New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-11-25
continue to increase fits trade with them at
satisfactory ratio.
FRANCE AND PANAMA.

France is OF all European countries, most IN
terested in Panama, at least from sentimehtai
point of view. Her interest in That lsthmus mas
existed for many years, and on more imam one
occasion has been stimulated by nope, VAN
but still enticing, of gaining some measure Oh
noliticaI control of that territory. Hundreds OF
millions of French money have been invested
euphemism for squandered-in Panama, from
which there can never be any returns lhere
have also been large investments from winch
some returns are to be expected, and TINS TACT
gives TO France practical as well as senti-
mental interest in the isthmus and the canal
project 1t is gratifying, therefore, to be as
sured that the recent occurrences and present
conditions at Panama satisfactory to the
French government, and that it does not hesl-
tate to follow the lead of the United States In
establishing working relations with the de facto
government of the new republic.
The French Foreign Minister'S statement on
the subject on Monday was received Win ap-
plause in the Chamber of Deputies. 1t is TO De
regarded with qualification here and at Panama
In no place. we assume, and certainly nope VIII
it be misunderstood or misinterpreted NJ. Del
casse spoke of assurances that all french IN
"terests including the canal concession, VIII
"be respected" He has, of course, received
such assurances from the Panama government,
in detailed and explicit form. That was 10 De
expected. The Panama revoluuonlsts DO not
propose, as the Dominican insurgents nave
threatened. TO repudiate all obligations former
ly made by the government of their country
on the contrary, they hold those obligations
TO be as binding upon them as though they
themselves had assumed them. Chief among
these obligations are those pertaining to the
canal and NJ Decasse is satisfied, and the
French Chamber of Deputies is satisfied, that
they will be fulfilled That is precisely as it
should be.
But those obligations are not to be misunder-
stood They do not and cannot promise French
control of the canal or a French guarantee OF
its neutrality. There was q time when some
Frenchmen and some Colombans dreamed OF
sllch an arrangement. Such dreams must have
been dissipated long ago by the reminder that
no such scheme was tolerable under the treaty
already existing between Colombia ana the
United States whereby the United States, and
1t alone, is made the guarantor Of isthmian neu-
tralitv. There is also the definite declaration,
made years ago and consistently maintained
that the isthmian canal must be IAN American
canal under American control" There is, final
Iy. the treaty just made between the United
States and the Republic of Panama, which, we
assume, will be ratified and put into force,
giving TO the United States sole and absolute
authority over the canal.
These things are no menace to French inter
ests, but rather an additional guarantee that
they will be properly regarded The United
States will pay the present French company for
its equity in the unfinished canal, thus safe
guarding the financial interests of French in
vestors. It will also maintain the canal, when
it is built, open on equal terms to the peaceful
commerce of France and of all the world, thus
Safeguarding French commercial interests in the
most effective manner In such circumstances,
and with such prospect, NJ. Delcasse and the
French Chamber, and the entire world, may
well be satisfied. 1t is the best outlook the
much troubled isthmus and the much disputed
canal enterprise have ever known.