The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-01-19

in the name of the treaty of 1916, the aid
of this government in its efforts to sup
press the revolution, on the other hand
stood the republic of Panama, that had
come into being in order that the great
design of that treaty might not be for
ever frustrated but might be fulfilled.
1.-THE Isthmus was threatened with
desolation by another civil war. Nor
were the rights and interests of the
United States alone at stake. The in
| terests of the whole civilized world were
involved. The republic of Panama stood
for these interests, the Colombian gov
eminent opposed them Compelled to
choose between these two alternatives
the government of the United States, in
no wise responsible for the situation
that had arisen, did not hesitate. 1t
recognized the independence of the re-
public of Panama and upon its judg-
ment and action in the emergency the
powers of the world have set the seal
of their approval
Under all the circumstances says the
secretary the department is unable to
regard the complaints of Colombia
against this government as having any
valid foundation. Secretary Hay says:
THE government of the United States
would gladly exercise its good offices
with the republic of Panama, with
view to bringing about some arrange
ment on a fair and equitable basis. For
the acceptance of your proposal of a
resort to The Hague tribunal this gov
eminent perceiveS no occasion, indeed
the questions presented in your state
ment OF grievances are of a political ma
ture, such as nations even of the most
advanced ideas as to international ar
bitration have not proposed to deal with
by that process"
Under date of January 6, General
Reyes submits another note to Secre-
tary Hay in which he says he has
his statement of grievances to his gov
eminent by cable. The secretary's note
is construed. he says, as an intimation
that the Colombian forces will be at
| tackled by the United States on their
| entering the territory of Panama to
subdue the rebellion and for that rea-
son it would hold the government of
the United States for all damages
/ caused to it by the loss of that national
territory. A repetition is made of the
/ position of the Colombian government
under the treaty of 1916, and 1t is re-
/ quested the first note of General Reyes
/ be made public.
Replying to this on January 9, Secre-
I tary Hay says he finds almost all the
/ propositions brought forward in the
+ second note have been considered and
I fully answered in his note of the 5th
of January. He says. however:
Il will not for a moment accept the
I imputation of unfriendly motives or
/ sentiments on the part of this country
i toward Colombia. and even if Colon
4 bla should persist in assuming a hos
+ tile attitude toward us it will only be
after the most careful elaboration,
and with extreme reluctance that this
/ government would shape it's course in
accordance with the deplorable condi-
/ lions thus created"
Under date of January II, General
+ Reyes addressed Secretary Hay, stat
ing that he finds his arguments had
not been refuted by the otherwise
! forceful papers which he has received.
| He then discusses at some length his
| proposition to refer the matter to The
/ Hague. and concludes with a regret on
the failure of his mission to the United
/ States
Secretary Hay answers this note I'M
der date of January b. with the state
ment there is no reason to reconsider
| the attitude of the United States as
/ heretofore set forth