep
injury to Colombia, and he cites the
treaty of 1916 as showing that the in
dependence and sovereignty of Colom-
bia were to be maintained intact be-
tween the two governments.
As TO the recognition of the republic
of Panama, General Reyes says that it
is matter of public knowledge that
the mother country commands sufti-
cient forces to subdue revolution.
The attitude of the United States. he
says, constitutes, according to the most
ancient and modern authority on inter-
national law, mot only a great offense,
but also formal attack upon her
wealth"
After declaring that Panama formed
the most important part of the ma
tional wealth Of Colombia, General
Reyes continues:
IF there be an eternal and immuta-
bic principle Of right, that right Of Co
lombia has been injured by the United
States by an incredible transgression
of the limits set by equity and jus
tice.
Before the coup de main which pro-
claimed the independence of the 18TH
mus took place at Panama there were
in this very city agents of the authors
of that coup in conference with high
personages clothed with official char
0cter, as is asserted by reputable Amer
lean newspapers. l have received in
formation to the effect that bank in
New York opened considerable credit
In their favor, with a knowledge Of
the general use for which it was in
tended, even though unaware that it
was to be applied in part to the bribery
ma"
General Reyes says that in leading
the Colombian army to restore order on
the isthmus he (Reyes) had the honor to
address note on the subject to Rear
Admiral Coghlan, TO which he received
a reply without delay as follows: His
(Coghlan's) present orders are to pre-
vent the landing Of soldiers with hos
tile intent within the boundary of the
state of Panama"
At this time the Colombian army con
sisted of 10000 men, which General
Reyes declared to be more than sutfi
cient to suppress the Panama reyolu-
ton.
The true character of the new state
Of Panama." says General Reyes, lis
revealed in the fact that it came into
existence by a coup de main effected by
the winning over of troops valorous
without doubt but who have fought
against no one, assaulted no intrench-
ment. captured no fort. contenting
themselves with putting in prison the
constituted authorities. Secrftary Hay
answered this note under date of Jan.
5. He says the government has care
fully considered the grave complaints
made and assures General Reyes Of our
most friendly sentiments for the gov
eminent and people Of Colombia. The
questions submitted, he says, can be
considered only in the light of accom-
plshed facts. of which one is that the
republic Of Panama has become a mem
Der of the family OF nations. "The de-
partment has read with surprise" Mr.
Hay comments, your repetition Of
gross imputations upon the conduct and
motives Of this government which are
said TO have appeared in reputable
American newspapers
Mr.. Hay reviews in detail, first, the
necessity Of a waterway connecting the
two oceans and, second, all the legis
lative and diplomatic procedure which
has taken place to serve that end. Sec
rotary Hay says the United States has
faithfully borne during the long period
since the treaty of 1916 was completed
the full burden Of its responsibilities.
MEANWHILE" he continues, 1.-THE great
design of the treaty of 1916 remained
unfulhlled. and in the end 1t became APP
parent. as has heretofore been shown,
that II could be fulfilled only by the
construction of a canal by the govern
ment of the United States.