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Reyes (RAFAEL a Colombian soldier)

RAFAEL, a Colombian soldier and politician, born at Santa Rose de Viterbo, in 1852. During his earlier life he conducted important explorations in South America. Becoming engaged in politics, he took a large part in the internal struggles of Colombia. He commanded the government forces during the uprising of 1885, was Minister of the Interior under President Nuñez, and served also as Minister to France and Switzerland. He represented Colombia in several foreign negotiations, including those for the Panama Canal.

In 1904 he was elected President of Colombia. His administration was on the whole excellent, but objection was made to his imperious policies, and he resigned in 1910. He wrote several REYNOLDS books, including "The Two Americas" (1914).