The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1904-01-08

ildl WIFI titN. h'lt VII TIC
isthmUs arms and ammunition were
being smueglod into the city of Colon
In piano boxes. merchandise crates
etc, the small aims received being
principally the Gr's French rifle. the
Remington. and the Mauser: that near
ly every citizen i'm Panama had some
sort of rifle or gun in his possession.
with ammunition therefor; that In the
city of Panama there had been or
ganized a fire brigade which was really
intended for n revolutionary organiZa-
ton; that there were representatives
of the revolutionary organization at all
important points OH the isthmus; that
in Panama. Colon. and the other prin-
cipal places of the isthmus police
forces had been organized which were
in reality revolutionary forces; that
the people on the isthmus seemed to be
unanimous in their sentiment against
the BOgota government. and their dis
gust over the failure of that govern
ment TO ratify the treaty providing for
the construction of the canal, and that
n revolution might he expected i'm
>medately upon the adjournment of the
Colombian congress without ratiiica-
ton of the treaty.
Saw the Officers Himself.
Lieutenant General Young thus re-
garded their report as of such i'm
pOrtance ms TO make il advisable that
l should personally see these officers
They told me what they had already
reported to the lieutenant general. add
ing that on the isthmus the excitement
was seething. In response TO ques-
ton of mine they Informed me that
the revolution might break out at any
moment. and if it did not happen be-
fore, would doubtless take place inn
medately after the closing Of the Co
lombian congress tat the end of Octo
ber) If the canal treaty were not rati-
fed. They were certain that the revo-
luton would occur. and before leav-
ing the iSthmus had made their own
reckoning rs TO the time. which they
had set down as being probably from
three to four weeks after their leav-
ing.
In view'of all these facts | directed
the navy department TO issue instruc-
tions such rs would insure our having
ships within easy reach of the isthmus
in the event Of need arising
Orders as tn Keeping Transit Open.
On Nov. >. when. the Colombian con-
greSS having adjourned. il was evident
that the outbreak was imminent. and
when it was announced that both sides
were making ready forces whose meet
ing would mean bloodshed and dis
order, the Colombian troops having
embarked on vessels, the following in
structions were sent TO the command
erS of the Boston. Nashville. and
Dixie: Maintain free and unintcr-
ruptcd transit. If interruption is
threatened by armed force. occupy the
line OF railroad. Prevent landing of
any armed force with hostile intent,
either government or insurgent. ut any
point within 30 miles of Panama. Gov
ernm>lt force reported approaching
the iS;hmuS i'm vessels. Prevent their
landing if. i'm your Judgment. the land
ing would precipitate n conflict" These
orders were delivered i'm pursuance Of
tho policy on which our government
had repeatedly acted.
The first two kilograms are from the
department of state to the consul ut
Panama:
July -. 19O0.-You are directed to
protest againe any act of hostility
which may involve or imperil the safe
and peaceful transit Of persons or
property across the Isthmus of Pana-
ma. The bombardment of Panama
would have this effect and the United
States must insist upon the neutrality
Of the isthmus rs guaranteed by the
treaty"
November 90. 19O1.-Notify all par
ties molesting or interfering with free
transit across the isthmus that such
interference must cease and that the
United States will prevent the inter
ruption of traffic upon the railroad.
Consult with captain Of the Iowa. who
will be instructed to land marines. if
necessary. for the protection of the
railroad. in accordance with the treaty
rights and obligations of the United
States. Desirable to avoid bloodshed.
if possible
Three other kilograms of singular
import are introduced. and the presi-
dent gives the following signed
Cascy:l
Have sent this communication To
the American consul at Panama:
Inform governor while trains run
ming under United States protection.
must decline transportation any com
batants. ammunition. arms. which
might cause interruption traffic or con
vert line Of transit into theater of hos
tilitics CASEY"
Isthmus Uprising Reported.
On Nov. :. Commander Hubbard re-
sponded 10 the abOve-quoted telegram
Of Nov. =. 1903. saying that before the
telegram had been received 400 Column
bian troops from Cartagena had landed
at Colon; that there had been no revo-
luton on the isthmus, but that the sit
uation was most critical if the revo-
lutionary leaders should act. ON this
same date the Associated Press in
Washington received n bulletin stating