Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1912-02-19
addressed to Acting Secretary of State

name and without any KnOWleOge OF
the views Of my government on the
matter. / take the liberty of suggesting
that there II perhaps reason for be-
lieving that. such q visit of his excel
1ency the secretary Of state may hap
pen to be considered as inopportune at
the present time, in view of the fact
that Colombia still finds herself placed
by the United States in an exceptional
position as the only member of the nu-
merous family of independent nations
scattered over the face 9. the earth to
which, despite its constant demands.
the United States refuses to submit to
arbitration questions referring exclu-
sively to the Interpretation of public
treaties and the compliance with obli-
cations imposed by the universally ac-
cepted principles of international law
on all civilized nations in their rela-
tions one with another.
1T is meet to mention here that even
the ex-president Of the United States,
Mr.. Roosevelt, both when he occupied
that position and when, returned to
private life. he has dealt in public with
these matters. has always emphatically
maintained the propriety AND desirable
fty OF submitting to the decision of an
impartial tribunal of arbitration the
decision Of international controversies
involving such. questions.
L shall appreciate 1t If this. my sug-
gestion. ts taken as born of the desire
which anfmates me to avoid any occa-
sion OF aggravating the differences
which exist between the two countries
and to see the hour arrive when they
may be satisfactorily settled, to which
my country always has been and Is now
disposed.
Nearly three months have elapsed
since. in compliance with the instruc-
ton OF my government, reiterated
(Nov. 25o to the government Of the
United States the demand for the arbi-
tration Of the existing controversy, and
I see myself obliged to say, with sur
prise and modification, which you VIII
doubtless we'll understand, that up to
receiving reply.
"One Of the several grounds Of COM
plant put forward. ifmy memory serves
me we'll as have not the document at
hand, by the government Of the United
States to the government Of Great
Britain in 1s93'9< when, in such per-
emptory terms. 1t demanded the sub
mission to arbitration of the boundary
question then pending with Venezuela,
was as you will we'll remember. that
England had left without reply for a
considerable length of time an import
ant note Of the state department.
Let 1t be permitted to Colombia, in
her weakness. to respectfully and can
didly express how hard it Is for her to
see herself subjected to like treat
ment.
mo one who knows the unrest which
is being felt in my country at the delay
In the satisfactory disposal Of these
questions will fail to look sympathetic
any upon the efforts which It Is neces-
sary for me tosmake to obtain settle
ment az rapidly as possible"
Gives Letter Of Explanation.
The mere fact that Colombia does not
desire q call from the American secre-
tary Of state will not be the reason for
General Ospina's dismissal.
He will be handed his passports be-
cause his action in transmitting to
Washington correspondents printed
copies of the foregoing communication
with the following letter Of explana-
ton:
"Legacion de la Republica de Colom-
bia. WASHINGTON, d. c.. Feb. II. 1912
Dear Sir: The matters referred to in
the inclosed correspondence having
been, the subject Of comment In the
public press. I have been asked by sew
eral correspondents for copies Of the
reply made by Colombia to the circular
note Of the state department apprising
the countries Of Latin America Of the
contemplated visit Of his excellency,
Mr.. Knox.
Feeling unwilling to favor the cor
respondents Of any one paper over the
others in this matter, I take pleasure
in sending you a copy of the letter In
question, which Is hereby rel >ased for
publication in the morning papers Of
Monday. Feb. 10. I have the honor to
be SIR ETC.. etc. ETC.,
PEDRO DEL OSPINA.
envoy Extraordinary and Minister
Plenipotentiary of the Republic of
Colombia to the United States"
Action in Former Cases.
Publications of offensive communi-
cations In the press frequently has re-
suited in the dismissal Of the respon-
s,I1o d3n1nrnat