The sun., 1912-07-19
HE CONFERS WITH KNOX
South American Diplomat As
scrtS Isolation of Putumayo
District Was Cause.
WIRELESS IN USE NOW
Two commissions Are 1nyes-
ticating situation and Will
Make Report Before July 81.

WksulNG1oS, July 1S.--The Easement
report IN the atrocities committed in
Peru against the Indian rubber gsther-
ers in the Putumayo district was dis
cUsscd at tho State Department to-day
between Secretary Knox and Minister
pcZot If Peru. Minister Pezet came to
Washington from the summer head
quarters IF the Peruvian legation on the
north shore for the purpose Of con-
ferrins with the Secretary Of State.
After his conference with Secretary
Knox the Peruvian Minister said that
day in the Putumayo district and that
his Government was proceeding rapidly
with measures looking to suppression
Of tho practices against the Indians re-
vealed in the report made to the British
Government by Sir Roger Easement.
Reiieratins the statements made in be-
half Of Peru by the Peruvian Minister
In London, Minister Pezet said.
The atrocities which Sir Roger Case
ment speaks of were committed years
ago. They all occurred not later than
1907. Things are very different now
and the Peruvian Government Is in en-
tire control OF the Putumayo district
OF course, 1t must be remembered that
when Sir Roger Easement made his re-
port the rubber districts OF the Amazon
headwaters were far removed from COM
mInication with the Government AT
Lima. 1t was then very difhcuU TO
know exactly what was going on there.
Now, however. We have system OK
wireless communication over the noun
talns which permits OF free ana con-
slant intercourse with these regions
We have our river boats now for po-
Icing the. Amazon districts ana these
craft penetrate to the most remote re-
g!ons where the authority OF the GOV
ernm.nt has but little been felt pre-
ylously.
Peru has sent two investigating
commissions into the Putumayo distric'
10 report on conditions. Their Reports
disclose the fact that things are not
nearly so had as they were. ana I'M
provement is continuing. Another COM
mission has been appointed for the
nprposc of recommending to the Govern
mont measures which Will absolutely
urcycnt a recurrence OF the practices OF
both hutchcring and torturing the
Indian rubber gatherers. This commis-
sion must present its report before
luly 81. and | am expecting to be able
to announce soon what further steps
this body has to suggest.
The commission IL made up OF men
u the highest reputation and ability IN
Peru. II includes DR.. Salvador Caver0.
former Vice President: DIR. Javier
Prado Cgarteche, a Senator and former
cabinet officer; Senior Egoaguirre. FORM
orly of the Cabinet. and Senor Julio
Ravgda, member of Congress from one
# the Amazon districts.
"Th. atrocities were committed by
he agents of the British company
which engaged in the rubber business.
These men were apparently the scum.
such a. Is found in every new and
undeVcloped region. To them the life
- an Indian was no more than that
- mosquito. But ] believe II Is about
cror now"
Tho Minister said that the United
States and Peru were In the most
friendly accord in the matter and that
his Government appreciated the helpful
attitude Of the United States. He
services OF DR.. Converse OF the Public
Health and Marine Hospital Service
had been loaned to Peru for sanitating
lquitos. which IL the principal port Of
tte upper Amazon region.