Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-29
MR.. CLARK HOWELL ON THE
CANAL.

il : i IA
The division of sentiment in the
southern states over the canal question
will probably have che effect of bring
ing to the support of the Panama
treaty enough democratic senators to
power factors at work in the south
In fave- of the canal project is gener-
ally known. Men of affairs, men of
high standing in the political ranks of
the democratic party have come out in
open support of the canal treaty. One
of the most able champions of this SEN
timent in Clark Howell, editcr of the
Atlanta Constitution and Democrat
and national commit an from Geor-
gia. In recent ent concern
ing this case Mr.. nos. ii strongly de-
tends the Presidents Panama policy
and as emphatically condemns the op-
position being manifested by demo-
cratic senators. Mr.. Howell says:
s'The Panama case is one of the kind
where the fact should dictate, rather
than sentiment, guesses at information
al law and partisan siderations.
What are the facts in the case? Co
lombia committed acts of government
that put in fullest jeopardy all the
rights, interests and aspirations of the
people of her department of Panama.
They believed the result would be to
rob them Of the isthmian canal and
doom them to future of incense
|quence and poverty. They frankly and
in ample season warned the authorities
lat Bogota that if that sacrifice was de-
manded of them, ,ley would secede
and set up an independent govern
ment.
"The sacrifice was called for and
Panama declared her independence.
Her people never for moment needed
the urging of the American govern
ment or the alleged Vaccinations Of
Bunau-varilla to do what they did.
WAS the repuo Sic of Panama born
too quickly? Revolutions are Caesar
ian operations. The american revolu-
ton was born the very moment the
vote was announced that adopted the
Declaration of independence. Seces-
sion became the policy of the southern
states the moment South Carolina pro-
claimed her ordinance of secession.
did our government recognize the
republic of Panama too soon? If we
did we should go back on our track
and reverse our recognition of the
French republic within three days of
its proclamation, and our recognition
of the Brazilian republic in four days
after Dom Pedro was shipped to Eu-
rope. In the Panama case we took
five days in which to learn that the
newly proclaimed republic was unop-
posed and in full control of the country
by consent of its inhabitants.
What was the United States to do
in such a case, with its obligations as
to the Panama transit and neutrality
upon it?
sour marines were landed to do our
duty in that one respect only and to
exercise that right to preserve them
was the only office performed by our
forces on and near the isthmus.
Suppose we withdraw our recogni-
ton and reject the treaty? What will
be our position then, as viewed by the
other governments of Europe and
america that also have recognized the
republic of Panama. Are we to do this
ridiculous thing. abandon our treaty
rights in Panama, give up the canal
there, withdraw our guardianship of
rail transit now going on and go hunt
ing for terms with people who would
be fools if they did not profit them
selves tremendously by our predica-
ment?
LET it be admitted that all that has
been quoted from Senator Hoar and
from Senator Daniel and other of his
southern colleagues is true and yet no
case is made that involves connivance
with rebellion on the isthmus or sac
rifice of the national honor In dealing
favorably with the new republic
through the ratification of the pending
treaty"
Mr.. Howell shows that, not only has
the United States had an abundance
of precedents for the course followed
in the Panama affair, but no case can
be made against the administration of
"connivance with rebellion on the
isthmus or a sacrifice of the national
honor in dealing favorably with the
new republic" In view of all these
facts he declares that the pending
treaty should be ratified. With such
a statement of the case coming from
such man as Mr.. Howell. it is only
natural to suppose that there is