The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-01
PANAAA'S RECOGNITION
WAS AN ACT OF JUSTICE
TO OPPRESSED PEOPLE
Also a Blessing to the World in
that 1t Assured Construction
of the Canal.
PROGRESS IS CERTAIN
Now that the Isthmus Is Free from
Colombian Greed and IN
scrupulousness.
UNITED STATES GAMER
VIII Have Full Control of Canal
Strip and Zone Under the
New Treaty.
UNITED STATES GAMER
From the Journals Special Commissioner.

From the Journals Special Commissioner.
COLON, r. p, Dec. 3O.-Delayed in
transmission.)-In this correspondence L
have endeavored faithfully to present the
several phases OF the isthmian and canal
situations they have revealed themselves
10 me. In what l have written there has
been much that was not entirely creditable
to those responsible for the existence of
this new republic; much that wins for them
admiration, and not a little that touches
deeply the morality and integrity of our
own government. Regard for the truth
compelled this seemingly contradictory sur
vey Of the situation, and the story, now
told in full, leads one inevitably back to
the starting place-the interoceanic canal
What has heretofore been said of the sor-
did r:ature of those inspirations that ges-
tated this republic holds good to-day. Dele
gates 10 a constitutional convention have
been chosen. it is true, and soon a constitu-
tionaI government will be established. But
back of that will stand. just long this
republic stands. the determination to have
a ship canal built here rather than any en-
nobling spectacle of glowing and irresist-
ible patriotism Those who seek practical
results may. however, be very content TO
overlook these latter The anomalies, in
congruities and mercenary strains in the
story of this republics launching and career
TO date may feed the fame of academic dis
cussion, but the practical will only In
this situation an end and an answer to the
canal problem, which has interested us for
many years.. and which brought
straight home to US when the Oregon was
compelled to ''round the Horn to join the
squadron operating against Admiral Ger
vera's command I'm West Indian waters,
nearly six years ago.
PANAMA WILL PROGRESS.
II is that practical side of the situation
which 1 see. although 1 have investigated
and written of the others. The revolution
of the Sd of November was a righteous one,
no matter what its direct cause. Panama
had suffered enough at the hands of Co
lonibia. and was still suffering. TO have
caused her to revolt years before. That
she would have set up her independence
long ago had she had proper leadership.
sId had not Colombia pfevented by uure-
mittent vigilance and overpowering force
of arms. cannot be disputed. She had am
pie incentive, but lacked the means and
adequate direction. The act of Nov. 8
Mad the effect, therefore, of freeing from
a very Odious tyranny a people who had
little or nothing in cornmon with those who
had for so long held the reins of govern
ment. There is nothing in geographical
location. commercial interests national
temperatment or disposition that can pos
sibiy be construed as forming a bond of
unity to join Colombia and Panama, and
Colombia's dominion has endured for many
years solely because Of the power OF the
mighty over the weak.
Now that she is free. Panama has an op-
portunity long withheld from her. In aid
ing her TO win her freedom-and our as
sistance was rendered her without its sin
cerity being tainted by collusion-we have
helped a people deserving Of assistance.
Upon humanitarian grounds alone. If for
when Panama decided TO throw off Colom-
bias yoke for IL Is to be remembered that
in Cuba's case we established the principle
Of the right OF Interference upon humani-
tartan grounds. Conditions here were even
worse prior to Nov than they were In
Cuba: the only difference was that the
isthulian situation had not commanded the
worlds attention as had the other one.
say the condition here was worse because.
preston OF Cuba, she gave the Cubans a
chance TO cultivate their soil. to raise
crops. to build roads. TO make cOmmunica-
tion possible and TO support themselves.
COLOMBIA'S VICIOUSNESS.
Colombia. by her vicious system of con-
cessions. prevented the Panamans from
doing any of these things With a land
which rivals that of Cuba in richness and
productivity, Panama has been compelled
and jungle; all because Colombia has re-
fused to permit the building of roads, to
give the people chance TO occupy the land
and turn it 10 account, or to enable them to
freely and prontably avail themselves of
their opportunities. Championship of Co
lombas system means. therefore. cham
pionship OF n system of government which
has cursed the isthmian strip for three
quarters OF century; which makes IL to-
day an undeveloped worthless wilderness
peopled by benighted and unprogressive
a race as any that claims adherence 10
civilization.
A quarter OF a century under the new re-
publican rule with the United States stand
Ing by TO give assistance. advice and en-
c0uragement. will change all of this. and
change IL for the better. In that time there
will be bred new spirit: with the natural
Influx OF Americans that will follow the
canal work this country will be subjugateo
and turned 70 COMMERCIAL account The
people may be lifted from a state closely
approximating savagery, and through edu-
cation and the training of their talents
made fit To occupy a decent and dignifed
position among civilized peoples. This will
be possible because the faults OF this peo-
pie, aside from their inherent laziness. are
largely acquired Naturally they are not
vicious in disposition; they would doubtless
work IL there was a proper incentive &c
labor. Our duty will. consequently. be tc
teach them the value of industry, and since
the blood OF this race is freely mixed with
that Of the negro. who is naturally imita-
tive. we may confidently expect a few years
10 elevate the whole population OF the 18th.
mus.
PANAMA APPROVES US.
Concurrently with this development Will
go the promotion OF sanitation. Panama
can never be an admirable country unit
there occurs a miraculous change in the
seasons, 10 do away with the excessive an
nual rainfall Ii may. however be mad,
healthy. habitable and prosperous in all OF
It's parts. With the building OF roads anC
the establishment of other facilities fol
ready aud Inexpensive communication Il
will begin 20 disgorge It's natural riches
When that time shall have come IL will be-
discovered that Panama Is a country capa.
bic OF sustaining a population as great. n
not greater. than that now to be found In
what Is left OF the republic of Colombia
IL follows. therefore, that upon CONNER.
clal. as well as upon humanitarian grounds
the action OF the Panamaians in severfna
their relations with Colombia IL fully n
be justified. Whether or not the United
Statcs acted in manner entirely i'm ac.
cord with the principles OF internationa
comfy In aiding the rebellion once il haC
been set on foot Is matter outside of this
discussion On the isthmus we only know
that our own government did not have q