Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1903-11-12

" recognized the new government anu
entered into diplomatic relations with
it as though the Panama Republic had
existed a hundred years instead Of two
days.
Despite the ingenious argument OF
Secretary Hay, it cannot be denied
that the United States has trenched
upon dangerous ground in this matter
1t has done that which cannot be justi-
fed by a strict application OF inter
national law; that which it would
never have dared to attempt in the
case of a strong and responsible gov
eminent; that which it would resent
TO the utmost were the same thing
done TO us. Panama was an integral
part OF Colombia, as much as Florida
is OF our country. Suppose that Great
Britain had offered MS a treaty giving
her the right to cut a canal across
Florida; suppose-and we can see that
the supposition is natural one-that
our Senate had rejected the treaty 5
that Florida had suddenly reyolted,
driven out the federal troops that
might chance to be within it. set up a
government of its own and that Great
Britain had not only recognized 1t
Immediately but had sent ships and
troops to prevent our reoccupying it.
How long would it take us to start a
frst-class WARP
Bnt international law, like all hui
man law, often proves inadequate.
The great law of human progress and
the destiny of the world overrides all
else. Ethically, the United States
still belongs to the North American
sayages and never should have been
taken from them without their con-
sent-whieh never could have been
gained. Legally, Great Britain had a
right to tax the American colonies as
it saw fit and they should have sub
mitted. Constitutionally. President
Lincoln had no right to free the slaves
in the South But all these things
were done and have been justified by
the course Of events. II seems to be
true that international law, which at
best is but ill-defned, does not apply
equally to all nations under all condi-
tions.
Panama, It seems to us, had ample
cause to revolt Her interests were
being sacrificed by parcel OF politi-
clans in a remote capital. The only
hope for her fnture was slipping away
from her. No close ties bound her to
the federation. To cut loose and EN-
brace the golden opportunity was
clearly her mission. And the United
States, with the commerce and civil
ization of the world behind her. could
not stand by and see Panama recon-
quered or deluged in blood through
long strife while this great canal
enterprise on which so much depends
for the worlds development was lost.
Because Colombia had shadowy
sovereignty over Panama, she took a
high-handed course when she refused
a most generous proposition. contrary
to the wishes and interests of her
people most involved There is a
sort of law OF high eminent domain
that applies here. The worlds prog
ress must not be stayed by reason of
the crotchets or the knavery of So
called governments that cannot Justify
their conduct on any judicious
grounds. Colombia's i'll fortune now
should serve as a warning to other
upstart states that may be called upon
in future to do something for the pro-
motion OF the world.
The Panama Republic may be NOM
inally free; in effect it will be part OF
the United States. The Panama canal
will be built by the United States.
owned by the United States. protected
by United States forces, and will be
open to the commerce OF the world.
Hurrah