The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-01-22

Wasain<tca January 1S.-Presi-
dent Roosevelt transmitted to the
Senate today additional correspon-
dence touching the relations of the
United States with Colombia and Pan
araa. covering the period from De-
cemser 22rd, 1903. to January 9Th,
last
A statement of grievances on LEE
Dart Of Colombia WAS presented Ia
the state department by General
Reyes en- December 23rd- General
Reyes says that the course OF the
United States had worked deep IN
Jury 10 Colombia. He maintained that
in rejecting the canal treaty, Colom-
bia was exercising a vested right and
declared his belief that an acceptable
treaty would have been approved, but
for tae threats of Minister Beaupre
that his government would reject any
amendments.
General Reyes declares the United
States has injured the right of Co
Iomhia by IAN incredible transgres-
sion ga the limits set ~ equity ana
Justice Before the coup de mann
which proclaimed the i~ndepencence
of 4he isthmuS took place III 'fdh-
anna. there were in this very city
agents of the authors OF thaI coup
in conference with high p~erson2geS
clothed with official character. as IS
asserted by reputable American
newspapers 1 have received lnfor-
nation to the effect that u M IN
New York opened a considerable
credit in their favor with Il KNOW
edge Of the general use for when
il was intended, even though unaware
that it was to be applied in part
the bribery of d large part OF the
garrison at Panama
General REYES declared ColOmb1a
had ample forces to suppress the
Panama revolution had not the Unit
ed States prevented h landing OF
the troops. He suggests that the
cIainas of Colombia on account or
the treaty of 1916 be referred to The
HaEae.
Secretary Hay answered this note
under date of January 5th. He says
the government has carefully con-
adhered the grave complaints made
ana assures General Reyes of our
most friendly sentiments for the gov
exuNSa4 and people Of COLOMBIA. IN"
questions submitted, he a De
considered only in h light or &C
couDlished facts, of which n is
that the republic of Panama has be-
come q member of the family of ma
tionR 1.-The department has read
with surprise." Mr.. Hay comments,
your repetition of gross impntatons
upsx the conduct and motives OF this
government, which are said TO have
appeared in reputable American
newspapers"
Mr.. Hay says: by the declaration
Of the independence of republic of
Panama q new situation was created.
On she one hand stood the govern
meat Of Colombia, Invoking IL the
name Of the treaty Of 1916 the aid of
this government in its efforts to sup
press the revolution; on the other
hand stood the republic OF Ear
that had come into being in order
that the great design of that treaty
might not be forever frustrated, but
might be fulfilled. The isthmuS was
threatened with desolatiOn by anoth-
er civil war. Nor were the rights and
interests Of the United States aiane
at stake The interests CT the whole
civilized world were Involved. The
republic of Panama stood for these
interests. the government of Colon
bia opposed them. Compelled 70
choose between these two alterns-
tiyes, tie government OF the United
States. in no wise responsible for tie
situation that had arisen, did no-
hesitate. 1t recognized the indepen-
dence Of The republic Of Panama"