Middletown transcript., 1903-11-14
WASHINGTON LETTER

mere Win close interest, and it is the
general opinion that the revolution will
De successful and that the new (Repub-
lie OF the Isthmus) will succeed in estab-
fishing its independence, and gaining its
recognition by this country. The seces-
sion of Panama from Colombia was al.
most foregone conclusion after the Bo-
gotta government rejected the canal treaty.
Panama is geographically separate from
Colombia and the interests of the two
states are antagonistic, so that when
Colombia attempted to block the canal,
a separation was inevitable. Panama has
declared her independence, red, white
and blue flag, placed triumvrat in
charge of the government, expelled all
the Colombia troops, who would not Join
In the revolution, and has now received
partial recognition by the United States.
American warships have arrived at each
side of the Isthmus, marines have been
landed and this country has made clear
its purpose to maintain an open traffic on
the isthmus, as it is obliged to do by the
treaty OF 1916. This treaty was signed
with New Granada, nation of which
Colombia is the remaining fraction. In
addition to the obligation of our govern
ment to maintain open traffic across the
isthmus at all times, we agreed also to
guarantee New Granada (now Colombia)
in its sovereignty and property on the
isthmus. We have recognized the de
facto government on the Isthmus and
| authorized our consular officers to do bu-
siness with it. Senator Cullom, chair
man of the Senate Committee of Foreign
Relations, is deeply interested in the rev.
olution and says he hopes a government
will be established so that the United
States can negotiate a canal treaty and
proceed with the construction. His OPT
MON is generally adhered to at the Capt.
tol. In recognizing the sovereignty of
the new Republic we should have to
consider it as the part of New Granada
to which the treaty of 1916 applied, just
as We now consider Columbia. Panama
is very small state, about $4,000 in
habitants, and if independent, it would
come under the virtual protectorate, if
not into actual possession of the United
States. This is the opinion held by the
European powers and in their desire to
see the canal completed they seem to
make no objection to the Isthmus COM
ing under the control of the United
States.
~
The elections last Tuesday brought
much satisfaction to Republican politi-
clans here, who are still discussing them
with reference to their effect on the presi-
dental campaign next fall. The grand
victory in Ohio insures Senator Hanna's
reelection for another senatorial term,
completely discredits Tom johnson as a
political leader, and shows that the
state will be a stronghold for the party
next fall. In Massachusetts, the Demo-
Gratis were prevented from getting con-
troll of Republican state and the politi.
cal ambitions of Richard Olney were
quieted forever. In New York city the
municipal campaign became party one,
and of course the Democrats won. They
always carry the city, but seldom the
state. The Republicans made many gains
in the rest of the state and added to their
majority in the legislature. The Demo-
cratic alliance with Tammany is certain
to iniure their party, and New York
State will no doubt remain in the Repub-
lican column next fall. The Democrats
carried Maryland, on the race issue.
Maryland has strong southern sympath-
les, is usually Democratic and the Re-
aquarrel between Senator McComas and
Representative Mudd. The party defeat
in the state should prove lesson to the
Republicans in both Maryland and Della
ware, and show them that if they wish
to share in the party's success next fall,
they must put aside their local differences
and unite on the national issues. As far
as the Democratic presidential nomina-
tion is concerned, those men who have
gained the most by the elections are
Hearst and German. With the excep-
ton of Hearst's papers, the entire press
of New York city was against Tammany,
and now the successful candidates are
calling attention to this fact and express
ing their gratitude to Representative
Hearst. As Mayor-elect Mcclellan was
born in Saxony he is not eligible for the
nomination and he will no doubt sup
port Hearst, who is making great efforts
to win the labor vote. Senator German
has the prestige of having carried his
state, and is the champion of the South
ern attitude on the race question. He
is regarded as "safe' candidate and the
"money power" is said to favor him. 1t
may be German on Hearst or perhaps
German and Hearst, or may be Hearst
and German.
~
Senator German has been furnished
with some more "Booker Washington
dinners" by the fact that five negro
OF the United States Navy,
together with about two-hundred OF their
white companions, were served refresh
ments in the State-dining room of the
White House where the sailors, in COM
mand only of petty officers, had been re-
ceived by the President and Mrs. Roose-
velt. They were enlisted men of the U.
). May flower and Sylph which are ly-
ing in the Washington Navy Yard and
which we're used by the President and
MS family very often last summer. The
officers had nothing to do
With the reception which was given the
enlisted men of the navy by the Com
of the Army and Navy.