New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-29
PANAMA POLICY ASSAILED
Nezc-HaUen Clergyman Says L
Breaks Ten Commandments.

Denouncins the course the government had taken
in the Panama Canal controversy as wrestling the
Ten Commandments to suit it's ends making one
read, Thou shalt not steal except In the interests
OF collective civilization the Rev. Dr. Newman
Smyth, of Yale. declared at the Panama night OF
the Aldine Association last night that the only
course left was for the practical statesmen at
Washington to hunt around for honorable settle
ment OF the great controversy. by which each coun-
try might get its dues. but particularly the little
country might have to feel itself oppressed
by the big. The United States should be too great
too honorable, to play mean politics he thought
Various other views were advanced on the Pan
anna revolution, the Panama Canal. the Panamans.
and a few IN connection with Colombia. Isthmian
history was discussed from the beginning. AS
kind of incident to the Panama discussion. the AL
dine Association held its annual dinner. General
A. c. Barnes presided. and opened the speaking by
declaring for a canal route, from Mandinga. in
San Bias Bay This would have, among other ad-
vantages he said that OF being some fifty miles
this city than the Panama Canal, It would
cost about one-ffth as much would be easier and
quicker to build, and much better in every way
that If the generally accepted Panama Canal were
built. there would come time when the Mandinga
Canal would be built too. and then the Panama
Canal would fall into disuse.
Nathan Appleton spoke on Ferdinand de LesseDs.
Incidentally he too, broke into the discussion OF
recent developments down on the isthmus- In
the Civil War he fought under Grant in the Wilder
ness he said and the result of his experience there
was. he viewed 1t now. that he didn't to aid
or abet secession In other countries. Still. the
canal must be constructed. he supposed. he
urged that little strip be set aside for It. TO be held
neutral ground sacred to the canal
II. too. fougat in that great conflict" exclaimed
DR.. Smyth. jumping to his feet as Mr.. Appleton
finished. land 1 should feel any humiliation to the
flag OF our country personal shame. Yet
must remember a speech OF General Grants, which,
think this way: Beware not to be led astray
by any false light into measures OF doubtful
pediency.' / believe we're being so led. / have
hitherto belonged 10 the Imperialst Company. Linz
ited and now take no stock in the Imperialist
Company. Unlimited" He went on:
In November last three notable discoveries were
matte discovery. new possession was found con
was "a substantial property right carved out or
the sovereignty of Granada right to destroy was
Colombia. From our compensatory privilege Of
free transit across the isthmus has suddenly
sprung our claim to assume protectorate over the
strategic necessity Of preventing Colombian troops
from landing at Colon. or other points along the
miles OF Panama, because we must keep trains
an on the . Sns had ns OF NO S
military necessity. LOOMS. with his ear glued to
discovered ais H. it Year and half ago ADMIRAL
Casey, during the insuErecti0n. asked only for
serve force. 10 occupy. when necessary prominent
Knowing his whole duty and nothing besides
third discovery soon followed While our
TONS for some satisfactory evidence OF de tacto
government In the same hour. the same night
its existence was observed at Washington. through
the telescope OF the Department OF State and the
lous. at once telegraphed to Bogota- A fnal
discovery sGrpasSes al these In novelty. Lying
germinant under the cover OF treaty not yet raft
fed with Panama were detected certain 'tnchoate
rights TO assume military protectorate over
the entire isthmus IN denial OF the sovereignty of
Colombia and In violation OF a treaty contract
There are some things that ought now to be done
about IT, One Is TO press home TO the conscience OF
the American people that We have entered into the
affairs OF the isthmus q lawless power
task OF the statesznaE-it there be a craftsmanship
above partisanship at Washington-to ind a prac-
teal way out 10 an honorable settlement The
OF the treaty can wait until that IS
bia has asked and ought not 20 refuse for
any political IN contempt Of the court which
we ourselves have been Instrumental in establish
ing Or Il may be gained through some new treaties
sary that work the canal shall begin before
the next election; II Is necessary that something
shall be done for the honor OF our country.
II Is the solemn obligation OF the Senate TO ind
some lawful and honorable means by which all
parties concerned shall receive their tust dues.
For this let ratification wait. We should take all
the time we need to make our title clear. Why
should our government be In such haste to fore
close it's mortgage. II Il knows that fits security Is
good? We offer not merely criticism OF course
on the isthmus lawless and fraught with conse-
we p-onose a positive programme. Ratification with
reparation. Ratification accomplished fact when
Justice Is done and honor saved. Not until then.
Frederick c. Penheld ex-minister 20 Egypt, who
saw the beginning OF the expedition from CoIom-
ba against Panama, said the army was an undis-