Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1904-10-19
THE PRESIDENT TO
SECRETARY TAFT.

the president io the secretary Of war
after conference with the secretary
OF state and the secretary OF war In
respect 10 the conditions IN Panama
White House, Washington, Oct rs.
l00i-Sr; by executive order OF May
o, 1904, ] placed under your immediate
supervision the work OF the lsthmau
canal commission both I'M the construC-
ton Of the canal aud ln the exercise Of
such governmental powers as Il seemed
necessary for the United States TO ey-
ercIso under the treaty with The repub.
lie of Panama IN the canal strip. There
is ground for believing that Ia the exc
cution Of the rights conferred by the
treaty the people Of Panama have
been unduly alarmed at the effect Of
the establishment of government IN
the canal strip by the commission. APP
parently they fear lest the effect b.
20 create out Of part OF their territory q
competing and Independent community
which shall Injurlously affect their
business, reduce their revenues and d.
minish their prestige as a nation, Tho
United States Is about to confer on the
people OF the state of Panama q very
great benefit by the expenditure of MIL
lions Of dollars I'm the construction OF
the canal But this fact must not
blind us TO the importance Of exercising
the authority given US under the treaty
with Panama as 10 avoid creating
any suspicion. however unl0unded, OF
our Intentions as TO the future We
have not the slightest intention of es-
tablishIng an independent colony in the
middle of the state of Panama, or of
exercising any greater governmental
functions than are necessary 10 enable
us conveniently and safely TO construct
maintain and operate the canal under
the rights given us by the treaty.
Least OF an do we desire 10 Interfere
with the business and prosperity 0f the
people Of Panama. However far a lust
construction OF the treaty might enable
as 10 go, did the exigencies OF the case
require II. In asserting the equivalent
Of sovereignty over the canal strip, 10
Is our fun intention that the rights
which we exercise shall be exercised
with Ell proper care for the honor and
interests Of the people of Panama,
The exercise OF such powers as are
given us by the treaty within the geo.
graphical boundaries Of the republic OF
Panama may easily II a real sympa-
thy for both the present and future
welfare OF the people OF Panama Is not
shown, create distrust Of the American
government This would seriously in
terfere with the success Of our great
project In that country. II is Of the ut
most importance that those who are Ill
tlmately responsible for the policy pur-
sued should have at first hand as trust
worth Information as can be obtained I'M
respect 10 the conditions existing In
Panama, and the attitude and real In
terest Of the people OF that state After
Il conference with The secretary OF state
and yourself | have concluded that II
VIII be OF great advantage II YOU can
visit the lsthmus Of Panama In person
and hold "a conference with the presi-
dent and other governmental auth0rl.
ties Of Panama. You are authorized
In doing this 20 take with you such
persons as you desire. familiar with
the conditions in the lsthmus who may
aid you with their counsel The earlier
you are able TO make this visit the bet
ter The secretary Of state will instruct
the United states minister at Panama
TO render you every assistance in his
power. and the governor Of the canal
strip, Gen Davis, VITA OF course DO the
same thing You will advise the pres
ideut Of the republic what the policy Of
this government Is 10 be- and assure
him that Il is not the purpose OF the
United states TO take advantage Of
the rights conferred upon Il by the
treaty TO interfere with the welfare and
Of the state Of Panama. on
OF the cities of Colon and Panama.
You viii make due report OF the result
OF your visit on your return
Very truly yours.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
To the Secretary OF War.
Senior Obaldh, minister Of Panama
to the United States, held q conference
with the secretary OF state aud Sec
rotary Of war subsequent 20 the recent /
Of this letter, and the secretary OF war |
Invited the minister 20 accompany him
ON his trip TO Panama II is lmp0ssI. /
bic 90 say exactly when the secretary !
Of war can leave for Panama. but |
probably on November A.