The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-12-05
PANAMA REPUBLIC.
Special Letters to The Advertiser
 from the Infant Nation.

Special Letters to The Advertiser
 from the Infant Nation.
 The events of the last few weeks on the Isthnus of Panama are of world- wide importance. A revolution occurred there on November 3, the people of the Isthmus casting of the bonds that held them in national unity with Colombia and establishing the Republic of Panama. That Republic, the youngest of all the nations. now exists as an independent de jure government, having been recog- nized by the United States, Germany and France. Its permanancy is assured by the fact that that the United States has assumed a protectorate over it, that ac- tion having been taken with a view to guaranteeing our own rights in the ship canal it is proposed to construct across the Isthmus.
 All of these things the people know: but the true inwardness of the situation in that tropic land is as a sealed book to the people of the United States. The revolution was bloodiess one; but who knows how 1t was brought about, the steps leading up to 1t, and the nature of the sentiment which caused the Pana. manians to create for themselves an inde- pendent nation? It is known that the pro- visional government which has been es- abolished Is in the hands of Junta; but who knows the caliber of men compos- ing that Junta, their capacity for gov- ernment. their capabilities for adminis- ter1ng the trust reposed in them, and their standing before the people? 1t is known that there are fair prospects of an early conclusion of the canal negotia- tions; but who knows the recent state of the canal project, and the various other questions with which this new republic will have to do? Who knows the pros- poets of the country. the outlook for it's new government, it's sources of revenue. resources, methods, etc.?
 These are things about which the Amer lean public is in Ignorance, and 1t is es. sential that ignorance be dispelled before Congress settles itself seriously to con- sideration of the canal project. The Ad- vertiser proposes to have its share in en- Tightening the American people on all of these points. and with that idea in view, MT. Merrill A. Teague, of The Adverti- ser's editorial staff, sailed on Tuesday. November 17, from New York to Colon, the Caribbean seaport of the new Re. public. From Colon he will cross the lsthmus to Panama, following the route or the proposed canal, and during a stay or several weeks on the Isthmus will make a thorough investigation into every phase of the situation there. His re- searcneS VIII include every detail of the formation of the new Republic; its pres- ent state. future prospects, as well as personal studies of the character and cal- iber of the men in charge of affairs. In order to do this work properly, Mir. Teague will visit every accessible portion Of the lsthmus, talking with the people, learning their sentiments, and by every test of intelligent investigation inquire in- to all that can concern the prospects and prosperity of this new baby among na- tions with whom the United States Is about to enter into the most intimate as- sociation
 The result of this inquiry will be re- ported in the form of special letters to The Advertiser, each one of which will be illustrated by photographs taken by the correspondent. The series will include about twenty-five letters, each one writ ten in an entertaining style and dealing with some phase of the Panamanian sit- uation which Is of pertinent interest. Coming as they will just about the time Congress takes up the Panama question Tor consideration, these letters will 20 a long way toward enlightenins the Amer ican people as to true conditions on the ISthmus.