The San Francisco call., 1903-12-20
COLOMBIA FOR WAR.

n ARIS is long way off to be the scene OF decla-
r. ration of war by Colombia against Panama the
United States and all corners. Yet from Paris
the that committee formed OF all Colon
bans Europe organized instruct foreign Govern
ments the Panama matter, and that unless the
sion of Panama is submitted the Hague court in
its most horrid form will make the sthmus howl Colon
ba will then appeal to the other Central American
stand in, and trouble, lurid and frowning of
aspect, will begin.
In the first place it doubtful if the question of the
right of revolution is among the issues with which the
Hague court can deal 1t probable that such matters
a division of the public debt of Colombia, a proper
share be assumed by Panama might go to arbitra-
ton. But the right of revolution is another thing
tirey. In international law revolution is regarded
inherent right which when asserted carries with it all
the responsibility of failure.
Nor is it probable all that the can be used to
the treaty of I846 Parties treaties only
concerned in them and put upon them their
construction No one has denied the construction
of the sovereignty clause of that treaty declared by
Lewis Cass and Mr. Seward 1t only protective of the
sovereignty of the sthmus against European nterfer
This is in direct line with the Monroe doctrine
1t is fantastic say that undertook to make Colon
ban sovereignty against domestic revolution for
that would make the treaty of offensive and de-
fensve alliance.
The treaty again practically construed by Mr.
Cleveland when he withdrew from the Senate the Ere
lHgnuySeH treaty WIFI nicaragua ana costa RiCd De-
it was of alliance. defensive and offensive
We had made treaties of that kind with any country
since the treaty'of 1873 with France, which were
compelled in interest and from motives of self
preservation to abrogate The Monroe doctrine not
treaty. 1t is declaration of national policy, upon
which may act omit to act suits situa-
ton.
We have recognized the de facto Government of Pan
anna, have most of the European powers. Mexico
has followed suit and has Nicaragua, and probably
other Central American states will do the We
have entered into treaty with Panama. was
right and hers. 1t for advantages of
scenden Importance the United States the world
in the construction of the canal Senators Hoar and
Daniel taking up the time of Senate in discussing
resolutions of inquiry into the incidents of the
ton. To this there is objection except so far as
their speeches mpeach the administration because of
things alleged and not known When the Senate passes
its resolution of inquiry will be answered by all the
facts known the administration. Indeed these have
already been communicated in the Presidents message
There upon the Senate quite another duty which
perform be itself impeached for blocking an
isthman canal This is the duty of ratying the Panama
treaty. When this is done will have absolute SOW
ereignty canal strip twenty miles wide When
we have that secured Colombia may make all the war
she wants. but she must keep off strip or take the
consequences. 1t is easy that after Panama
constitution and a government de ure both of which
will in few weeks she may if she choose
rencOrporae her territory with Colombia Tor such act
would in way impair the rights ceded when she
had the independent power of cesson This is the sit
uaon that has been created by the prompt action of
President. The American people it clearly and all
who understand the nature of the so-caed republics
Central America know that other way could we get
the canal rights that require if the work is ever to be
done
We of the opinion that the minority cannot make
politics of the situation If there an earnest desire
have the canal and believe such desire to be gen
era is incumbent upon the minority in Congress to
demonstrate that favorable we have under
the Panama treaty be secured from Colombia or
from Nicaragua Costa Rica We believe that this
cannot be done Colombia rejected the Hay-Herran
treaty the ground that it impaired her sovereignty
The other states have already demanded that we
pay not only money for canal them but that
right protect the canal be recompensed to them
by offensive and defensive alliance
VIII the minority favor such alliance? 1t would
compel follow the belligerent vagaries of two un-
stable Governments If the Panama treaty is ratified
will not have to follow anybody but will be in per-
fecty independent position 1t though no rea
sonabe possible in opposition to the prompt
ratification of the treaty Hesancy and the waste of
time in attacks upon the President will be in the interest
of Colombia and against the canal
In a.rhff cr1of1