The Washington times., 1904-01-14
COLOMBIA FEELS
MUCH BITTERNESS
Troops Sent to Protect
American Plantations.
ACTION BY SENATE SCORED
Marines in Good Condition and Are
Having a Fine Time Camping
On Isthmus.

NEW YORK. Jan. 1.-THE city of
Washington steamed into port yesterday
from Colon more than twenGy-four
hours behind her schedule time. All the
way up she was pounded along the port
side by the heavy seas kicked up by "A
long succession OF northwest and west
erly gales.
One of the passengers who has spent
some time in the interior of Colombia.
said the feeling against Americans was
bitter. for the Colombians declare that.
were there no interference, they could
regain Panama without trouble.
Political Situation.
OF the political situation in Colombia.
he said:
Things are Quieter there than YOU
would expect after what has happened
In Panama: still. had it not been for
very prompt measures taken by the gov
ernor in Cali. the Manuelita pIanta-
ton, owned by James Elder. who lives
an New York. might have been burned
and destroyed, and the lives Of Mr..
Elder and his son, Charles. endangered.
Troops had 10 be sent to defend them
against 2. mob melted by personal enc
mics and loaters, who got them to move
under the show of patriotism.
Should Reyes not be able to obtain
anything in Washington the in feel
ing will augment The people here sti1
hope that the United States Govern
nent will reconsider its action. The
canal will be Of great benefit and re-
greet is expressed that the senate at Bo-
gotta acted so stupidly and blinIly in the
interests of Colombia. The treaty ap-
proved. the relations between the United
States and Colombia would have been
very friendly. and all would have bene-
hted greatly thereby 1t will now be
years before the Colombians will for
get.
Military rule has again been declared
in Cauca. but the departmental govern
Tnent is acting with great prudence. 50
that no ill consequences are suffered.
Exchange rose in Medellin TO 1900. but
is again down to II. 900. as the govern
Ment has not issued any more paper
''''' Ma:ines Erjcy Health.
Another passenger was sergt. S. NJ.
Bankert. OF the marine corps who has
been detailed as stenographer and sec
rotary TO General Elicit, in command
OF the marines on the isthmus He
said that the marines landed i'm Pan
anna were having a fine time and were
in good condition. and continued:
The report that. on January 4. $50
COlOmbians had landed near the border.
caused some excitement. but it soon
blew over. The marines have estab-
lished base at Empire City. between
Colon and Panama. and are strung out
all the way across the isthn1us. The tre-
port that the Pinzon had been sunk by
one Of our warships did not cause half
the excitement made by the rumor that
the Colombians had landed near Pana-
ma
Profits of Gambling.
Another passenger said the profits of
the gambling houses in Panama would
put to shame the palmiest days Of the
Tenderloin, and that two weIl-known
Western gamblers had obtained conces-
sions in the new republic. He said that
the two most interesting sights around
Panama were the army and navy.
lone OF the crack regiments. he said.
sis stationed just outside Panama In
the ranks are boys OF thirteen who have
difficulty in holding their pieces. When
they parade the variety of uniforms
suggests a minstrel show. The navy
consists OF n converted private yacht,
two launches. and large and varied
collection Of admirals. There are also
two or three sailors who are overworked
firing salutes. They have fired so many
lately that now. when they are off duty.
they go through the motions in their
sleep. Every time a midshipman goes
aboard the Panama navy there is a sal
vo In his honor. and when the admiral
goes to the American feet 1t sounds like
a Fourth Of July celebration"