The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1904-01-07

dependence. This rule derived from
the principle of non-intervention, and
as a corolary of that principle has
generally been observed by the United
States. But, like the principle from
which it is deduced, the rule is sub
ject to exceptions; and there are, in
my opinion, clear and imperative rea-
sons why a departure from it was JUS
tilted and even required in the present
instance. These reasons embrace,
first, our treaty rights; second, our
national interests and safety; and,
third, the interests of collective civili-
zation.
Recognition Fully Justified.
l confidently maintain that the rec
ognition of the republic of Panama
was an act justified by the interests
of collective civilization. If ever a
government could be said to have re-
ceiyed a mandate from civilization to
effect an object the accomplishment
of which was demanded in the inter-
est Of mankind, the United States
holds that position with regard to the
interoceanic canal. since our pur-
pose to build the canal was definitely
announced, there have come from all
quarters assurances Of approval and
encouragement, in which even Colon
bia herself at one time. participated:
dnu " sSu2rctl ASSURANCES we've d,,uc.
specific acts and declarations. In or.
der that no obstacle might stand IN
our way, Great Britain renounced i'm
portant rights under the Clayton-Bul
wer treaty and ageed to its abroga
ton, receiving in return nothing but
CIR honorable pledge to build the ca
nal and protect it as an open highway.
Other Nations Indorse II.
That our position as the mandatory
of civilization has been by no means
misconceived is shown by the prompt
itude with which the powers have, one
after another, followed cur lead In
recognizing Panama as an independ
ent state. Our action in recognizing
the new republic has been followed by
like recognition on the part Of France
Germany, Denmark, Russia, Sweden
and Norway, Nicaragua, Peru, China
Cuba, Great Britain, Italy, Costa Rca,
Japan and Auustria-Hungary.
The people of the isthmus, and as
/ firmly believe, OF the adjacent parts
of Central and South America, will be
greatly benefited by the building Of
the canal and the guarantee OF peace
and order along its line; and hand in
hand with the benefit to them will go
the benefit to US and to mankind.
By our prompt ad decisive action, not
only have our interests and those Of
the world at large been conserved, but
we have forestalled complications
which were likely to be fruitful in
loss to ourselves and in bloodshed and
suffering to the people of the isthmus.
Meanwhile the only question now
before US is that OIL the ratification OF
the treaty For it is to be remember
ed that the failure to ratity the treaty
will undo what. has been done, will
not restore Panama to Colombia, and
will not alter our obligation to keep
the transit open across the isthmus
and to prevent any outside power
from menacing this transit.
In conclusion let me repeat that the
question actually before this govern
ment is not that of the recognition OF
Panama as an Independent republic
That is already a accomplished fact
The question, and the only question
is whether or not we shall build an
isthmian canal.
transmit herewith copies Of the
latest notes from the minister of the
republic of Panama to this govern
ment, and of certain notes which have
passed between the special envoy ol
the republic OF Colombia and this gov
ernment.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
White House, January 4, 1904.