The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-08
DISTURBANCES ON THE
ISTHMUS SINCE 1S46.

DISTURBANCES ON THE
ISTHMUS SINCE 1846.
When these events happened, fifty-seven
years had elapsed since the United States
had entered into its treaty with New Ora
NADIA. During that time the governments of
New Granada and of it's successor, Colom-
bia, have been In constant state of flux.
The following is partial list of the dis
turtances on tn; Isthmus of Panama dur
ing the period in question as reported to us
by our consuls. 1t is not possible to give
a complete list, and some OF the reports
that speak of revolutions must mean un-
successful revolutions:
May p, 1S5o-Outbreak; two Americans
break.
October, 1S50-Revolutionar plot to bring
about independence of the isthmus.
July p. 1So1-Revolution in four southern
provinces.
Nov. IA. 1S51-Outbreaks at Chagres.
Man-of-war requested for Chagres.
June "a 1Ss3-Insurrection at Bogota, and
consequent disturbance on isthmus War
May %. iS54-Political disturbances; war
vessel requested.
June 2s, 1s54-Attempted revolution.
Oct. "a, 1S54-Independence of isthmus de-
manded by Provincial Legislature
April, 1S56-Riot, and massacre of Amer
| leans.
May 4, 1S56--Riot
| May 49, 1S56-Riot.
June 3, 1S56-Rlot.
| Oct. 2, 1S56-Confiict between two native
parties. United States force landed.
| Dec. is, 1S5S-Attempted secession of Pam
! ANA.
| April, 1S59-Riots
| September 1S60-Outbreak
| Oct. 4, 1s60-Landing of United States
| forces in consequence.
May %. 1S61-Intervention of the United
| States forces required by intendente.
| Oct q 1S61-Insurrection and civil war.
April 4. 1S62-Measures to prevent rebels
crossing isthmus.
| June Is, 1S62-Mosquera'S troops refused
| admittance TO Panama.
March, 1Se5-Revolution, and United
| States troops landed.
August, lSS5-Riots; unsuccessful attempt
| March, 1s66-Unsuccessful revolution.
| April, lSSl-Attempt to overthrow gov
August, 1s67-Attempt at revolution.
July 5, 1S6S-Revolution; provisional gov
eminent inaugurated.
government overthrow.
April, 1S7l-Revolution; followed apparent
ly by counter revolution.
which lasted to October, 1875.
| August. 1S76-Clvil war which lasted until
July, is7s-Rebellion.
December lsIs-Revolt
| April 1S79-Revolution.
June, 1S79-Revolution.
March. 1sS3-Riot.
| May, 1S83-Riot.
| June. 1SS4-Revolutionary attempt
| December, 1SS4-Revolutionary attempt
| January 1Ss5-Revoiutionary disturbances.
| March, 1SS5-Revolution.
| April, 18S7-Disturbance on Panama rail-
road.
November, 1sS7-Disturbance on line of
| canal
January, 1sss-Riot.
January. 1Ss5-Revolution which lasted
| until April.
| March, 1Ss5-Incendary attempt
| October, 1S99-Revolution.
| February. 1890. to July, 1900-Revolution.
| January, 1901-Revolution.
| July, 1901-Revolutionary disturbances.
| September, 1901-Ctty of Colon taken by
| rebels.
March, 1sO2-Revoutionary disturbances.
| July, 1902--Revolution.
The above is only a partial list of the rev.
| olutions. rebellions, Instructions, riots and
other outbreaks that have occurred during
the period In question; yet they number
| fifty-three for the fifty-seven years. 1t will
be noted that one OF them lasted for nearly
| three years before il was quelled; another
| for nearly year. In short, the experience
to be utterly incapable of keeping order on
| the isthmus. Only the active Interference
of the United States has enabled her to
preserve so much as a sembance of SOW
| ereignty Had it not been for the exercise
| by the United States of the police power in
/ her interest her connection with the 18TH
/ NUS WOulQ nave Dteu Su0uertQ long ago.
In 1856, in 1850. in 1873, in 1856. in 1891, and
| again in 1902, sailors and marines from
| United States warships were forced to land
| in order TO patrol the isthmus to protect
| life and property, and to see that the transit
! across the isthmus was kept open.
An Extraordinary Request.
In 1861. In 1862, in 1855, and in 1900, the
Colombian government asked that the
United States government would land
tain order on the isthmus. Perhaps the
most extraordinary request is that which
has just been received and which runs as
follows:
Knowing that revolution has already
| commenced in Panama fan eminent CO.
| lombianl says that If the government of
the United States will land troops to pre-
by he
charge d'affaires, this government will
declare martial law; and, by virtue
| public order is disturbed, will approve
| by decree the ratification of the canal
treaty as signed; or, If the government of
| session of the Congress-with new and
friendly members-next May to approve the
treaty. Ian eminent, Colombian1 has the
says, and If 1t became necessary will go
| to the isthmus or send representatives
| to the satisfaction Of the people there
This dispatch Is noteworthy from two
standpoints, Its offer of immediately guar
| anteeing the treaty TO us is in sharp con-
trast with the positive and contemptuous
| refusal of the Congress which has just
| closed its sessions to consider favorably
such a treaty. II shows that the govern
| ment which made the treaty really had
| absolute control over the situation. but did
not choose to exercise this control. The
| dispatch further calls on us To restore
| order and secure Colombian supremacy in
| the isthmus from which the Colombian
government has just by its action decided
| to bar us by preventing the construction
| of the canal.
UNDISTURBED TRANSIT
is NECESSARY.