The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-04-13
COLOMBIA EXPECTED
to REJECT TREATY
Nationalist Regard Offer of
$25,OOO,OOO to Settle
Claims Inadequate.
S100,OOO,OOO IS DEMANDED
Supporters Of Plan Base Hope
on Fact That 1t Is the
Last Chance.
S100,O00,O0O IS DEMANDED

WASHINGTON. April H. While II IA
admitted that the outlook for ratification
OF the new treaty with Colombia I'm
settlement OF the controversy with that
country over the Panama secession IL
most dubious, II has been generally
assumed that the convention will be
promptly approved by the Colombian
Senate.
Advices received here. however, indicate
that the assumption tn. ratification OF
the treaty in Colombia is a certainty are
not entirely well founded. on the con-
trary. there Is reason to believe that a
controversy will be stirred up in Colombia
BY the publication of the treaty quite as
vigorous as that already started in the
United States.
A notable feature OF the entire history
OF Colomoia's dealing with the canal ques-
ton. since the FIST treaty made with the
United States with view to acquisition
OF the canal rights on the 1sthmus. has
been the inability of the Government to
control the Congress. Radical and in
tensely nationalist members succeeded in
bringing about the rejection of the first
treaty, an act which prccipitated the se-
cess,on Of Panama.
Later the Government OF Colombia
made with the United States a treaty
for settling C,lombia's claims. This
treaty. quite satisfactory to the Colom-
bian Government. was likewise detected by
the Congress There Is now no guarantee
that the new treaty will not meet with the
same fate.
Tie: Government went as far as II could
70 insure the support Of Congress to the
rev treaty by appointing cor/iittee
consisting of representatives OF all posi-
cal parties TO advise with the Governa.. mt
in the negotiations with the United States
now concluded. 1t was hoped by this
step TO make certain the ratiica ion of the
convention when II is submitted to the
Senate.
In pursuance Of the Governments tope
Of ratification the Colombian Senate has
been convoked for an extra session on
May L. Recent advces. however. indicate
that during the session which ended this
winter the Government was at odds with
the Congress and wholly uncertain as to
the fate Of any of its proposals until they
had actually been passed. upon.
The difficulty lies. IL is asserted. in the
fact that there are so many Coomblans
10 public life who do not appreciate tine
fact that the world regards their nation
as having stood still while its neighbors
have progressed. The Colombian rights
In the Isthmus OF Panama have for cen
great national stake. upon which II WAS
10 realize SO handsomely as to make II
the richest nation in South America.
The secession OF Panama altered the
situation materially. but many Co!ombians
contended that Colombias claim for dam
ages was quite as good an asset as Its
original rights. This attitude Is regarded
as responsible for the attempt to hold up
The United States when IL frs. desired to
acquire canal rights from Colombia and
the subsequent refusal OF Colombia TO
accept the offers OF the United States in
settlement OF its claims.
II is feared that this element. which
sui persists, although TO u lesser extent.
will denounce the new treaty as letting
on the United States altogether too easily.
Many ColombanS expressed the prediction
hat Uncle Sam would pay as high as
100000, 900 for renewal OF Colomb.a's
friendship
The supporters OF the treaty are cx-
eected 10 urge ratification on the ground
mat the sum named in the new conven-
Non, t25. 600, 900, Is the very limit OF what
y 10 De obtained from the United States. |
ihey point out that the convention will |
oe negotiated by Democratic Admins ,
uauon, representing the party which for
ven years denounced the Republicans for
their treatment OF Colombia
Rejection Of this treaty. they assert. |
VIII make most remote Co!omb.a's chances
OF getting anything whatsoever; in other
words that 1t is now or never They are
aiso understood TO be prepared to point
out mat In this treaty Colombia is not
oaiied upon to give the United States any |
Ihing; that the demand for an option on !
,ne Atrato River cana! route and for coal |
ing station privileges have been relin- |
uulsned' SO that all the giving IN the con-
'emsioh is TO be done by the United States |
ms iact is expected to be one OF the |
saongest arguments OF the opposition to
SS,on treaty IN the United States Senate
"hleh IL already forming