The Eureka sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1902-current, 1903-06-27

4
all Colombians should unite to resist
them in defense of "La Patria." On
another occasion another Conservative
general, after arriving from the isthmus,
was heard to say that he had returned
because he did not want to shoot down
Americans.
An idea that has taken strong hold
on Colombian people is that the Ameri-
cans. above all other Anglo-Saxons, are
too absorbing"
They would Prefer 20 Treat with
France and would probably grant more
concessions to her than to America,
there being less Of that feeling OF dis
trust. They fear the Americans and
never have a good word for them, ex-
cept that they are "too smart" Not
withstanding, the whole country is will
ing to treat with the United States on
the same terms, or similar, as they had
already treated with France lease OF
territory for long period with option to
renew for another long period; ceding
of territory or lease in perpetuity not to
be considered, neither control nor sover-
eighty by foreign power over their ter
ritory, for this would be humiliation to
| them as nation.
1t is strange TO note that there are
| many Colombians who never think or
say anything about the Panama Canal.
There is little or no faith in the Govern
ment, whichever party is in power. and
for this reason they are wholly uninter-
ested and busy themselves with the in
ternal political affairs OF their country,
| such as revolutions, etc., not minding
what their relations may be with for
eign nations, since they have no voice in
such matters. They say that the Col
ombian nation will not in the least re-
ceive any benefit from the money which
the sale OF the canal strip might bring
that this money will serve to enrich a
select few of the Government, as expe-
rience has already taught them. In
view Of this they say that it is best to
treat with nobody-to have no canal.
Speaking with friend on one occasion
about the feeling Of patriotism" | was
a bit taken aback with a little frank
speech on his part. Says he: Patriot
ism We are none OF us patriots! Our
revolutions prove this to US. Were we
patriots there would be no wars or petty
strife among US, and, moreover, We would
not fear or distrust the United States in
the least. But it is just this In the
territory designed for the working of the
canal We have
Two Important cities, Colon and
Panama.
The moment America steps in all Col
ombians that inhabit that region will be
becoming Americanized. 1t is known
that the natives of Panama have often
said that they are not Colombians, but
that they are Panamanians. and they
have desired to be separate and are will
ing to-day to form what would be called
the Republic Of Panama, under Ameri-
can protection. The department of Pan
anna, it is said, has elected as represent
atives for Congress men who are in favor
OF the canal scheme as proposed by the
Americans-America for the Ameri-
cans OF the North"
The Government, or third party in
point OF number but fret in regard to
power, realizes that the financial condi-
ton OF the country is at its worst; now
100 pesos Colombian currency are only
worth one American gold dollar. Deep.
ly in debt and without any means forth
coming to meet the demands made upon
her, and with claims which sooner or
later she will have to meet, the projected
canal scheme is received with favor.
Great Opposition Expected.
II Congress meets great opposition to
the treaty is expected; but there would
be many whose influence might turn the
balance in the scales and convince Con-
gress that this strip Of land in question,
which is OF absolutely no value to them, is
/ tuclE tlcdno VI bhiNdtiOi IL thCJ Will Ohil
put away all sentiment OF patriotism, SO
called. and work together for the good OF
their country. 1t is known that Presi-
dent Marroquin is in favor OF the ratica-
ton of the treaty as ratified by the Amer
ican Congress.
The rumor that there will be no meet
ing of Congress- comes from the interior,
And some have interpreted it that Con-
gress will not meet so as to avoid the dis
cussion of the Panama Canal. IT appears
that in the recent elections there resulted
majority in the representation OF the
Nationalist Conservative party, and this.
it is said, will be sufficient reason for
Congress not to meet. And it is said that
most probably the Government will call
ko.o4har n oonvaptinp m, do nm of ita own