Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-01-07

p y y w Yv-LA W ~ RlER.
been spoken to by anyone at Washing
ton regarding the possibility of a re-
volt. Until they landed at Colon. they
had no knowledge that a revolution
was impending, save what they had
gained from the newspapers What
they saw in Panama so impressed
them that they reported thereon to
Lieutenant General Young.
Effect Of colomba's Action
Lieutenant General Young regarded
their report as of such Importance as
to make 1t advisable that / should per-
sonally see these officers. They told
me what they had already reported to
the lieutenant general, adding that on
the isthmus the excitement was .seeth-
ing, and that the Colombian troops
were reported to be disaffected. In re-
Spouse to question of mine they in
formed me that it was the general be-
lief that the revolution might break
out at any moment, and if. it did not
happen before. would doubtless take
place Immediately after the closing Of
the Colombian congress tat the end
OF October) If the canal treaty were
not ratified. They were certain that
the revolution would occur and before
leaving the isthmus had made their
own reckoning as to the time. which
they had set down as being probably
from three to four weeks, after their
leaving. The reason they set this
as the probable inside limit of time
was that they reckoned that it would
be at least three or four weeks - say
not until October 20-before a suf-
f1cient quantity of arms and munitions
would have been landed.
Preparations for Trouble.
In view Of all these facts directed
the navy department to issue instruc-
tons such as would insure our hay
ing ships within easy reach of the
isthmus in the event of need arising.
Orders were given on October 10 to
the Boston to proceed to San Juan del
Sur, Nicaragua; ito the Dixie to pre-
pare to sail from League Island: and
to the Atlanta to proceed to Guantan-
amo. On October 80 the Nashville
was ordered to proceed to Colon. On
2, when the Colombian
congress having adjourned it was eyi.
dent that the outbreak was imminent
and when it was announced that both
sides were making ready forces whose
meeting would mean blood shed and
disorder the Colombian troops hav-
ing been embarked on vessels. the fol-.
lowing instructions were sent to the
of the Boston. Nashville.
and Dixie:
Maintain free and uninterrupted
transit. If interruption is threaten.
ed by armed force, occupy the line of
railroad. Prevent landing of any arm
ed force with hostile intent, either
government or insurgent, at any point
within SO miles of Panama. Govern
ment force reported approaching the
isthmus in vessels. Prevent their
landing, if in your judgment the land
ing would precipitate conflict"
These orders were delivered in pur-
suance of the policy on which our
government had repeatedly acted.
This policy was exhibited in the follow
ing orders, given under somewhat sim
liar circumstances last year and the
year before. and the year before that.
The first two kilograms are from the
department. OF state to the consul at
Panama: Ia
Is July %, 1900.
You are directed to protest against
any act of hostility which may involve
Dr. imperil the safe and peaceful tran
sit of persons or property across the
sthmus of Panama. The lombard
ment of Panama would have this eff
feet and the United States must insist
upon the neutrality of the isthmus as
guaranteed by the treaty"
November 20, 1901.
Notify all parties molesting or in
terfering with free transit across the
itshmus that such interference must
cease and that the United States will
prevent the interruption of traffic upon
the railroad. Consult with the captain
Of the Iowa, who will be instructed to
land marines, if necessary, for the pro
lection of the railroad. in accordance
with the treaty rights and obligations
of the United States. Desirable to-
avoid blood shed if possible"
The next three kilograms are from
and to the secretary of the navy:
Sept. 10, 1902.
Ranger, Panama:
United States guarantees perfect
neutrality of isthmus and that free
transit from sea to sea be not inter.
rupted or embarrassed u 8 *Any trans
portation of troops which might CON
trayene these provisions of treaty
should not be sanctioned by you nor
should use of road be permitted which
might convert the line of transit in
to theatre of hostility.
Moody"
Colon, Sept, 20, 1902.
Secretary Navy Washington:
Everything is conceded. The
United States guards and guarantees
traffic and the line of transit. Today
| permitted the exchange of Colombian
troops from Panama to Colon, about
l 900 men each way, the troops with
out arms in train guarded by American
naval force in the same maner as 9TH
er passengers; arms and ammunition
in separate trains, guarded also by ma.
val force in the same manner as 9TH
er freight. Mclean"
Panama, Oct. 3, 1902.
Secretary Navy,
Washington, d. c.: