The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1904-01-06
THE sEMl,WEEkLY AsToRlAN.
AsToRiAN PUBLISHING CO.
OUR RELATIONS WITH PANAMA

President Roosevelt's message to
congress, dealing with the Panama af-
Glir and the status of the canal situa-
ton. is perhaps one OF the best public
documents emanating from the white
ho1sc since the assassination of the la
mented Mckinley. The presidents
letter-writing ability lacks the polish
that characterized the messages OF
Cleveland and Mckinley. but for great
truths bluntly stated his letters are of
peculiar interest.
To those critics at home who have
assaiIed the integrity of the adminis-
tration in its efforts to secure construc-
tion OF the isthmian waterway the pres
ident makes vigorous response. The
canal, prior to the insurrection in PAN
am; and the presence of an American
force at the isthmus. was regarded by
everyone, excepting, perhaps, a few
deef Is concerned railroad officials, as
the greatest boon OF the age. II would
reduce by several thousands of miles
the length of the water route from the
Atlantic coast to the Pacific and give
to American comn cree an impetus that
would place it in the position it should
hold. Our democratic friends were ca
nal enthusiasts and clamored because
tlie republican interoceanic waterways
committee was slow in presenting a
favorable report on the undertaking.
Upon the refusal of the administra-
ton to submit to the paIpable hold up
attempted by the coterie of irrespons-
ible nunskuls comprising the Colom-
bian government and the determination
of the people of Panama 10 cut loose
from the Bogota grafters who sought
to traffic II the expense of the isthmus
the aolitical situation suddenly changed
The crying need for the canal was lost I
sight Of; the antis devoted their ener-
gies 70 denouncing the administration
for what was termed its .high-handed
procedure in the south. 1t mattered |
httle 10 those politicians if the admin
istradon took. steps to protect the I
treasury from the purposed Colombian I
rad If political capital could be man |
ugactured out of the situation. Had !
the administration complied with the !
demands of Colombia, the selfsame ar |
tis you'd have ,lied aloud with equal !
vehemence against the reckless waste |
Of the peoples moEey' Whatever was
done would have been wrong With /
them.
Mr.. Rooseyelts message is complete
in dealing with the matter. He shows
that our government never once con-
templated improper intent nor had we
even the remotest influence in the rev.
olution. Upon the withdrawal Of Pam
anna from the Colombian federation and
the probability Of war our government
took immediate and effective steps 10
protect American interest, lust as II +
does whenever nostilities threaten in
any land. It's recognition of the is
tfimus was merely an act of justice. Ali
the other powers hastened to follow the
example Of the United States.
The president takes occasion to de-
rlore the need fer reference TO the mat
ter in public manner, but explains
that he is anxious to set right those
unthinking persons who usually be-
Iieve all that is detrimental and ignore
that which is beneficial. It Is indeed
ven that the matter has been publicly
discussed, for the honor Of our govern
ment was involved. AS the president
points out, we merely performed our
pain duty and there is perhaps not
sincere critic of our course in the m l.
ion today. The objection is purely po-
ItieaI.