Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1903-11-20
Our Policy at Panama
(PortIand Oregonian.)


What we have done as to Panama
eminent. Panama declared her inde-
pendence. suspended within her borders
the authority of Colombia and set her
own government in operation. 1t is
not pretended that the United States
took any part. But we believe the ac-
ton of Panama is welcomed by the
people of the United States, or by a
great majority of them, as affording
basis for solution of the contention
about the Isthmian canal
This now has boone the leading
question of the day. 1t may be sup
posed that Colombia will make some
effort to reduce the rebel state to
submission. But so far there is moth
ing but a little buster, Colombia has
no financial or military resources.
Doodle politicians and revolutionists
have exhausted them, growing rich
themselves, the while.
Troops from Bogota can scarcely be
brought into Panama by land-a long
march. through the practically imper-
vious mountain region of the isthmus,
which falls from great heights precip-
itously to the sea, on either side. This
mountain region is one of tropical for
est and jungle, with swamps and
marshes lying in every basin. There
are no roads and but few trails; and
few men we'll posted might stop twenty
times their numbr.
But will Colombia attempt to send a
force by sea? And If so, will it be per-
mitted to land? No doubt Panama be-
lieves that our government, charged by
treaty with the duty of maintaining
peace on the isthmus for protection of
the railroad, will stand in the way of
any attempt on the part of the Colom-
bia government to suppress the revo-
luton. Our ships of war therefore are
expected by the Panama revolution1sts
to turn back any expedition that CO.
lombia may send. 1t is not probable
that President Roosevelt will go very
far in such a matter without first nav
ing obtained assurance of support in
congress If Colombia should start
military EXPEDITION for subjugation or
Panama there would be a lively hutter,
in our congress at once.
We want canal across the isthmus
of America, and must have it. THE
government at Bogota," says the Bos-
ton Herald has attempted to take
that advantage of our necessities when
consists in exacting from us the larg-
est possible monetary return for the
right which 1t comedies. The main dis
trict of Colombia is in no way anecteo
bv or interested in isthmian canal con-
struction. In fact, to nine out OF ten
of the Colombian people the construc-
ton of canals ont he planet Mars is
ma tier of quite as much practical IN
terest as the construction of canal at
Panama. But the opportunity to nolo
up' the United States government until
it paid large ransom was too good TO
be allowed to pass by unused
Naturally. therefore, our people OF
tbe United States view with satisfac-
lion the declaration of Panama me
question is if it came to emergency
how far shall we favor or support IL
1t will depend on the humor or dispo-
sition of congress; and this the presl-
dent will doubtless ascertain oetore
taking decisive action
We want the canal and Panama
wants the canal. Colombia doesn care
about the canal, but wants money ana
tries to extort it. This is the whoie