The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-12-17
BY MERRILL A. PRAGUE.

Special from a Staff Correspondent of The
 Montgomery Advertiser.
 Panama, R. P, Dec. 7.-4The Republic of Panama stands today with one foot upon the wreck of Colombian maladmihis- tration, oppression and perfidy, and the other upon the ruins of French efforts to cut a commercial waterway through the narrow isthmian strip, while both of its arms are extended in hope and supplica~ ton toward the United States.
 In this strange and strained attitude the republic is not more to be envied than 1t is to be pitied. Born of a revolution effected without bloodshed, it faces pros- poets more roseate than were ever before held out to any other nation within twenty.three days of it's birth. In fact, few governments, even among those whose maturity is of the ages. are more fortunately situated than is this the baby among nations. Straight ahead of Pana- ma. with realization of them all guaran- teed by the protectorate which the United States has assumed, lies the certainty of a plethoric treasury, freedom from debt, nominal taxes, absolute security in un- limited enrichment of her citizens through the early and inevitable development of the countrys natural resources. These are advantages very few nations have ever enjoyed: but over against them must
 
 and deterrents-a catalogue which ex- cites the keenest pity.
 Panama is today a land of indecision, hesitation and chaos. In all the re- public's domain--comprising an area about equal to that of the State of Indiana there Is not one man (native Panamaian) who has ever demonstrated the possession of abilities of that order required Of one who would successfully lead people to ALA tfsHaSr 0f nuTD0Se. Of able business men, astute politicians, adyenturers and schemes in general there are more than any country requires; hut of statesmen, diplomats and other real leaders there are practically none at all. The. very men who brought the re- public into existence--and we are speak ing now of the native or quasi-native elemeat among then-are novices m everything pertaining to the science Of government. and, while there is no suspi- ciou of their integrity or of the sincerity of their purpose, they are fully lacking fin ability to do the work they have undertaken in the way 1t snouIo be done according to the situation which confronts them. The result is that upon every hand the inquiring visitor eneount- CTS ignorance. doubt and uncertainty, where there should be, if the independent movement Is to be carried to its full frui- tion. intelliRence determination and fixed ability.
 Careful investigation shows that there is mora or Jess reason for this condition. which stands first in the pity exciting cat alogpe,. This new republic came into be- inR without any definite political purpose It was conceived solely of determina- ton to have the canal connecting the Atlantic and the Pacific constructed acfoss the Isthmus, and at no other place. Had Colombia ratified the Hay-Herran treaty the revolution of the 3d of Noven1' her would never have taken place. That is freely admitted by everybody in any way concerned in bringing about the in- depSndence of Panama. The inevitable conclusion is that the -Panamaians were not sufficiently displeased with Colombian sovereignty and administration to have revolted because of any desire for real independence That, too. is conceded by inc leaders in the revolutionary move ment. It is true that strong indictment is drawn by these men against Colompla for her sins of omission and commission; but that indictment is more of an after- thought, framed for purposes of political