Evening journal., 1904-01-04
THE EVENING Journal. MONDAY, JANUARY 4 1904


reported to be disaffected. In response
10 a question Of mine they informed
me that it was the general belief that
the revolution might break out at any
moment and If it did not happen be-
fore would doubtless take place imme-
diately after the closing Of the Colon
bian congress lat 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 reck-
oned that it would be at least three or
four weeks-say not until Oct. 2O-be-
fore a sufficient quantity of arms and
munitions would have been landed.
Ships Ordered to lsthmus.
In view of all these facts | directed
the navy department to issue instruc-
tons such as would insure our having
ships within easy reach of the isthmus
in the event Of need arising. Orders
were given on Oct. 10 TO the Boston to
proceed to San Juan del Sur, Nicara-
qua; to the Dixie to prepare 10 sail
from League Island, and to the Allan
ia TO proceed to Guantanamo. On Oct.
30 the Nashville was ordered to proceed
to Colon. On Nov. when, the Colon
bian congress having adjourned. it was
evident that the outbreak was immi-
nent, and when it was announced that
both sides were making ready forces
whose meeting would mean bloodshed
and disorder the Colombian troops hay
ing been embarked on vessels. the fol-
lowing instructions were sent to the
commanders of the Boston, Nashville
and Dixie:
Maintain free and uninterrupted transit.
II interruption is threatened by armed
force. occupy the line OF railroad. Pre-
vent landing of any armed force with
hostile intent. either government or in
surgent, at any point within fifty miles OF
Panama. Government force reported ap-
preaching the isthmus in vessels. Prevent
their landing If, in your judgment. the
landing would precipitate a conflict.
These orders were delivered in pur-
suance Of the policy on which our gov
eminent had repeatedly acted. This
policy was exhibited in the following
orders, given under somewhat similar
circumstances last year and the year
before and the year before that. The
first two kilograms are from the depart
ment Of state to the consul at Panama;
July o, 1900.
You are directed to protest against any
act Of hostility which may involve OF i'm
peril the safe and peaceful transit of
persons or property across the isthmus OF
Panama The bombardment Of Panama
would have this effect, and the United
states must insist upon the neutrality OF
the isthinus as guaranteed by the treaty
Nov. 90 1901.
Notify all parties molesting or interior.
ing with free transit across the isthmua
that such Interference must cease and
that the United States will prevent the in
terruption OF traffic upon the railroad.
Consult with captain OF the Iowa. who
Will he instructed to land marines. II
necessary, for the protection of the rail
road. In accordance with the treaty rights
and obligations Of the United States De.
sirable to avoid bloodshed If possible.
The next three kilograms are from
and TO the secretary of the navy:
Sept. r. 1902
United States guarantees perfect neu-
trality Of isthmus and that a free transit
from sea to sea be not Interrupted or en-
oarrassed. Any transportation OF
troops which might contravene these pro.
visions Of treaty should not be sanctioned
by you nor should use Of road be permit
ted which might convert the line OF trans
IL into thCater Of hostility. MOODY.
Colon. Sept. 20 1902
Secretary Navy Washington
Everything Is conceded. The United
states guards and guarantees traffic and
the line az transit Today l permitted the
exchange or Colombian troops from Pan
ANA to Colon. about 900 men each way.
the troops without arms in train guarded
by American naval force in the same
manner as other passengers; arms and
ammunition in separate train guarded
also by naval force in the same manner
as other freight. M'LEAN.
Panama, oct. 3. 1902
Secretary Navy, Washington
Have sent this communication to thr
American consul at Panama:
Inform governor while trains running
under United States protection / must de-
cline transportation any combatants. am
muniion. arms. which might cause inter
ruption traffic or convert line Of transit
into theater hostilities" CASEY.
Outbreak UnoffieiaIly Reported.
On Nov. 3 Commando Hubbard re.
sponded to the above quoted telegram
Of Nov. ., 1903 saying that before the
telegram had been received 400 Colon.
bian troops from Cartagena had land
cd at Colon; that there had been nc
revolution on the isthmus. but that the
situation was most critical if the revo
lutionary leaders should act On this
same date the Associated Press in
Washington received a bulletin stating
that a revolutionary outbreak had oc
Cured When this was brought TO the
attention Of the assistant secretary OF
state. Mr. LOOMS. he prepared the fol
lowing cablogram to the consul general
at Panama and the consul at Colon:
Uprising on isthmus reported. Keep de-
partment promptly and fully informed
Before this telegram was sent, how
ever. one was received from Consul
Malmros at Colon running as follows.
Revolution imminent. Government force
on the isthmus about 500 men. Their Off
! clal promised support revolution. Fire
department Panama al, are well organ
lied and favor revolution. Government
vessel Cartagena. with about 200 men, ar
rived early today with new commander N
chief. Tobar. Was not expected until
Nov 10. Tobars arrival Is not probable
10 stop revolution.
4 a los