The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1903-12-17
By Merrill A. league,


foot upon the wreck of Colombian mall
administration, oppression and perfidy,
and the other upon the ruins of
French efforts to cut a commercial
waterway through the narrow isthmian
strip, while both of its arms are ex-
tended in hope and supplication to-
ward the United States.
In this strange and strained atti-
+ude the republic is not more to be
enyied than it is to be pitied Born
Of a revolution effected without blood
shed. it faces prospects more roseate
than were ever before held out to any
other nation within twenty-three days
of its birth. In fact, few governments,
even among those whose maturity is
of the ages, are more fortunately sit
uated than is this the baby among
nations. Straight ahead of Panama,
with realization of them all guaran-
teed by the protectorate which the
United States has assumed, lies the
certainty of plethoric treasury, free
dom from debt, nominal taxes, abso-
solute security in independence, a pre-
yailing peace and the unlimited en-
richment of her citizens through the
early and inevitable development of
the country's natural resources. These
are advantages very few nations have
never enjoyed; but over against. them
must be placed the catalogue of dis
advantages and deterrents-a cata-
logue which excites the keenest pity.
Panama is to-day a land of indecis-
ion, hesitation and chaos. In all the
republics domain-comprising an area
about equal to that of the state of
Indiana-there is not one man (native
Panamaian) who has ever demonstrat-
ed the possession of abilities of tha'
order required of one who would sue
cessfuIly lead a people to the accom-
plishment of a great purpose. OF able
business men, astute politicians, adj
venturers and schemers in general
there are more than any country re-
quires; but Of statesmen, diplomats and
other real leaders there are practical
ly none at all. The very men who
brought the republic into existence
VI
or illustrative element among them
are novces in everything pertaining to
the science of government. These men
are now in charge of the government,
and while there is no suspicion of their
integrity or of the sincerity of their
purpose. they are woefully lacking in
ability to do the work they have I'M
tn oh he
according to the situation which con-
fronts them. The result is that upon
every hand the inquiring visitor en-
counters ignorance, doubt and uncer-
tainty, where there should be, if the
Independent movement is to be car
red to its full fruition, intelligence, de-
termination and fixed ability.
Careful investigation shows that there
is more or less reason for this condi-
ton, which stands first in the pity-ex-
citing catalogue. This new republic
came into being without any definite
political purpose. 1t was conceived
solely of a determination to have the
canal connecting the Atlantic and the
Pacific constructed across the isthmus,
and at no other place. Had Colombia
ratified the Hay-Herran treaty the rev.
olution of the Sd of November would
never have taken place. That is freely
admitted by everybody in any way
concerned in bringing about the in
dependence of Panama. The inevita-
bic conclusion is that the Panamaians
were not sufficiently displeased with
Colombian sovereignty and administra-
ton to have revolted because of any
desire for real independence. That,
too, is conceded by the leaders in the
revolutionary movement. 1t is true
that strong indictment is drawn by
these men against Colombia for her
sins of omission and commission: but
that indictment is more of an after
thought, framed for purposes of politi-
cal justification. than it is statement
or independence-provok grievances.
Money Was Their Motive.
The motive underlying the creation
OF the republic was, consequently, more
selfish than patriotic; more sordid
than sentimental The people of Pan
anna, knowing better than do any 9TH
er people the enormous value to them
of a ship canal across the isthmus
played for that advantage, instead of
Tor any real Improvement in the con-
dition of their government. The
riches they will realize from the con-
struction and operation of the canal
We're more weighty considerations with
them than was thought of political lib
erty; and fortunately for their pur-
pose they found the United States
ready to join hands with them. The
effect of bringing a republic into exist
ence under such circumstances is daily
becoming more and more apparent
The instigators of the movement for
independence, having no such thing as
Panamaian patriotism to appeal to-
were forced, in order to carry out their
project, to WELD an influence as sordid
as were their own motives. These
men, who figure now as the response
BILE heads of the republican govern
ment, will very frankly admit that
they proceeded with the scheme for
independence not by addressing them
selves to the desire of the isthmians
to be free from Colombia, but by Sc
cretly corrupting those who were in
position to hinder execution Of their
purpose.
SO freely are admissions of this ma
ture made that last evening one of the
members of the governing junta,
frankly and without hesitation, and
in return for the simple asking, gave
to your correspondent a list of the
men who were bribed to support the
revolutionary movement and the
amount paid to each one. These brides
are termed bonuses here, and the pay
ment Of them is freely talked about in
the streets and hotels; nor does any
Panamaian seem to think that the men