The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-04-10
WHITE HOUSE DENIES
APOLOGY TO BOGOTA
COlombians in Washington Con.
strue Language Of Treaty
as Such.
TO PUBLISH TEXT APRIL Is
Administration Sorry News Of
Treaty Got Out-Effcct on
Tolls Bill Feared.

WAsHrNGToS. April a.--Although the
$4,000 600 treaty with Colombia is not
yet ~ hours old there hns developed a
difference OF opinion between the Admin
istration and Coombians as to what II
means
At the White House suggestions that
the treaty contains an apology to Colom-
bia on the part OF the United States were
denied to-day. Questions as to "expres-
sons OF regret" which are said to be
included In the treaty. while not definitely
answered, were dismissed with evidences of
| irritation.
| At the same time in Colombian sources
Il was asserted by those In a position to
know Just what the treaty contains that
the agreement does include what Ia called
friendly expression OF regret over the
break in the cordial relations OF the two
( countries.
| The text OF the treaty will be published
simultaneously in Washington and Bo-
gotta on April Is. This liz in accordance
with an agreement made at the request
OF the Colombian Government The is
plain and clear cut.
The General Opinion.
II Is generally conceded that IL the
language of the first paragraph under a
reasonable construction by the American
public affords ground for the belief that
the United States is rendering Colombia
the equivalent of an apology or isacknowl-
cdging in the slightest that this Govern
ment was in the wrong in regard TO
Panama independence. the document will
have no chance OF ratification.
Should there be nothing distasteful in
the nature of an expression of regret"
1t is believed IT will have some chance OF
ratification in the Senate.
1t is regarded as significant that n dis
agreement already has developed between
the two parties TO the convention ms to
whether or not the language used i'm
plies an apology by the United States
That Colombia has won her ten years
fight for something in the way of moral
PREPARATION" to the extent of putting the
United States on record in language
which the Colombians regard as cqrva-
lent to an expression of regret seems the
inevitable conclusion.
II is pointed out that IL Colombans so
construe the language OF the treaty as
to satisfy themselves that they have oh
tanned the moral reparation they We're
seeking. 1t Is probable that all South
America will place similar construc-
ton upon the treaty.
The irritation OF the Administration
over the questions regarding the terms Of
the Colombian treaty, particularly the
language thereof was explained in part
to-day when 1t WAS learned that it was
contrary to the Administrations plan that
anything should become known about the
agreement ut this time
Many Democrats fear that this new
issue coming on top OF the Panama tolls
repeal bin will work an injury to the
latter. especially II any part OF the new
treaty Is regarded hy the people of the
United States as a backdown
secrecy Was Preferred.
There ARE indications also that tho
Administration would have preferred 20
have kept the Colombian treaty under
a bushel" until the tolls issue is settled.
The only new fact developed to-day re-
gardlng the contents OF the new treaty was
IN the nature Of "A further concession to
Colombia on the part of the United States
Colombia Is to have special PRIVILEGES for
certain products in transit across the !
lsthnus Of Panama. whether by rail or
water.
These privileges were guaranteed % II
IN It's original agreement with the Panama
Railroad Company and amount TO
preferential treatment ms TO freight !
charges. The goods to be thus favored |
are coal. salt and petroleum.
Republican Senators say that II the !
treaty contains any implied apology II will /.
not he ratified. The sum named also IL
objected to as too large II was recalled
to-day that at one time Colombia was
willing to accept 100000
The United States offered that sum /
originally before the revolution. and the |
Senators. who expressed surprise and |
criticism OF the sum proposed now. 20 nted |
out that no larger sum than $40 OOO. 900 |
was equitably due the Colombian republic |
or could In common fairness to the inter- [
e.ts OF the United States b. paid to her.
Another phase OF the case d .scussed was
the report that large attorney fees are
being paid by the Republic of Colombia
10 former United States diplomats. ono
OF whom Is friend Of Secretary BRYAN.
The question of attorney fees Vii. be
scrutinized carefully by the senate