Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-09
Panama Wants the Canal.

Panama Wants the Canal.
In speaking of his mission Saturday night
Mar. Varilla said:
Let me correct the impression that am
an agent of the Panama Canal Company
1t is true that I have been chief engineer
Of the Panama canal on the isthmus during
my association with the old Panama Canal
Company from 1884 to 1889. l never was
an official of the new company in any ca
pacity whatsoever. Far from representing
this company, my relations with it are
anything but friendly The history of my
connection with the Panama question since
1889 is that of a soldier to his flag. have
spared neither my time nor my efforts nor
my money to vindicate this great and gen.
erous conception of the ISLANDERS under
which 1t has succumbed I have concen-
trated my life and endeavors to the triumph
of an idea for which France has shed so
much blood and rightly expended so much
money. l pity the people whose hearts at
tach only mercenary causes to human &C.
lions, and their opinions are Indifferent to
me. They do not rise to the level of nv
contempt. Nevertheless l am bound to the
republic ] represent.
You can say for me- added the minister
with great earnestness, mot only that the
iSthmian people want a canal, but that they
will have one, and that they will readily
grant every facility to the United States to
complete a treaty and construct the canal
/ shall take up the matter with the Secre-
tary of State as soon as ] see him.
Will Not Tolerate Delay.
Minister Varilla talked to the newspa per
men last night at the New Willard where
he has temporarily established his legation
of his mission at Washington LAS to nv
plans, he said. 1T is perhaps little pre-
mature for me to-speak. / shall call at
the State Department and it will depend
largely on my conference with the officials
there how rapidly canal negotiations can
proceed. We wish to go ahead as soon> as
possible and to show that we shall not toll
crate the delay and procrastnation with
which the Colombian canal negotiations
dragged along to their final failure 1t is
my desire and that of the people of Pana-
ma that unnecessary red tape and formal
ity, so far as dignity will permit. shall be
waived and that we conclude and sign a
treaty with the Washington government at
the earliest day possible.
ITO the isthmian republic the canal is the
corner stone of its future existence. To the
United States its construction is the great
achievement on which the whole world
waits. Therefore for the general good de-
lay In this matter cannot be permitted,
Il consider that the republic of Panama
today Is fulflling all the duties of regular
lions at once with the Washington govern
ment. which already has extended us prac-
teal recognition. l shah say from the pres
ent outlook the conclusion of a satisfactory
treaty need be matter of but short time
We both want the canal. Why should we
wait? We are both of good faith and can
take up the subject in sincerity and with
a common desire to arrive at Immediate and
practical results"
The minister at this point reiterated
strongly his declaration Of Saturday that
he was In no way connected with the Pam
anna Canal Company.
Recognition by the Powers.
How soon do you expect to be recognized
by the other powers?'' the minister was
asked. .e.
Very shortly was the reply. France
has already indicated unofficially her will
ingness to follow the lead of the United
States. thereby showing her appreciation of
the Washington governments high motives
which inspired the recent action of the
United States in promptly recognizing my
government and offering her protection
against foreign foes.
1.-The two tri-color flags will be once more
associated with this great enterprise which
France has begun and which the United
States will finish
In notifying him of my appointment as
minister | expressed to Secretary HAY the
warm gratitude of the government and
people OF Panama. do not fear that the
South American republics will be hurt by
the recent events. Though every man is
more inclined to support man of his race
and tongue, and know too well the sense
OF honor of the Spanish race not to realize
after the most Objectionable attitude of
Colombia and her absolute disregard of
the right of property in preventing the ex-
ecution of q project vital to the universe
that the good sense of the Latin Americans.
Will cause them to heartily approve and
fndorse as eminently correct and proper the
entire course of the Washington govern
on the isthmns. So far from being a land
grabber, the United States will entirely re-