Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-04
The Panama Secession.

The news that the state of Panama has
set up in secession from the United States
of Colombia is by no means surprising.
For some time this possibility has been
recognized and the apparently complete
failure of the isthman canal negotiations
between this government and Colombia has
evidently been accepted by the residents of
the isthmus itself as signal for their
revolt. There is little or no sympathy
between the jewellers in the isthmus and
those who inhabit the interior regions of
Colombia. Their interests are diverse and
their means of communication difficult. In
consequence they are as two peoples, ana
now the supreme issue has been raised
between them as to whether the majority
at Bogota shall deprive the minority at
Panama of chance for the opening or
an era of great prosperity in consequence
of the construction of the canal by the
United States.
This government finds itself in peculiar
and somewhat delicate position in connec-
ton with the attempt at secession. 1t has
weathered many a diplomatic storm in the
past caused by essays at revolution ana
separation in South and Central America
And it has on at least two occasions been
confronted in Panama with the difficult
under its treaty obligations. On both occa-
sions 1t has acquitted itself well in the eyes
of the world. and on one at least 1t earned
the thanks of the government of Colombia
That was In 1885. In 1901 it executed its
treaty obligations with little difficulty and
preserved the transit arrangements intact
but it gave offense to Colombia by the man
ner of its execution Of the trust imposed
by the New Granada treaty.
This case is different from all that have
preceded. The United States now has
direct interest in the isthmus in conse-
quence of the act of Congress giving that
route for a canal the preference over Nicar-
aqua. and the treaty with Colombia for
the lease of the route. 1t is in a position to
be suspected by Colombia and perhaps
some of the powers Of Europe of CONN.,
vance at the secession of the isthmian
state. Yet 1t cannot hold absolutely aloof
and let the war take its course. 1t must
execute it's treaty obligations and keep the
istbmus open for transit. THAT treaty Is
between the United States and Colombia
In its execution in the past, certainly IN
1885 II served as guarantee of Colomb1a's
sovereignty. In 1901 the United States, In
order to prevent the absolute destruction
of the railroad by the rebels, refused to
allow Colombia to send her own troops
across it.
The question now is whether the United
States can so manage as to preserve the
railroad communications across the isthmus
and yet avoid creating the impression
abroad that it is aiding the secession OF
Panama Already the dispatches indicate
condition which throws the United States
into diplomatic conflict with Colombia The
Bogota government has violated the rules
of war by beginning a bombardment of the
city of Panama without giving notice, and
this action is Furthermore a threat against
the integrity of the isthmian commun1ca-
lions. vigorous protest has been entered,
and If not. needed will be followed by the
intervention of warships. The United
States, whatever the delicacy of its posi-
ton, must keep open the isthmus for rail-
road transit.