728 Presidential Addresses 



vent the interruption of traffic upon the railroad. 

 Consult with captain of the Iowa, who will be in- 

 structed to land marines, if necessary, for the pro- 

 tection of the railroad, in accordance with the treaty 

 rights and obligations of the United States. Desir- 

 able to avoid bloodshed, if possible. 



The next three telegrams are from and to the 

 Secretary of the Navy: 



SEPTEMBER 12, 1902 

 RANGER, Panama: 



United States guarantees perfect neutrality of 

 Isthmus and that a free transit from sea to sea be 

 not interrupted or embarrassed. . . . Any trans- 

 portation of troops which might contravene these 

 provisions of treaty should not be sanctioned by you 

 nor should use of road be permitted which might 

 convert the line of transit into theatre of hostility. 



MOODY. 



COLON, 



September 20, 1902 

 SECRETARY NAVY, Washington: 



Everything is conceded. The United States 

 guards and guarantees traffic and the line of transit. 

 To-day I permitted the exchange of Colombian 

 troops from Panama to Colon, about 1,000 men 

 each way, the troops without arms in train guarded 

 by American naval force in the same manner as 

 other passengers ; arms and ammunition in separate 

 train, guarded also by naval force in the same man- 

 ner as other freight. 



McLEAN. 



