New-York tribune., 1904-10-23
WHAT PANAMANS WANT.
Modification of Canal Treaty and
Other Concessions.

Washington. Oct. 22.-Modidcation Of the Hay
Bunau-Varilla canal treaty in several important
respects. and the negotiation between the Washing
ton and Panaman governments OF supplementary
commercial treaty, granting to Panama important
concessions. is what the Panamans hope to obtain
as result of Secretary Taft's mission to the 18TH
mus according TO q statement made tonight By
Senior Ohaldia the Panama Minister here
Widespread enthusiasm has been aroused on the
isthmus." said the Minister. "by the publication OF
President Roosevet's letter TO Secretary Taft
President Anador has cabied me that he has pro
claimed this letter throughout the isthmus' and
that the tide of grateful feeling has already turned
in favor of the United States Preparations have
been begun for grand reception to the Taft mis-
sion. The palace occupied by the president OF the
former canal company Will be placed at the disposal
Of Secretary Taft and his suite. Should this pal
ace not be adequate the immense building known
the canal house and comprising several hundred
rooms also will be available Cor the entertainment
OF the mission Dinners. balls and receptions will
follow one another in quick succession In honor of
the mission.
''In the action Of the President in accFediting to
the Pananan government such distinguished en-
voy as Secretary Taft whom the Isthmians regard
as eminenty fair the Panaman government
hope Of righting a number Of WRONGS under which
1t Is suffering.
Popular as is the American Minister to Panama
and the Governor Of the canal zone there are
number of questions Of vital Importance to the
isthmus which have not yet been settled to the
satisfaction of the Pananan government. In the
forefront Of these three problems which Sec
retary Taft will be asked 20 solve-the postal regu-
Iations the question of customs duties. and the
far reaching question OF jurisdiction in the ter
rninaI cities OF Panama and Colon. The Panamsn
government declines to accept the Interpretation
placed upon treaty by Mr.. Bunau- VaTillt. which
practically takes away ali the land in those cities
not now actually covered by residences Panama
and Colon will prosper rapidly after the canal
work has started; they Will need considerable ter
ritory over which TO expand. We confident
that Secretary Taft will be quick to the justice
Of our contentious.
las TO the postal question, postage stamp in
Panama costs hve cents When Governor General
Davis sold stamps az two cents each, it is not sur
prising that the people bought stamps Of him
rather than of the Panaman authorities.
Then there is the troublesome question OF GUS
toms regulations between the government OF Pan
ANA and the canal zone. We confident that
shall arrange these difficulties with Secretary Taft
with satisfaction TO ourselves and 10 the United
States It Is possible that this could be in the
form Of agreement. but I am OF the opinion
that a new commercial treaty viii be the most
satisfactory solution. In this treaty be ncor-
porated several important notifications of the
rrASent canal treaty. and 7 hope that this addi-
tionai convention be concluded after brief ne
RoliatiOQS.''