The Washington times., 1904-10-19

Despite Minister Barrett's assurances
for publication that the relations be-
tween the United States and the new
Republic Of Panama were # most
friendly character, and that the differ
ences over the question OF customs
duties ia the canal zone are in process
OF adjustment IL now develops that the
situation has beer most strained.
Almost a Rupture.
An open rupture between the two
countries has been barely averted- The
feeling in Panama against the nlted
states has been most bitter. and has
even gone so far as 10 occasion threats
Of dyuamiting the canal and resOrung
10 other violent methods OF expressing
the disappr0vaI Of the people at the at
Uitude of the United States.
1t was not until the last ten days that
President Roosevelt became acquainted
with the seriousness OF the situation
and determined 10 investigate the mat
ter for himself He requested William
Nelson Cromwell. Of New York, who
was for years the general counsel or the
Panama Canal Company, and therefore
thoroughly acquainted with Panaman
conditions, TO come TO Washington and
discuss the means to % adopted 10 set
tie the dispute.
During the last few days the Presi-
dent, Secretary Of War Taft. and Mr..
Cromwell have been in frequent confer
ence. with the result that the President
decided TO send the Secretary TO Pan
anna.
In this connection IL may be said, as
showing the gravity of the situation.
that this is the first time on record that
q Cabinet member has been sent abroad
10 negotiate with a foreign power.
The Presidents letter follows:
Presidents Letter.
The Presidents order TO Secretary
Taft is as follows:
by executive order of May 9, 1904,
placed under your immediate supervision
the work of the Isthmian Canal Com
mission. both in the construction of the
canal. and in the exercise OF such gov
ernmental powers as il seemed neces-
sary for the United States to exercise
under the treaty with the republic Of
Panama in the canal strip
There is ground for believing that in
in the execution of the rights conferred
by the treaty the people Of Panama have
been uuduly alarmed at the effect of the
establishment of a government in the
canal strip by the commission. Appar-
entity they fear lest the effect be 10
create out of part OF their territory a
competing and independent community
which shall injuTiOusly affect their busi-
ness, reduce their revenues and dlmln-
ism their prestige as nation.
Should Avoid Suspicion.
.'The United States is about TO confer
on the people of the state of Panama a
very great benefit by the expenditure OF
millions of dollars IN the construction
OF the canal. But this fact must not
blind us to the Importance OF so eXer-
cising the authority given US under the
treaty with Panama as TO avoid Great
ing any suspicion, however unfOunded,
of our intentions as 10 the future. We
have not the slightest intention of es-
tabIishing an independent colony In the
middle OF the state OF Panama or OF
exercising any greater governments
functions than are necessary 10 enable
us conveniently and safely 10 construct,
maintain, and operate the canal under
the rights given as by the treaty
Least OF all do we desire 10 interfere
with the business and prosperity or the
people OF Panama.
However far q just construction OF
the treaty might enable US 10 so, did the
eXigenCies OF the case require H. III as
serting the equivalent of sovereignty
over the canal strip. IL is our Iuii lEten-
rion that the rights which we exercise
shall be exercised with all proper care
for the honor and interests OF the people
OF Panama.
Distrust Possible