Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-07
Consul General Gudger

Al the White House this morning
agents of the United States to a country
under the conditions that now prevail as
to Panama but he must look 10 Congress
thereafter to approve his action by proVid-
ing the necessary salary for the officer
President Cleveland pursued that course IN
the case of Commissioner Paramount
PIount It is not vet determined, no.ycver.
that it will be necessary to follow that lead
in the case of Panama.
Instructing Consul General Gudger.
With the full and explicit instructions
furnished to him by Secretary Hay, Mr..
Gudger, the United States consul general
to Panama, who is to sail tomorrow Tor
that post may be regarded as fully quail
fled to discharge any diplomatic duties that
may devolve upon him. Mr.. Gudger called
at the State Department today for fur
ther conference with Secretary Hay, VINO
afterward sent him to the White House TO
talk over the situation with the President
Secretary Hay had previously conferred
with the President Mr.. Gudger called with
Justice Pritchard, his personal friend and
from his own state, North Carolina He
talked briefly with the President about
Panama affairs and then hurried over to
the State Department.
New Republic Developing.
Such reports as came to the State De-
partment overnight and in the early morn
ing indicated a regular development of the
new state of Panama. They We're gener-
ally confirmatory of the press dispatches
of the night before. For instance. Consul
Malmors reported from Colon, under this
mornings date, as follows:
Absolute tranquility in Colon. Porfrio
MelendeZ has been appointed governor or
Colon, and proclaimed at 10 o'clock yes
terday. English, French and American
consuls present Launch has been sent to
BOc1S
there"
A cablegram from United States Minister
Beaupre, dated at Bogota, November 8,
stated:
There are rumors in Bogota of serious
disturbances on the isthmus. and 1t is
thought there will be an immediate move
ment for independence. 1t Is very difficult
to obtain trustworthy inforTnat tion.
To Protect British Interests.
The British government has formally re-
quested the State Department to look after
the interests of British subjects on the
isthmus, and similar requests from other
European nations are expected, all of which
will be promptly granted. 1t is said there
are reasons why 1t Is desirable that large
foreign naval representation in isthmian
waters should be discouraged just now and
| until the new government is permanently
established. 1t Is expected here that there
will be little delay about such establish
| ment, and as soon as there is a regular gov
ernment in place OF the present junta the
! State Department expects to take up nego-
| tiauons for the execution Of the canal
| project. The State Department has de-
| cided that as far it is concerned it re-
| CARDS as effective and still in force as to
| the new state of Panama the treaties that
| governed as to Colombia, or as to New Gra-
| NADIA rather Consequently 1t Is stated that
| sll of the concessions including the Panama
| Canal Company's concession, are regarded
as valid and in force.
Isthmian Canal Negotiations.
| Another important conclusion reached by
| the department was that Notwithstanding
| the fact that the Spooner canal act in
| terms required the United States govern
ment before beginning the canal to con-
| clude a treaty with Colombia. the spirit OF
| the act will be met by the conclusion of an
| arrangement with the new state Of Panama
| on the lines of the Spooner act, and 1t will
proceed to that end. In other words 1t is
| held that just as the engagements entered
| into by the United States with New Gran
| ada have ever since been regarded as bind
| ing in regard to Colombia. so, accepting the
| common-law doctrine in such cases as bind
| ing. the department is authorised to read
| Panama instead of Colombia, In the
| Spooner act.
Legislation Deemed Unnecessary.
In that sense the President will ind It un-
] necessary. unless he cares to do SO. to 90