New-York tribune., 1906-08-18
DENY REYES CHARGES.
COLOMBIANS INDIGNANT.
Men of Both Parties DenOunce
Diego Mendoza.

The story published yesterday in The Tribune of
the attack made on President Reyes of Colombia by
Diego Mendoza, former Colombian Minister at
Washington. read with deep interest by his
local compatriots, who surprised and shocked
at the disclosures Of Senior Mendoza With
unanimity. however. they denounced the author of
the charges against their President and without
regard to political affiliations. expressed their sur
prise at what they characterized Senior Mendoza's
lack of tact and diplomacy.
Dr. Alrio Diaz Guerra, a friend and cOmpatrot
OF President Reyes. who has lived in this city for
the last twelve years and has always with his peu
defended his country. now to the defence
Of General Reyes, although not a member of the
same political party. But the local Colombians
slider the question OF national pride not pohtcs
Dr. Guerra has written an article taking up the
points in the Mendoza statement and answering them
seFiatim- This article will in a day or
the form of a printed pamphlet. which will be
widely distributed DR.. Guerra intlmates that the
retirement of SenOr Mendoza from his post in
Washington by General Reyes actuated the attacks
on the latter, and says. as they stand. the
charges are nothing more than bare statements.
unsupported by proof
1T is curious" he says. that Mendoza. who had
been ntrusted with all the diplomatic details of
the office he occupied should wait until the day
after he is out Of Office to make these charges.
thinking that the public will believe them without
presenting his proof"
As to Senor Mendoza's silence while occupying
the post of Minister to Washington. President
reyes champion says:
Why did Mendoza, il he was acquainted with the
supposed methods of President Reyes and knew
that he was doing these things that he tells about,
wait until he removed TO accuse the President?
Why did he not resign when Sehor Cortes went
to Washington with special mission and with in
StructiOnS which Mendoza claims contrary 70
his instructions? Instead. he retained his Office,
and as soon as Senor Cortes left again resumed
the duties of his Office
Why. IL actuated by honest and lofty motives. did
he not make public these charges before leaving
of the persons whom he accuses? 1t seems to
that t such course would have been proper II he
acterizes President Reyes and Senor Cortes.
How undiplomatic is the declaration Of Senor Men
doza, to say that he has "cornered the American
government in such a way that II was impossible
for 1t to reply to his notes. As to the effort to
sell the Colon lighthouse. that is private enter
prise. Anybody buy it, can the United
considering it an act of friendship TO Colombia
AS to Colombias attitude toward Panama. DR..
Guerra has this to say:
The Colombian government is entirely satisfied
that there is nothing to do in the way in which the
Panama government stands and will stand, hU.x %
already and forever settled. Acting under that i'm
preston the proper and patriotic solution would be
to come TO some understanding which Will protect
the mutual interest of these countries Nopody can
say that there is any particular person responsible
for what happened in Panama. All the country Is
responsible for the wrong because they lacked the
practical sense to understand conditions and were
acting under agld wrong Impressions, think
ing that they had enough power and means TO come
Washington
DR.. Guerra critcises Sefor Mendoza for advising
the suppression of General Reyes. He says:
who has the army and knows fully the meaning OF
the word honor than by assassination. cannot
conceive how a diplomat who until yesterday was
at the service of President Reyes could suggest the
Idea or SuppreSsing him,