Secretary Root was delayed nearly
half an hour in his arrival at the meeting,
having been in conference with Gen.
Reyes, the special representative of Co
lombia. This circumstance caused it
to transpire that during the illness of
Secretary Hay Secretary Root has been
designated by the president to conduct
the negotiations of this government with
Gen. Reyes. Secretary Root laid before
the president the details of his inter
view with the Colombian minister. Care
ful consideration was given to the Co
lombian note filed with the state depart
ment by Gen. Reyes, but it can be said
that no answer yet has been made to it
No intimation of the contents of Gen.
Reyes' note or of the reply of this gov
ernment is given from any authoritative
source. It is known, however, that the
administration regards the ratification
of the treaty with the republic of Pana
man as the first step to be taken in the
entire pending matter. What this gov
ernment may do subsequently will be de
termined at least in part by the circum
stances then surrounding the case. Just
now, it is said authoritatively, there is
nothing in the situation to arouse serious
concern.
May Presented Thursday.
Preparation of the answer of this gov
ernment is progressing, but it is said
that it will not be ready for presentation
before Thursday. No intimation can be
obtained oflicially as to the character of
the government's reply, but it is stated
the continuance of negotiation with. Gen.
Reyes for some little time is quite likely.
