The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-20
SECRETARY /; j TAFl'S MISSION.
GOING TO PANAMA BY THE PRESI-
DENTS ORDER.
He 10 Instructed TO Assure the Government
Of Panama That We Have No Inten.
tion OF Establishing an Independent
Colony in the Middle OF the Republic.

y.It realizing the seriousness OF the con-
dItion Of affairs In Panama, brought about by
what he believes to be a Misunderstanding
OF the plans and policies OF the United
states by the citizens Of that country,
to-day ordered Secretary OF War Taft to
proceed to the Isthmus and do all In his
power to bring about an amioable ADJUST
,nent OF the differences between the two
countries.
The President and the Secretary OF War
believe that while the officers OF the Panama
Government are very much mistaken as
to the attitude OF the American Govern
ment there are some matters in connection
with the relations between the two countries
In regard to which the lsthmian Govern
ment has grounds for just complaint. The
visit OF Secretary Taft is expected to correct
the wrong impressions now existing on the
Isthmus and to bring the relations OF the
United States and the Panama Govern
nent rand also between the Panama Govern
ment and the canal strip, into complete
harmony.
Secretary Taft is expected to leave Wash
ington for Panama about Nov. IA, and he
will be accompanied on his trip by Senior OBJ
aidia the Minister from Panama in Washing
ton; William Nelson Cromwell, representing
the Panama Canal Company; Judge Magoon,
law officer Of the Isthmian Canal Commits
sion Admiral Walker, chairman OF the COM
mission, and other distinguished guests
whose names have not yet been announced.
President Roosevelt's letter to Secretary
Taft, nstructing him to make the visit to
the Isthmus, practically amounts to an
announcement in brief of the policy Of the
United States with respect to Panama
and the government Of the Canal Zone.
The President says that the people Of
Panama have been unduly alarmed at the
effect Of the establishment Of government
In the canal strip by the canal commission
and makes it plain that this country has
not the slightest intention "of establishing
an independent colony in the middle OF the
State OF Panama. or of exercising any
greater governmental functions than are
necessary to enable us safely and conVen-
iently to construct, maintain and operate
the canal, under the rights given us by the
treaty" The text of the Presidents letter
follows;
WHITE House. wAsHlSoToN:
SIR: BY Executive order, of May 8. 1904.
| placed under your immediate supervision
sion. both in the construction OF the cana
aud in the exercise OF such Governmental
powers AZ it seemed necessary for the United
Eepubiic OF. Panama in the canal strip. There
ground for hs hy in ,ba the tsy Ss
people OF Panama have been undnly alarmed
at the effect OF the establishment Of Govern
r1ont in the canal strip by the Commission,
Apparently they fear lest the effect be 10
create out of part Of heir territory CON-
shall niuriously affect their business. re-
duce their revenues and diminish their prestige
The United States is about to confer on
the people OF the State of Panama very
great benefit by the expenditure Of millions
OF dollars in the construction or the canal.
But this fact must not blind US to the i'm
poraIce Of so exercising the authority sys59
or or ai' any my suspicion. however unfoundsd
*, e 70 thf i,ars
establishing an independent colony In the
middle of the state OF Panama or Of exercis-
TIA than are NECESSARY to enable US conveniently
and safely to construct, maintain and operate
the canal ssd Of the as dsle
Of Panama. However faT; a Just construction
exisencies Of the case require II. in asserting
the equivalent o. soyeregnty over me cana
which we exercise shall be exercised with all
proper care for the honor and interests OF
' Th peo enerose Of such powers as are given
Dc nd Of the Republic Of Panama may
and sasff future Welfare q the peSpis Panama
il not shown, create distrust Of the American
eih .he success p great IN
country. 1t is OF the, utmost importance
those who are qt%stIss hays 9a
obtained in respect to the conditions existing
in Panama and the attitude and real Interest
OF the people Of that state,
After oonfersnce with the ssSrstaary ybs Of
Win f be Of Sqess advantage You can Visit
the Isthmus OF Panama In person and hold
this To Take with you such persons as ypSi
isthmus. who may i'd you with their counsel
The earlier you are al BILE to make this visit t
Ter THE Minister stas S
TO render you every assistance in his power.
and the Governor of the canal strip Gen.
You viii advise the President Of the Re
public what the policy Of this Govetn r., nn
pose sc Of Of the no untea states to take advantage
VIII the ws Il ,bs and s pIo 81 PoloS
Of the result of your visit on your return,
Very truly yours.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
To The Secretary OF War.
The official statement given out at the
Var Department and containing the letter
Of the President says:
there was an extended conference at the
State Department this morning between
Secretary Of State Hay, Secretary OF War
Taft and Senior Obaldia. the Panama Min
lister accredited to the United States. At
At the conclusion OF the conference
Minister ObaIdia expressed his complete
satisfaction with the course OF the United
States Government and said he felt as
sired that the visit Of Secretary Taft to the
isthmus would result in better understand
ing by the people Of the 1sthmian Govern.
United States and would bring about com
plete harmony.
Instructions have been sent to Gen.
Davis. Governor Of the Canal Zone. and to
John Barrett. United States Minister TO
Panama. who il now in this country, but
who win precede Secretary Taft to Panama
to render Mr.. Taft any assistance In their
power II is expectedthat the Seoretary's
absence from Washington will not be longer
than three OF four weeks.
A