Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1903-11-12
A NEW REPUBLIC.

engaged the worlds interest. Nlthlh
i've days the state of Panama threw
off its allegiance to the government OF
Colombia, established a provisional
government of its own that was at
once recognized by the United States,
and secured undisputed possession OF
all posts within it held by Colombian
forces, which hurried away at the
first possible moment. The insurrec-
ton was practically bloodless and
apparently completely successful.
Present indications are that if Colon
bia attempts to reassert her authority
over the revolted province she will be
met not only by the Isthmian insur
rectos, but by the forces of the United
States, who will see that she does not
again secure possession of the narrow
strip of land separating the Gulf OF
Mexico from the Pacific ocean.
The Panama canal is at the root Of
this movement For many years the
people living on the Isthmus, Tor evil
dent reasons. have desired the build
ing of a water way connecting the two
great thanking seas. Il would mean
wealth and Importance to them. Re-
peated attempts by the French Pam
anna Canal company have failed for
lack of resources and efficient engi-
neering. Finally, after many surveys
of canal routes, the United States gov
eminent last year authorized the pur-
chase of the Panama company's
properties and franchise for $4,000,
600 and the construction OF the canal
as a gigantic government enterprise,
providing a treaty granting the right
of way could be secured from Colon
bia. Such a treaty was negotiated
and after long discussion ratified by
our Senate. Its terms were very
liberal to Colombia, which was to
receive S10,00O,OO0 as a bonus and
heavy yearly rentals-this notwith-
standing that Colombia herself would
be benefited, rather than injured, by
the building of the canal. Great sur
prise, not unmixed with indignation,
was felt when Colombia rejected the
treaty without any apparent reason.
1t was surmised that certain influences
were brought to bear among politi-
clans of that country by which they
were convinced that the United States
or the Panama company would pay
them a great deal more il they would
hold off. They were badly deceived,
if this were so, as events have shown.
The Isthmus OF Panama has only a.
political connection with the Bogota
government; all its commercial rela-
tons and its closer interests are with
those people, mainly Americans, who
use the lsthmus as a passage way,
over which now extends a railroad
owned by the French Canal company
Instead of being a help, Colombia has
long impoverished the Isthmus, draw
ing from it considerable portion of
the government revenues and giving
little in return.
When the Isthmians saw the canal
treaty rejected at Bogota, they under
stood that they had nothing further to
hope for in that direction. Colombia
was using them to play a selfish game
for herself-a game that gave no
promise Of success, since Uncle sam
would never be blackmailed in this
way. Accordingly, as quickly as
possible. the Pharmacists proceeded to
throw Off the yoke and set up a gov
eminent of their own, that could act
for their own interests and treat with
the United States as to the canal
Little doubt exists that Washington
was fully informed as to the prospect
ahead and that the stroke was looked
/ AHnu WIN AdNOl lufIts IL Il elLnln-
cant that American war vessels and
marines were on hand at the right
moment ito protect American inter-
ests.7 BY virtue OF a treaty entered
into many years ago. the United States
has right, which she has frequently
asserted, to keep transit across the
Isthmus open at all times. Especially
convenient was this duty now.
Marines were landed and while no
effort was made to repress the up
rising. the Colombian representatives
were given to understand that on no
condition would they be allowed to
use force toward the rebels, as tina.
might interrupt traffic. According
". the Colombians cleared out and the
lsthmians were LETT free to set up
housekeeping, stin under the pro-
tecting arm Of the United States. The