Windham County reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1901-1906, 1903-11-13
The Other Fellows Ok.

Some years ago. within the memory
of people now living, but apparently
forgotten by many of them, the nation
which to- day is the leading republic of
the world and which exemplifies peace
liberty and unity under it's emblemati-
cal stars and stripes, was all but
smashed to "smithereens" because a
few hot-headed Southerners didn't
agree with the administration. At
that time the force of the doctrine that
one part of republic may become an
Independent republic at will was pretty
thoroughly destroyed.F
But time changes all things, even in
ternational policies. Last week the
citizens of the isthmus of Panama as
serted their independence of the repub-
lie of Colombia. Nobody is surprised
at that, and no one presumes to CEN
sure Panama unless ii be that there
are those who think that differences of
opinion in a republic should be settled
amicably. If Panama wants to Sc
cede the obvious thing to do is to let
Panama and Mother Colombia settle
the affair. But what does Uncle Sam
do? Forgetful of his own trials in
1861 he officially recognizes the new
government four days after the declar-
alton of independence. Since this Of
fetal action the president and the Sec
rotary of the state have been kept busy
explaining. Even those who approve
of the result are faint in their praise
of the means employed.
At the beginning of the war of the
Rebellion the Confederate government
would have given first mortgage on
all it's slaves for an official recognition
Of its existence as a government by
Great Britain. The United States
would have viewed such an act of rec
ognition as hostile Interference.
The point at issue is somewhat cloud
ed by the canal question. The failure
of the canal treaty with Colombia was
unfortunate; the law in the case pro-
vided that the president should pro-
coed with arrangements to take up the
Nicaragua route. Delay in that di-
rection and haste to recognize the in
dependence of Panama are strongly
Indicative of selfish motives in or be-
hind the president. The question as
to which is the proper route is not |
pertinent now. What people are ask
ing is was the action of the govern
ment in recognizing the republic of
Panama with such unprecedented
haste, wholly disinterested?" If not
1t is of no credit to the nation.
The Reformer has the deepest re-
spect for President Roosevelt. We
believe him to be conscientious, hon
est and efficient executive We have
no reason to doubt the availability of
the Panama route for canal purposes.
Yet we are bound in all justice to ad-
init that this sudden and generous i'm
pulse to befriend rising young ma
tion and incidentally to get terms for
canal, looks suspicious. 1t supports
the contention Of Mr.. Roosevelt's enc
mics and the admission of his best
friends, that he is hasty. Promptness ;
Is commendable but haste is ungentle-
manly. in spite of what the partisan
supporters of the administration may
say.
Spacious arguments and plausible
facts" can be given in any quantity
to prove that the conditions are en- ,
tirely unlike those of previous rebel
lions or secessions, but Tom, Dick and I
Harry, who read the papers and draw {
their own conclusions. will instinct
lively call to mind the old saying that I
1T makes all the difference in the
world whose OK is pored