Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-11-11

The battalion of Colombian troops
at Panama fayors the movement
which Is also thought TO meet with
the approval of the officers of at least
two of the government transports now
here.
Colon. Colombia. Nov. Without
the firing of shot and amid scenes
of great enthusiasm. the independ-
ence OF the isthmus and the depart
ment of Panama was declared last
evening. The city of Panama Is now
in the hands OF the revolutionists and
no serious attempt has been made to
re-capture IL. The Colombian gunboat
Bogota arrived in the harbor after the
declaration of independence and threw
a few shells into the city without do
ing damage TO life or property. Per
feet order prevails in Colon tonight,
and trans-isthmian trains are running
as usual without interruption. In
Panama. the flag of the new republic,
in the colors of red, white and blue,
floats over the government buildings.
The movement for independence
has been in progress since the rejec'
ton by the congress at Bogota OF the
Hay -Herran canal treaty, but Its sud
den ripening last night was due to
the news OF the unexpected arrival
at Colon of the Colombian gunboat
Cartagena with Generals Tovar and
Amaya and a number Of troops. The
movement has been promoted by
prominent and wealthy isthmians and
Governor Obaldia, OF the department
of Panama, who arrived at Panama
at $50 p. m. Tuesday. on computing
the troops and citizens in favor OF In
dependence found that they numbered
at least 1,50O.
Advocates OF independence both at
Panama and at Colon are now jubi-
liant The presence OF the United
States gunboat Nashville at Colon is
believed TO have resulted in avoidance
of serious trouble. As result OF the
conference here, Colonel Torres, COM
manding the troops at Colon, has sent
on a special train TO Panama a rep,
resentative to confer with General To
var. whose unconditional release is de-
manded. In reliable quarters 1t is be-
lieyed that peaceful results will fol.
low the proposal just made to Colonel
Torres that the American troops viii
return to the Nashville II he guaran.
tees TO maintain order. This proposal
was tonight accepted by Colonel Tor
res.
The British consul has suggested
that If requested contingent OF
troops will be sent 10 Colon from the
British cruiser Amphion. now at Pan.
anna. Il is believed that the Nash
vile will be hardly sufficient for all
emergencies. II is reported that the
United States gunboat Dixie will soon
arrive here.
Public alarm in Colon is now some.
what abated.
The act of independence has just
been signed at Panama.
Washington, Nov. 6.-The following
telegram was sent by the state de-
partment today 10 Mr.. Ehrman, act.
ing consul general OF the United
States, at Panama:
The people of Panama have by
apparently unanimous movement dis
solved their political relations with
the republic of Colombia and assum.
ed their independence. When you
are satisfied that a de facto govern
ment, republican In form, and with.
out substantial opposition from its
own people, has been established In
the state OF Panama, you will enter
into relations with IL as a responsible
government of the territory and look
TO ii for all due action TO protect per
sons and property OF citizens OF the
United States. and 10 keep open 18TH
mian transit In accordance with the
obligations OF existing treaties govern
ing the relations OF the United States
10 that territory"
Immediately afterward instruction
was sent by telegram to Mr.. Beaupre,
the United States minister at BogOta,
In the following terms:
The people of Panama, having by
apparently unanimous movement dis.
solved their political connection with
the republic OF Colombia and resumed
their independence and having adopted
government OF their own, republican
IN form. with which the government
of the United States Of America has
entered into relations. the President
Of the United States. in accordance
with the ties Of friendship which have
so long and so happily existed be.
tween the respective nations most
earnestly commends 10 the govern
ments Of Colombia and OF Panama a
peaceful and equitable settlement Of
all questions az issue between them.
He holds that he Is bound. not merely
by treaty obligations. but by the In.
terests Of civilization TO see that the
peaceful traffic of the world across
the isthmus Of Panama shall no long
or be disturbed by the constant sue.
cession OF unnecessary and wasteful
civil wars
Millionaire Elkins is Dead.