The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-17
REPUBLIC OF PANAMA,
A BABY AMONG NATIONS,
BOTH ENVED AND PIT|ED
Actual Conditions on the Isthmus
Described by the Journals
Commissioner.
CANAL, RICHES, PEACE.
All Assured When the United
States Practically Declared
ProtectOrate.
CONTENT NOT POSSIBLE
Wealth Menace to Happiness
Leaders Not Statesmen and the
People Indecisive.
CONTENT NOT POSSIBLE

PANAMA, r. p. Dec THE republic OF
Panama stands to-day with one foot npon
the wreck OF Colombian maladministration,
oppression and perfidy. and the other upon
the ruins OF French efforts TO cut COM
merciaI waterway through the narrow
isthmian strip. while both OF Its arms are
extended I'm hope and supplication toward
the United States.
In this strange and strained attitude the
republic.is not more to be envied than it is
TO be pitied. Born of revolution effected
without bloodshed, it faces prospects more
roseate than were ever before held out to
any other nation within twenty-three days
of it's birth. In fact. few governments.
even among those whose maturity Is of the
ages. are more fortunately situated than
Is this. the baby among nations. Straight
ahead of Panama. with realization of them
all guaranteed by the protectorate which
the United States has assumed, lies the
certainty of a plethoric treasury freedom
from debt, nominal taxes, absolute security
in independence prevailing peace and the
unlimited enrichment of her citizens
through the early and inevitable develop
ment OF the country's natural resources
These are advantages very few nations
have ever enjoyed; but over against them
must be placed the catalogue of disadvan-
tages and deterrents-a catalogue which ex-
cites the keenest pity
LAND OF INDIGESTION.
Panama is to-day a land of indecision.
hesitation and chaos. In all the republic S
domain-comprising an area about equal
TO that Of the State of Indiana-there is not
one man (native Panamaian) who has ever
demonstrated the possession of abilities of
that order required of one who would sue
cessfully lead a people to the accomplish
ment OF a great purpose. OF able business
men. astute politicians, adventures and
schemers In general there are more than
any country requires; but of statesmen,
diplomats and other real leaders there are
practically none at ALL The very men who
we are speaking now of the native or equal
element among them-are novices in every
thing pertaining TO the science Of govern
government, and, while there is no scspi-
cion or their integrity or Of the sincerity OF
their purpose. they are wofully lacking in
ability TO do the work they have under
taken in. the way Ii should be done accord
Ing to the situation which confronts them.
The result is that upon every hand the in
curing visitor encounters Ignorance, doubt
and uncertainty, where there should be, If
the independent movement is to be carried
TO its full frution, intelligence, determina-
tion and fixed ability.
Careful investigation shows that there is
more or less reason for this condition.
which stands first in the pity-excting cat
slogue. This new republic came into being
without any definite political purpose. 1t
was conceived solely of determination to
have the canal connecting the Atlantic and
the Pacific constructed across the isthmus,
and at no other place. Had Colombia rati-
fed the Hay Herran treaty the revolution
OF the third of November would never have
taken place. That is freely admitted by
everybody in any way concerned in bringing
about the Independence of Panama. The
inevitable conclusion Is that the Panama
fans were not sufficiently displeased with
Colombian sovereignty and administration
TO have revolted because of any desire for
real independence. That. too. is conceded
by the leaders in the revolutionary move
ment- 1t Is true that strong indictment
Is drawn by these men against Colombia
for her sins of omission and commission;
but that indictment is more of an after
thought, framed for purposes of political
Justification than IL Is a statement of in
neutrality-suspicious. grievances.
MONEY WAS THEIR MOTIVE.
The motive underlying the creation of
the republic was, consequently, more self
ish than patriotic; more sordid than senti-
mental The people of Panama, knowing
better than do any other people the enor-
nous value to them of a ship canal across
the isthmus. played for that advantage, in
stead of for any real improvement in the
condition of their government The riches
they VIII realize from the construction and
operation of the canal were weighty
considerations with them than was thought
OF political liberty; and fortunately for their
purpose they found the United States ready
TO join hands with them. The effect OF
bringing a republic into existence under
such circumstances is daily becoming more
and more apparent The instigators of the
movement for independence. having no such
TO. were forced, in order to carry out their
project, To yield TO an influence as sordid
were their own motives. These men
who figure now as the responsible heads
of the republican government will very
frankly admit that they proceeded with the
scheme for independence not by addressing
themselves TO the desire OF the isthmians Il
be free from Colombia but by secretly
corrupting those who were in position 4
hinder execution of their purpose.
So freely admissions of this nature
made that last evening one of the members
OF the government junta. frankly and with.
out hesitation. and I'm return for the simple
asking. gave TO your correspondent list OF
the men who were bribed TO support tht
revolutionary movement, and the amount
paid to each one. These bribes are termed
bonuses mere, and the payment OF them Il
freely talked about in the streets and no.
tells; nor does any Panamaian seem tc
think that the men who sold their influence
for stated sums in Colombian currenc,
selves. To such an extent was the plan OF
winning by corruption carried out thal
every dollar or public money in the former
the revolutionists and has since been pait
out TO those men who accepted bonilse,
from the instigators OF the movement FOL
independence. Nor was this sum sufficient
TO insure the success of the plan IL wa.
used as far as IL would go. and when IL wa:
exhausted the revolutionists resorted 4
promises. which have since been redeemed
by the payment OF sums taken from tn,
loan of 10000 made about the middle o.
the month 10 the new republic by j. Z
Morgan & Co, OF New York.
FAITH IN THE UNITED STATES.
The promoters OF the revolution are
therefore. compelled by experience TO dis
trust a large proportion OF those men upo,
whom they are now forced TO rely. The,
know that the army and the police fore
were purchased TO support the revolution
and knowing that these factors are sus
ceptibie 10 corruption, they do not know
to-day whether the military and police Off
cfals true untrue TO the republic
The Panamaian naval establishment stand
IN exactly the same position as does IN
army and the police force. and since IL Il
upon these agencies that the new govern
ment must depend In greater or less De
gree for its security. there Is fear and sus
picion dfscoverable upon every hand. Tn
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