The Press., 1903-11-12

we'll as all who are interested in the
canal negotiations, are watching close
ly the efforts of Panama to gain he1
independence. The revolution on the
Isthmus is now in full progress. The
Republic of the Isthmus, as the new
state calls itself in it's declaration Of
independence, has established a gov.
ernment under triumvirate, driven
out all Colombian troops who were
hostile to the revolution, adopted q
flag which is red, white and blue, and
is now demanding recognition by this
government. The secession of the
Isthmus was expected. Its geograph-
ical connection with Colombia is a
loose one, and the interests of the two
sections were antagonistic. When
the Bogota government rejected the
canal treaty, and thereby delayed the
construction of the canal which is so
desired by Panama, talk of separa-
tion became general on the Isthmus,
and now has been put into effect,
with every prospect of success. Our
consular officers have been instructed
to recognize the de facto government,
and this is the first step in recogniz-
ing the sovereignty of the new repub-
lie. United warships are at Panama
and Colon, and marines have been
landed to maintain an open traffic on
the Isthmus, as this government is
obliged to do by the treaty of 1846,
which was signed with New Granada,
of which Colombia is the remaining
part. Senator Cullom of the senate
committee on foreign relations says
that he hopes Panama will establish
Q government which we can recognize
and treat with regarding the canal,
and his opinion is shared by all those
who believe in the Panama route.
Senator Morgan, on the other hand,
declares that the revolution puts an
end to the negotiations with Colon
bia, and that President Roosevelt is
now bound by the positive instruc-
tions of the Spooner act to take up
the Nicaraguan route. However, it
is generally admitted that the quick
est and surest way would be to treat
with Panama direct. Unless Colon
bia can put down the revolution
quickly, which is very improbable,
this country will doubtless recognize
the independence of Panama, and es-
tablish kind of protectorate over it.
1t has population of only about $50, :
600, and could hardly hope to exist
long by itself. Our treaty obligations
of preserving traffic on the Isthmus
would be sufficient grounds for us to
protect the state from outside aggres-
sion or even internal disorders. The
case presents interesting political pos
sibilities and will bring about much
discussion.
Those here who make an impartial
estimate of the results of the recent
elections agree that the party honors
were about evenly divided, and that
Senator Hanna, Senator German and
Representative Hearst have achieved
the personal victories, as far as ma
tional politics are concerned. The big
republican majority in Ohio attrib-
uted to Senator Hanna who was the
real issue of the campaign and bore
the brunt of the contest, is regarded
as death blow to the political aspi-
ratiOns of Tom johnson.
The success of the democrats in
Maryland is credited to Senator Cor
man, who took very active and ag-
gressive part in the end of the cam.
paign, and succeeded in making it
one OF national significance, by at
tacking President Roosevelt and his
negro policy. There is no doubt that
the Maryland senator has increased
his power in the democratic party,
and consequently his chances of lead
ing it in the presidential campaign.
He now stands out as the champion
OF those who would disfranchise the
negro, and if he receives the nomina-
tion the race question would be the
main issue.
In New York city Tammany sue
ceeded in making the municipal cam
paign party contest, and the demo-
Gratis won by majority SO large as |
to warrant them in believing they can
carry the state next year. Tammany
vas opposed by the entire press of the
,ity, with the exception of the Hearst |
papers, which did everything possible
% aid the party which sent Hearst to
and which he hopes will aid
lim in getting to the white house.
rhe successful candidates haze vfur-
lished Hearst's papers with written
tatements of their appreciation of
lis assistance, and these are being
in his papers in New York,
chicago and San Francisco.
Many democrats believe that Hearst
$ the man most likely to carry New
FORK for the party, and this fact, to-
;ether with his popularity with the
abor unions, may bring him the NOM
nation. His political faith is ''La-
'or, democracy S Ally. md Cor
mans seems to Be No Negro Domi-
lati0n. j