Gilpin observer., 1904-01-07

ETC., the snail arms received being
principally the Gras French rife. the
Remington, and the Mauser; that near
ly every citizen in Panama had some
sort of rife or gun in his possession.
with ammunition therefor; that in the
city of Panama there had been Or
ganized fire brigade which was really
intended for revolutionary organize
tion; that there were representatives
of the revolutionary organization at all
important points on the isthmus; that
in Panama, Colon, and the other prin-
cipal places of the isthmus police
forces had been organized which were
in reality revolutionary forces; that
the people on the istilmus seemed to be
unanimous in their sentiment against
the Bogota government, ard their dis
gust over the failure of that goveID-
ment TO ratify the treaty providing for
the construction of the canal, and that
a revolution might be expected i'm
mediately upon the adjournment Of the
Colombian congress without ratiiioa-
tion of the treaty
Saw the Officers himself.
Lieutenant General Young thug re-
garded their report as Of such i'm
portance as to make it advisable that
l should personally see these officers.
They told INC what they had already
reported to the lieutenant general. add
ing that on the isthmus the excitement
was seething. In response TO tt que3-
tion Of .i.ine they informed me that
the revolution might break out at any
momenr, and if it did not happen be-
fore, would doubtless take place i'm
mediately after the closing Of the Co
ber) if the canal treaty were not rati-
fed. They were certain that the revo-
luton would occur, and before leav-
ing the isthnus had made their own
reckoning as to the time. which they
had set down as being probably from
three to four weeks after their leav-
ing.
In view of all these facts l directed
the navy department to issue instruc
tions such as would insure our having
ships within easy reach of the isthmus
in the event of need arising.
Orders to Keeping Transit Open.
On Nov. .. when. the Colombian con-
gress having adjourned. it was evident
that the outbreak was imminent, and
when it was announced that .both sides
were making ready forces whose meet
ing would mean bloodshed and dis
order. the Colombian troops having
embarked on vessels. the following in
structions were sent to the command
ers of the Boston. Nashville. and
Dixie: Maintain free and uninter-
rupted transit. If interruption is
threatened by armed force occupy the
line of railroad. Prevent landing of
any armed force with hostile intent,
either government or insurgent. at any
point within 30 miles of Panama. Gov
ernment force reported approaching
the isthmus in vessels. Prevent their
landing If. in your Judgment. the land
ing weuld precipitate a conflict" These
orders We're delivered in pursuance of
the policy on which our government
had repeatedly acted.
The first two kilograms are from the
department of state TO the consul at
Panama:
July -. i90O.-You are directed to
protest against any act of hostility
which may involve or imperil the safe
and peaceful transit of persons or
properly across the Isthmus of Pana-
ma. The bombardment of Panama
would have this effect. and the United
States must insist upon the neutrality
of the isthmus as guaranteed by the
treaty"
November 90. 10o1.-Notify all par
ties molesting or interfering with free
transit across the isthmus that such
interference must cease and that the
United States will prevent the inter
ruption of traffic upon the railroad.
Consult with captain of the Iowa. who
will be instructed to land marines. il
necessary. FOR the protection of the
railroad. in accordance with the treaty
rights and obligations of the United
States. Desirable to avoid bloodshed.
IL possible
Three other telegrams of singular
import are introduced. ana the pres,-
dent gives the following. signed
Casey:l
Have sent this communication to
the American consul at Panama:
Inform governor while trains run
ming under, United States protection,
l must decline transportation any COM
batnn;s. ammunition. sarms. which
might cause interruption traffic or con-
vert line of transit into theater of hos
tllitics. CASEY"
Isthmu> Uprising Reported.
ON Nov $. Commander Hubbard re-
sponded to the above-quoted telegram
of Nov. =. 1909. saying that before the
telegram had been received 400 Column
bian troops from Cartagena had landed
Ut Colon: that there had been no revo-
luton on the isthmus. but that the sit
untion was most critical II the revo-
iutionary leaders should act. On this
same date the Associated Press in
Washington received n bulletin stating