The Indianapolis journal., 1903-12-13
w. /. BUCHANAN FIRST =
MINISTER TO PANAMA

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1.-THE President
has selected w. /. Buchanan, Of New York.
to be the first United States minister to
Panama. Mr.. Buchanans selection was
brought about by desire on the part of the
President to secure temporarily at least and
during the capitalization OF the relations be-
tween the United States and Panama. the
services Of trained and experienced dipio-
matte representative having special refer
ence to his knowledge of the Latin-Ameri-
can. races. BY reason of long service as
United States minister to Argentine Repub-
lie. Mr.. Buchanan fills that description IN
the estimation OF the State Department.
1t is understood that his assumption OF
duties Is not to be permanent. for he sacri-
feed large business interests TO undertake
the work. l
Regarding Il as very desirabie that the
new minister shall be at his post at an
early moment the State Department has
adopted the unusual course of making out
for him a special commission. independent
Of the nomination In regular form to-day
submitted. This commission designates Mr..
Buchanan as envoy extraordinary on
a special mission. Under It's powers
he will be able to perform all
the duties of a regular minister and
more if need be. He will hold this commits
shall have confirmed his regular nomina-
ton as minister plenipotentiary and envoy
extraordinary to Panama. Thus armed Mr.
Buchanan will take the first steamer from
New York for Panama, sailing next Tues
day He went to Buffalo last evening to
close up some private business.
Ohio and represented the State as an agri-
culturist commissioner at the worlds fair
at Chicago. He was appointed by Presi-
dent Cleveland United States minister 10
Buenos Ayres. His record at that point
was so satisfactory that President McKtn-
ley continued him at his post for several
years after his accession 10 Office. Nj.
buchanan became director general of the
Pan-American exposition at Buffalo ana
since the close OF that enterprise he has
been engaged In private business. He also
has been looking after certain interests OF
the st. Louis exposition.
The appointment of Minister Buchanan
followed reception OF news at the State De-
pa-tment that final steps had been taken
for the formation of permanent republic
form of government In Panama The
eral Gudger dated Panama, to-day, as fol-
lows: ELECTION for a constitutional conven-
tion called for Jan a. The convention meets
Jan. 90" This action is taken, it Is be-
lieved, to meet suggestions from Panama
that criticism of the new republic would be
largely disarmed and the status of the new
treaty improved IL the final ratihcauons
could be exchanged by the United States
with a permanent and regular form OF gov-
ernment On the isthmus. The territory or
Panama Is so Sffldll tHdl, dItOidtus W tiY
belief here the elections can be completed
within week after the date named-Jan- T.
The convention Is expected 10 follow gen
orally the outlines of the Cuban constitu-
tion, which is regarded as the most modern
and complete model of such documents.
The Navy Department has received a ca
blegram from Rear Admiral Glass announce
ing tnat he Is making every effort 20 run
Gown the various reports regarding Coiom-
bian expeditions 20 the isthmus- He has
ordered the Mayfower 10 the mouth OF the
Atrato river to make a thorough invests
CATION, and. III necessary, reconnoisanco
of that region also Will be made TO definitely
ascertain whether there are any Colombian
troops I'm that section. The Atlanta also
has been ordered to patrol the northern
coast o: the isthmus on the same mission.
The commanders of both vessels are under
instructions TO conduct their investigation
with all possible dispatch and return TO
Colon so that the Navy Department may
have a full official report OF the exact sftua-
ton.
The torpedo boats Perry and Paul Jones
have been ordered 10 proceed from the
Mare Island tCa.) navy yard TO Panama
TO augment Admiral Class's fleet The Paul
Jones will be placed In commission at once.