New-York tribune., 1906-10-08
SUCCESSOR TO MENDOZA
DIR. Enrique COrteS COlombia's NeSC
Representative Here.

DR.. Enrique Cortez who has been appointed
by President Rafael Reyes of Colombia as Min
lister to the United States, to succeed Diego
Mendoza. arrived here Friday evening the
steamship Campania and is staying at the Hotel
Savoy. Dr. Cortez, who some years ago was
secretary of the Colombian Legation at Wash
ington, has lived for about thirty years In Lon
don, where he is one of the leading South Amer
lean fnancers.
The new minister was in Bogota when General
Reyes assumed the Presidency. He was ap-
pointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Presi-
dents first Cabinet.
Dr. Cortez was one of the most ardent advo-
Gates of the Hay-Herran treaty. and in a series
Of articles published in Bogota was the first to
point out to his people the Importance of ac-
cepting its terms. But with regard to Panama
the diplomat explained last night that the Co
lombians were content to let bygones be by
cones.
I'VE are not disincIined," said DR.. Cortez, "to
recognize the Panama republic, but there are
certain terms to be complied with first
Colombia has done we'll under the wise adj
ministration of President Reyes, and his task of
reconcing 10 the government the opposing ele-
ments and reorganizing and strengthening our
finances has been highly successful, and after
some years of turmoil at last assured of
a long term of peace Colombia is anxious that
there should exist between her and the United
States spirit of comfy and friendship even
greater than at present. Our feeling toward
this country is of the most friendly character
and our esteem for President Roosevelt
man of sincere motives and the highest integrity
is of the strongest. We look upon him one
of the greatest figures in international politics
not only on account Of his office, but on account
of his personality.
Colombia feels that the United States will al
ways treat her weaker sister republics fairly
and always with full justice. The trip of Secre-
tary Root through South America has been a
source of great satisfaction and encouragement
to us. 1t has been gratifying because the Secre-
tary of State has been personally enabled to
meet the South American and learn from per-
sonal observation that he is not the despcable
character unfortunately often pictured, but
on the contrary, possesses many praiseworthy
qualities and capabilities.
From a political point of view. too, the trip OF
Secretary Root must be productive OF much
good because it gave us clearer understanding
of the attitude of the United States toward the
Latin American republics.
..As to the unfortunate controversy between
President Reeves and Senor Mendoza who re-
Gently occupied the office of Minister from Co
Iombia at Washington. 1 can say only that
Senor Mendoza acted in a very injudcious and
,,rv-arra nted manner He made charges which
v-ere not and could not be substantiated, and
revealed certain facts in his keeping as the Dip
lomatfc representative of his country. which also
was decidedly injudicious. With my unshaKaple
confidence in President Roosevelt's sense of JUS
tice and right / look forward with feeling or
certainty TO the successful consummation of my
mission"
DIR Cortez is accompanied by his wife, the
daughter Of former British minister at Bo-
gotta and Mr. and Mrs. Pomponio Guzman'
their son-in-law and daughter. Mrs Cortez Is
contributor to the magazines.
Mr. Guzman who was formerly first secretary
of the Colombian Legation in London, will oc'
cunv the same office in Washington. Eduardo
Perez. at present charge dafaires, will be trans
ferred TO London.
Rafael Reyes, a of President Reyes is also
staying at the Hotel Savoy. He is on his way
70 Bogota from Europe, and expects to sail in
about two weeks
The new Colombian minister will go to Wash
fngton tomorrow and will probably present his
credentials to President Roosevelt on Wednes-
Cay.