The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-11-07

Washington, Nov. 7-To-day's adj
vices to the state department. indi-
Gated a regular development Of the
new government of Panama. The
most important move indicative of
speedy and full diplomatic relations
with the new republic was the ap-
pointment of M. Philippe Bunau-Va-a
rilla, now in New York, as Panana's
consular agent.
Consul Gudger caleld at the state
department. to-day for a further con-
ference with Secretary Hay, at whose
instance he later conferred with the
president.
The British government has form
ally. requested the state department
to look after the British subjects and
similar requests from other European
nations are expected, all of which will
be promptly granted. There are rea-
sons why Yarge foreign naval repre-
sentation in isthmian waters should
be discouraged until the new govern
ment is permanently established.
1T is expected that there will be
little delay about such establishment,
and as soon as there is a regular gov
|ernment at Panama in place Of the
present junta, the state department
expects to take up negotiations for
ment has decided the treaties that
governed as to Colombia. or New Gra-
NADIA are still in force and that. there
fore, all the concessions, including that
of the Panama Canal company, are
valid.
|cided that, notwithstanding the fact
that the Spooner canal act in terms
required the United States govern
n1ellt, before beginning the canal to
conclude a; treaty with Colombia, the
spirit Of the act will be met by the
conclusion OF an arrangement with the
new state of Panama on the lines of
the Spooner act, and it will proceed
to- this end.
Old Treaties Binding.
In other words it is held that, just
as the engagements entered into by
the United States with New Granada
have ever since been regarded as bind
ing in regard to Colombia, so, accept
ing the common law doctrine the de-
partment is authorized to read 'Pana-
ma instead Of Colombia in the Spoon
err act. In this sense, it is pointed out,
the president will find 1t unnecessary
to go to congress >for further canal
Legislation.
Significant Of the sertngthof this de-
cision was the appearance at the state
department to-day of Rear Admiral
John G. Walker, United States Navy.
retired, president of the isthmian
canal commission, who has been in.
frequent conference with the presi-
dent and Secretary Hay. Upon him
will probably devolve the initiation
Of the practical working out Of the
canal project and he is keeping him
self fully posted, while Colonel Will
| liam M. Black of the engineer corps
| of the army, who happens to have
been engaged in looking after the
| physical aspects Of the canal problem
| on the isthnaus for the past few
| months, has been furnishing informa-
| ton from that quarter.
From Colon Consul, Malmoros re-
ported under to-day's date as follows:
Colon Quiet.
| Absolute tranquility in Colon. Prof
iro Melendez has been appointed gov
ernor of Colon and proclaimed at 10
o'clock yesterday. English, French and
American consuls present. Launch
has been sent to Bocas del Toro to
proclaim independence there
A cablegram from United States
Minister Beaupre, dated at Bogota,
| Nov. 3, stated:
There are rumors in Bogota. Of
serious disturbances on the isthmus,
and it is thought there will be an i'm
mediate movement for Independence.
Tt is very difficult to obtain trust
] worthy information.