The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-13
WHAT PANAMA COsrS Us IN THE
WORLDS ESTIMATION,

For an hundred years this country was
that much abused term. 1t did not rob
the weak of the territory by which it
expanded Commencing with Jefferson's
purchase of the Louisiana territory and
| closing with Johnson's purchase CT
Alaska, not foot of land had been adj
ded to our republic by fraud or force
The whole world respected and hon
ored this country because it set an ex-
ample of public virtue and justice. The
first infraction of our honorable course
was when Dole and other missionaries,
under the inspiration of the Harrison
administration. arranged for the stealing of
Hawaii. But that was such "a little
wrong that it did not destroy Americas
reputation for fair dealing among the
nations of the earth though it did to a
degree affect our former proud position.
When war was declared against Spain,
in the very declaration we put it on re-
cord that the war was not undertaken to
obtain territory and we pledged our
nobody thought of the Philippine Islands
but the spirit of the resolution forbade
the course we pursued with reference to
them. 1t is a dark blot upon the Ameri-
can record. And now comes our latest
action along the same line. 1t will not
be shown by the records that the admin
was too smart for that Panama canal
schemers having forty million dollars at
stake. were entrusted with that work,
but all the world knows that the revo-
luton in Panama was Matched up
in Washington under the direction of
men near to the administration, ard
would never have been done but for
assurance that the government at Wash
ington would recognize the infant re-
public.
The worst phase of the matter is that
this country, long looked to by all South
and Central American States as the gen
erous and honest big-brother, is now re-
garded with suspicion and distrust. They
regard our setting up of the republic of
Panama as a mere pretext to grab the
country, and they are right about it.
We will get out of Panama about as
early as England will get out OF Egypt.
AS showing the feeling this act has pro-
fvoked in South America, We print the
following extract from La Prensa. lead
ing newspaper published at Buenos Ayres
THE United States is doing everything
possible for the revolutionists, and has
not only manifested itself in favor the
Isthmians, but has also prevented CO.
lcmbia from sending force to Panama,
although Colombia is perfectly able to
suppress the rebellion.
Besides this, the United States has
recognized the de facto government on
the isthmus, for which it has no prece-
dent under international law. The revo-
lutionists should have been recognized
only after they had obtained a decisive
triumph over the government forces, but
the United States has avai1ed itself Of
it's superior strength, making it impos-
sjble for Colombia to enforce her rights
over the isthmus.
Therefore it may be said that the Sc
cession movement at Panama is the work
of the United States.
This is sensational, and should serve
as a warning to South America that there
ARE fatal consequences In celebrating
treaties by little and feeble nations with
big Powers The protectorate of the
Uuited States over the Panama Railway
will cost Colombia a part of her terri
tory"
1t was moi rape Colombia
to get the &c was a precipitate
and revolutionary act, enterprised b'
men mad with the love of conquest and
dominion, and was based upon
1.-THE simpe plan
Let those take who have the power
And let them keep who can