Rock Island Argus

United States Centering Fleet at Isthmus.

IN BOTH OCEANS

Colombia is Likely to Break Off Negotiations.

Washington, Dec. 28. The fleets of warships on both sides of the isthmus of Panama will shortly be reinforced by several vessels now on their way to that quarter. The gunboat Topeka left Key West yesterday for Colon convoy to the torpedo-boat destroyers Truxtun and Stewart, which have been assigned to patrol duty on the Caribbean coast of the isthmus.

The gunboat Castine arrived at Colon yesterday from Philadelphia. The big collier Caesar has left Culebra for Colon with coal for the fleet. The converted cruiser Dixie left League Island today for Colon with the Panama marine brigade numbering about 500 men in command of Brig. Gen. Elliot.

In the Pacific.

Naval movements in the direction of the isthmus have been almost equally active on the Pacific coast. The gunboat Petrel, bound for Panama, arrived at Acapulco, Mexico, the 26th inst., and undoubtedly has left there by this time.

The flagship New York, gunboat Bennington, torpedo-boat destroyers Preble and Paul Jones and the collier Saturn have been fitted out at San Francisco for service in the vicinity of Panama. It is expected all will start south in a day or two.

Philadelphia, Dec. 28.-The cruiser Dixie sailed today with 600 marines and supplies for 1,000 men en route to Colon.

Considering a Reply.

Washington, Dec. 28.-State department officials have under consideration the nature of the reply to be made to the note of General Reyes, the Colombian envoy, regarding the action of the United States in connection with Panama. Just when the answer is to be ready is not definitely known. The Colombian note contains a statement of grievances which that country alleges it has suffered under the interpretations put on the treaty of 1846. It discusses these grievances in a calm and dignified tone, and sets out reasons which General Reyes alleges support the contention he has made.

May Break Off Diplomatic Relations.

Unless the United States, in the reply which Secretary Hay makes, accords Colombia that measure of satisfaction which from her point of view she feels herself entitled to with respect to Panama, both General Reyes and Mr. Herran will leave this capital. This is frankly admitted. While disavowing any intention of bringing undue pressure to bear on Secretary Hay for a speedy reply to his note, both Reyes and Herran are most anxious to be apprised of the secretary's conclusions at the earliest possible moment. With the view to obtaining light on this point Herran, the Colombian charge, has twice called at the residence of Hay, but was unable to see him on account of his continued illness.

They Have a Hopeless Hope.

The hope is entertained both by Reyes and Herran that in the event of a refusal by Hay to admit their contentions the United States may agree as a last resort to a submission of the propositions to The Hague court of arbitration. It is pointed out that the filing of the note was in accordance with the treaty of 1846 between the United States and Colombia, one of the provisions of which gives the contracting party feeling aggrieved at the action of the other the right to protest.