The Washington times., 1903-11-07

carrying into effect the considered
plan Of q canal across the isthmus TO
be owned and controlled by the Govern
ment OF the United States. IT was no
new proposition that was being adopted,
but rather the carrying out of a long
cherished plan of both countries and the
assertion Of a right which had been long
since conceded in principle by the gov
ernment OF Colombia
History of Canal Treaty.
1T was the universal conviction that
the time had come for this gigantic
project to be carried out 1t was too
great for individual or corporate enter
prise. 1t could only be initiated and
carried 10 2 conclusion by a government
or great power and vast resources, and
the only government to which il was a
possibility was that of the United
States.
by authorization of Congress the
President entered into a treaty with the
government of Bogota for the construc-
ton Of a canal by way of the isthmus
of Panama. Wishing to show every con-
sideration to the government OF Colom-
bia, the treaty containefis provisions OF
extraordinary Iiberaiity. A large bonus
was given for the privilege of construct
ing the canal, a liberal annual lease was
added. and all this was in addition TO
the numberless benefits which would ac-
crue to the Colombian government and
people from the construction in their
territory OF this colossal work. The
treaty was promptly ratified by the SEN
ate of the United States, and rejected
unanimously and without consideration
by that of Colombia.
The suggestions wkieh have been
made to this government since the fall
ure of the treaty in Bogota of a re-
newal of negotiations have been too
vague and too extravagant to merit the
serious consideration of the United
States: and they were such as to create
the impression on the minds of the
people of Panama that there was no
reasonable prospect Of the accomplish
ment of the object upon which their
hopes and desires had been set for many
years.
Recent Startling Events.
''rhis brings us to the sudden and
startling events which have so recently
attracted the attention of this country
and of the world. Although there has
been no lack for many years past OF
numerous causes of discomfort and anx-
iety among the people of Panama, it
appears that the failure OF the canal
treaty convinced them that there was
nothing more to be hoped for In their
connection with the Colombian govern
ment. which had never proved entirely
sa satisfactory. They went to work with
that talent for prompt and secret or
ganization to which there is no parallel
among people OF northern blood; they
prepared the machinery Of revolution in
advance, and suddenly, IN a single day,
without the firing OF shot-with the
exception Of a few shells that were
thrown into the city from a Colombian
steamer in the harbor of Panama
they accomplished their independence.
A government consisting OF the leading
citizens OF the state was at once organ
lied and proclaimed TO the world;
part of the Colombian forces Joined the
revolution: the rest returned TO Colon
bia, and, so far as we are able TO judge,
the new republic begins its career with
no organized opposition throughout the
entire extent OF the isthnus.
The course of the President in this
conjuncture was marked out in advance
by all our principles and precedents. He
gave orders that traffic from one side Of
the isthmus to the other should be kept
unimpeded by either party, and charged
our officers on the isthmus to use their
utmost influence to prevent any attack
by one Of the contending factions upon
the other which would be calculated 20
cause a disturbance Of traffic
The Presidents Duty.
when it was reported TO him that a
government capable of maintaining or
der had been established and was work
ing without opposition. he did what is
always done under such circumstances.
He directed our representative at Pan
ANA, as soon as he was certain that