Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1904-01-06


in piano boxes. merchandise crates,
etc. the small arms received being
principally the Gras French rifle, the
Remington. and the Mauser; that near
ly every citizen in Panama had some
sort of rifle 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 a revolutionary Organiza-
ton; 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 isthmus seemed to be
unanimous in their sentiment against
the Bogota government. and their dis
gust over the failure of that govern
ment to ratify the treaty providing for
the construction of the canal, and that
revolution might be expected i'm
mediately upon the adjournment Of the
Colombian congress without ratifica-
ton of the treaty.
Saw the Officers Himself
Lieutenant General Young thus re-
garded their report as of such i'm
pOrtance as to make ii advisable that
should personally see these officers.
They told me what they had already
reported to the lieutenant general, add
ing that on the isthmus the excitement
was seething. In response to a ques~
ton of mine they informed me that
the revolution might break out at any
moment, and if it did not happen be-
fore, would doubtless take place i'm
mediately after the closing of the Co
lombian congress (at the end of OctO-
ber) If the canal treaty were not rat-
| fed. They were certain that the revo-
| luton would occur, and before leav-
| ing 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 leav-
ing.
In view of all these facts 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 as to Keeping Transit Open.
On Nov 2. 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 80 miles of Panama. Cow
eminent force reported approaching
| the isthmus in vessels. Prevent their
landing if, in your judgment, the land
ing would precipitate 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 %. 19OO.-You are directed to
protest against any act of hostility
which may involve or imperil the safe
and peaceful transit of persons or
property 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 20, 19O1.-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, if
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 kilograms of singular
import are introduced, and the presi-
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
batants, ammunition. arms, which
might cause interruption traffic or con-
vert line of transit into theater of hos
tilities. CASEY"
Isthmus Uprising Reported.
On Nov. 3, Commander Hubbard re-
sponded to the above-quoted telegram
of Nov. 2, 1903, saying that before the
telegram had been received 400 Column
bian troops from Cartagena had landed
at Colon; that there had been no revO-
luton OH the isthmus, but that the sit
ia ton was most critical if the revO-
lutionary leaders should act. On this
same date the Associated Press in
Washington received bulletin stating
that revolutionary outbreak had &C.
Cured. When this was brought to the
attention of the assistant secretary of
| sta ta Mr. oomiS no nrano rod the fol