The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-11
CEN.REY[SCETS
 ANOTHER NOTE Reunion Suggested g Between Colombia and Panama WILL OPEN NEGOTIATIONS Idea Is to Give Seeding Republic an Autonomous Government With
 Control Over Canal
 Affairs.
WILL OPEN NEGOTIATIONS

Washington, January 1o.-Secretary Hay yesterday sent another communica- tion to Gen. Rafael Reyes, the Colom- bian envoy, in response to his protest against the action of the United States regarding affairs on the isthmus of Pan anna. While state department officials de- cline to make any specific statement as to its nature, 1t Is understood that in a gen eral way 1t follows the lines laid down in the reply to General Reyes first note, which practically declines to reopen the Panama question.
 General Reyes second note differed In some important respects from that first sent by him to the state department. The first contained statement of the griev- ances, important and minor which Co., lombia asserts she has suffered as re- suit of the interpretation placed by the United States on the treaty of 1846.
 This note also, while not specifically making protest, by Its very nature in- volved the presentation of one later ono. The second communication to which an answer was returned yesterday, dealt with considerable detail on certain spe- cific points regarded as highly important and meriting special consideration and presented an emphatic formal protest against the action of the United States in Panama matters.
 Follow RooseveIt's Idea.
 Secretary Hays answer, 1t Is said. fol- lows the lines of the recent message of President Roosevelt to congress on the Panama question, justlfying the steps taken by the United States on the subject. The secretary's reply does not discuss with General Reyes matters which he urged in his second note. namely, the transmission to the senate of the corres- pondence which has passed between him self and the state department
 It is known that officials of the state department resented the suggestion of General Reyes ms highly improper. and, for this reason its answer does not dis ctss the request The matter of sending the correspondence with General Reyes to the senate has not yet been determin- ed by the President. Generaf Reyes last note also contained some reference to the submission of the disputed points to ar btration but state department officials say there Is nothing In the present situa- ton for The Hague tribunal if any refer ence to that court was intended.
 Ready to Leave the City.
 General Reyes Is ready to leave the city at any time for Colombia when his countrys political questions require his assistance. It was said tonight that Gen. eral Reyes might leave this country with in the next ten days, but no information was obtainabe from General Reyes to- night on that subject. From the stand point of the state department, there is no reason why he should hasten his de- parture, as he might very well remain and render considerable service to his country.
 The suggestion was made tonight that possibly he might remain and make an effort 10 open diplomatic relations with the republic of Panama through It's rep resentatives here for the adjustment of such questions, as the assumption by Panama of a portion of the exterior debt of Colombia. Some suggestion has been made, although not officially of a re- union of the two governments under the name of the republic of Colombia, Pana- ma to have an autonomous government with absolute authority to deal with all questions relating to the control of the canal matters.