The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1904-01-16
OUR ISTHNIAN POLICY
Secretary Root Denies Reports Of War
Preparations Against Colombia.
URGES THEM TO BE SENSIBLE

No Declaration or war EHpeCteui anu
Should This Step Be Taken BY Co
iombla This Government Would Not
Respond Hastily
Washington. Jan. l3.-Shortly after
the cabinet meeting Secretary Root is
sued the following statement regarding
the isthmian policy of the admnistra-
ton:
"The publication in various quarters
Of news indicating that the government
is preparing to send troops to the 18th
mus to carry on military operations
AGAINST Colombia has been the source
OF considerable annoyance TO the eN-
ecutive and to the war department. No
state of war exists between the two
countries; no Inauguration Of hostili-
ties is contemplated by this govern
ment no preparation for war Is beng
made Il is not believed by the presl-
dent nor by the secretary OF state, that
any occasion for the employment OF
troops on the isthmus is likely to arise.
They have used their utmost efforts to
convince General Reyes and the Boz
gotta officials OF the friendly intentions
OF this government toward Colombia
and Of their readiness to use their good
Offices in the settlement OF any ques-
ton I'm dispute between Colombia ana
Panama. II is difficult for them to je-
licye that the authorities in Bogota
can be so BLINDED by passion and pre-
iudice as TO declare war against us.
and even If this ruinous step should be
taken by Colombia this government
would be in no haste to respond to her
challenge. The president makes all
possible allowances for the natural OK
element in Bogota over a state Of
things for which the Colombian gov
eminent is alone responsible. and Of
which it was fully forewarned. But
the Colombians must sooner or later
recognize the irresistible force of "a
complished facts. and the sooner this
Is done the better for all parties. We
have done them no wrong; we would
like to be OF some service to them; II
they are wise they will not put it out
OF our power TO help them by any act
OF rashness and violence"
Senate Discusses Panama.
For almost five hours the senate de-
bated the Panama question. The dis
cussion arose over resolution look
ing TO the arbitration Of Colombia's
claims on account OF the Panama reyo-
luton. It was introduced by Mr.. Ba-
con and was met promptly by a mo-
ton on the part of Mr. Lodge 10 table
IT, This motion aroused the feeling OF
senators on the Democratic side who
construed the motion as intended 10
cut OFF debate and said they would de-
bate the Panama question on some
other resolution If not on this. Fin
ally Mr. Lodge consented 10 withhold
his motion and discussion proceeded
throughout the day.
Republican senators in their speeches
referred to the resolution as a con-
fession of wrong on the part of the
United States and expressed the opln-
ion that any agitation of the question
at this time would give undue encour-
aeement to the people Of Colombia and
misrepresent the attitude of this coun-
try. Mr. Bacon disayowed any such
intention and said that he accepted
the revolution as an accomplished fact.
A ready response to this pronounce
ment came from Mr. Hale and during
the course of the debate he and Mr..
Bacon practically agreed on declara-
ton which Mr.. Hale intimated that he
would offer in the senate Other Re-
publican senators indicated an unwill-
ingness to accept any measure looking
10 an interference with executive ne
gotiations. while Democratic senators
also intmated objections on othe.
grounds.