The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-01-20
EFFORTS OF REYES.
The Correspondence With
Secretary Hay.
Roosevelt transmits to the Senate
Additional Matter Bearing on the
Relations Between the United
States and Colonies.
States and Colonies.
(By the Associated Press.)


Washington, Jan. 1S.-President Roose
welt transmitted to the Senate today adj
ditional correspondence touching the re-
lations of the United States with Colon
bia and Panama, covering the period from
December 2S, 1903, to January 6, last.
A statement of grievances on the part
of Colombia was presented to the State
Department by General Reyes on Deem
Der 2S. General Reyes says that the
course of the United States had worked
deep injury to Colombia. He maintained
that in rejecting the canal treaty Colon
bla was exercising vested right, and
declared his belief that an acceptable
treaty would have been approved but for
the threats of Minister Beaupre that his
government would reject any amend
ments.
General Reyes declares the United
States has injured the right of Colombia
by Am incredible transgression on the
limits set by equity and Justice
Before the coupe de main which pro-
claimed the independence OF the isthmus
took place at Panama, there were in this
very city agents of the authors of that
coup in conference with high personages
clothed with official character as is as
serted by reputable American newspa-
pers. l have received information to the
effect that n bank in New York opened
a considerable credit in their favor. with
a knowledgS of the general use for which
it was intended, even thought unaware
that it was to be applied, in part, to the
bribery OF a large part of the garrison
at Panama"
General Reyes declared Colombia had
ample forces to suppress the Panama
revolution had not the United States pre-
vented the landing of troops. He sug-
gests that the claims of Colombia on ac-
count OF violation OF the treaty of 1916 be
referred to The Hague.
Secretary Hay answered this not I'M
der date of January 5th. He says the
government has carefully considered the
grave complaints made and assures Cen
eral Reyes of our most friendly senti-
ments for the government and people of
Colombia. The questions submitted, he
Gays, can be considered only in the light
of accomplished facts, of which one is that
the Republic of Panama shall become a
member Of the family of nations The
department has read with surprise Mr..
Hay comments, your repetition of gross
imputations upon the conduct and mo-
tives of the government, which are said to
ave appeared in reputable American
ewspapers.
Mr.. Hay says:
BY the declaration of independence
the Republic of Panama a new situa-
on was created. On the one hand stood
e government of Colombia, invoking in
ie name of the treaty of 1916 the ali
this government in IT'S efforts to sup
ess the revolution; on the other hand
God the Republic of Panama that had
NE into being in order that the great
sign of that treaty might not be for
Ell frustrated, but might be fulfilled. The
linus was threatened with dasolatiop
by another civil war. Nor were the
rights and interests of the United States
alone at stake. The interests of the
whole civilized world were involved The
Republic of Panama stood for these n
terests; the government OF Colombia OPP
posed them, compelled to choose between
these two alternatives, the government
OF the United States in no wise respon-
sible for the situation which had arisen.
did not hesitate.
'.It recognises inc independence of the
Republic of Panama"
Under all the circumstances, says tbs
Secretary, the department. is unable to re-
gard the complaints of Colombia against
this government as having any valid foun
datioR. This government says the Secre
taryt sees no occasion for resort to The
Hague, the questions involved being politi-
cal.
The Secretary. referring to questions OF
establishing diplomatic relations between
Panama and Colombia, the delimitation
OF their respective boundaries and posi-
bic apportionment of their mutual pecun-
larry liabilities, says that if such sugges-
tions are put in a definite and concrete
form they will receive at the hand OF
this government most careful considera-
tion with a view to bringing them, in the