The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08
COMPANY CANNOT TRANSFER RIGHTS Colombia's Consent Necessary
 in Panama Deal BAUPRE IN WASHINGTON Gen. Rafael Reyes Receives Answer of Secretary Hay to Charge of
 Violating Treaty of
 1t46.
BAUPRE IN WASHINGTON

important step taken by an agent of the Colombian government in Paris was re- ceived at the Colombian legation today in a dispatch to Dr. Herran, the charge d affaires. It was to the effect that a a view to preventing the transfer of the Panama Canal company's rights on the isthmus to the American government without the consent of Colombia Counsel for the Colombian government, according to the dispatch assured the agent he thought there was good ground for be- lieving the effort to prevent the transfer would be successful.
 The step, 1t is understood. Is with the full cognizance of the Colombian authori- ties, and was instituted by an agent of the government, who left this country af- ter consultation with General Reyes and Dr. Herran.
 The end sought to be attained Is to frustrate the sale of the concessions franchises and property of the canal company to the United States, prepara- tions for which have been under way, the amount to be paid by this government be-
 
 company cannot lawfully dispose of it's rights without her explicit consent. Such consent was expressly given in the Hay Herran treaty which failed Of ratification by the Colombian congress The action Of the Colombian authorities caused surprise here when 1t became generally known.
 Beaupre Arrives In Washington.
 Washington, January 7.--Arthur Beau pre-, the United States minister ot Bego- ta. arrived In Washington today and had a long conference with Acting Secretary of State Loomis, and afterwards consult ed with Secretary Hay, MT. Beaupre is technically on his leave of absence from his post, but 1t is likely that this will be extended beyond the usual sixty days, which may lead to one of two inferences- either that the distance from Begota to Washington is so great as to make an extension proper, or that the political sit uation Is such as to make 1t expedient to leave the United States ministry at Be- gota without a head for an indefinite period.
 MT. Beaupre was able to tell Secretary Hay that the reports about the safety of the American legation in Begota has been greatly exaggerated. MT. Beaupre also said that in his opinion, judging from the quiet conditions prevailing at the Co., lombian capital when he left there, that there was little danger of war on the isthmus
 The minister being accredited to the Colombian government. was not inclined to comment on conditions there, but 1t was gratifying to the administration to learn from him of the courtesy with which he had been treated and the honor Shown him at his departure. The minis- ter does not attempt to minimize the high feeling prevailing in Colombia regarding isthmian affairs, but he believes that the people of the republic are beginning to realize the situation and what war will mean. and In his opinion was is all but improbable.
 Colombian Troops Are Active.
 Colon, January 7.--The Royal Mail steamer Atralia which arrived here today from Savanilla and Cartagena, reports that there Is great military activity in both these towns ,and that large numbers of troops are being concentrated in Car tagena. Many. of these troops arrived from the interior during the past fort night
 It is learned by the Associated Press correspondent from a reliable source that the Colombian troops at Cartagena now number at least 2000 The Colombian cruiser General Pinzon and the steam tug Nellie continue to convey troops to Titu- maI1, as they cOHle III 1Tolil tHe iitCiioi. Most of these are volunteers without unl- forms but they doubtless have seen active service.
 The cruiser Cartagena Is now laid up at Cartagena undergoing repairs, her tubes and boilers being defective. It Is said that she will soon be ready to resume transportation of troops The war talk is unabated in Cartagena and in certain quarters dlscontent Is openly expressed with the diplomatic policy of General Raf- ael Reyes. which up to the present time has resulted in inaction. Major Coles d. vision Of 300 marines from the United States cruiser Dixie, disembarked this morning and went by train to Empire station on the Panama railroad. Reyes Receives Answer. Washington, January 7.-General Ra- fael Reyes, the Colombian special envoy, has received the answer of the Wash ington government to his note charging the United States with open violation or the treaty of 1S46.
 The answer, which was prepared by Secretary Hay, though couched in the most diplomatic terms and expressing the wish of this government to deal justly with Colombia, Is an emphatic refusal 10 reopen the Panama question.
 Prior to the receipt of the reply, Gen. eral Reyes wrote to the state depart ment requesting that the correspondence be transmitted to the senate for It's con- sideration. Pending an answer to this request the correspondence will not be made public.