The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-11-06

progress under Colombian rule Under the late system of Colombian Government, the inhabitants of the isthmus had been governed with the narrow mindedness which. in days gone by, had been applied to American colonies by the powers of Europe
 The manifesto then refers to the fact that the isthnus of Panama netted Co., lombia large sums in customs dues, ad- ding that while the junta did not wish in this exposition of facts. which would be handled down to posterity. to be regarded as being moved by a mercenary spirit, nevertheless it was but just to point out that in spite of the large sums of money collected from the isthmus for fis- cal purposes, the latter had not received the benefit of even bridge over any of its rivers, the construction of a single road between any of the towns of the isthmus the erection of any public build- ings. the establishment of a single col- lege, nor of any other step tending to advance the industries and intellectual development of Panama, as not even the most infinteslmal part of the large sums collected had been applied toward bene- fitting Panama in any shape or form.
 The failure of the Hay-Herran canal treaty to.meet with the approval of the Congress at Bogota is then touched upon. It Is pointed out that only a few public men were opposed to the treaty. and that their position was due to the fact that it was alleged that Panama would be the only part of the country which would receive direct benefits from the building of an inter-oceanic canal. The manifesto then continued
 The people of the. isthmus, in view of this notorious situation, have decided to recover their sovereignty in order to work out their own destiny and to in- sure the future of Panama in a manner in keeping with the evident destiny of the country, its vast territory and its immense riches. The initiators of the movement aspire to assist in this work and also to take part in the foundation of the republic where the laws shall be tn, unfailing guide of those who govern and those who are governed. where ef- fective peace will be established and In which all interests will join in the work of civilization and progress which must result in perpetual stability.
 At the beginning of the life of this independent nation. We fully appreciate the responsibilities which the present state of affairs means, but we have pro- found faith .n the good sense and patriot dsm of the isthmians. and we believe that they possess sufficient energy to open the way by their labor to happy future, without worry or danger.
 The separation of the isthmus from Colombia was accomplished without any feeling of hatred or any sentiment of joy. Just as a son withdraws from the paternal roof, the isthmian people, taking their chosen path. have separated them selves from Colombia. They did it with grief. but they compiled with their su- preme. inevitable duty, that of looking to their own future. of attending to their own preservation and of working out their own welfare.
 we, therefore. now begin to form one of the free nations of the world. We con- slider Colombia as being a sister nation, with winch we shall be in sympathy whenever circumstances may require 1t ans for whose prosperity we have the most fervent and sincere wishes.
 Jose A Arrange,
 ''Frederico Boyd,
 Tomas Arias.'