The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-11-20

Ancon, Canal Zone. Nov. 1.--In the game of politics. the unexpected very frequently happens, but it seems re- markably odd that here on the eve or the first anniversary Of Panamanian independence. and in the midst of preparations for a week of jollifcation. events have transpired sufficient to shake the present governmental ma- chinery from center to circumference.
 It is a case of falling out in the official family, aided by partisans of the Liberal political persuasion, but for reasons so simple, that they almost border on the absurd. The occur rences of the past twenty-four hours comprehend the resignation of two members of President Amador's cabi- net, the most important being that of Tomas Arias, Secretary of State. one of the chief figures in the secession move ment of a year ago, and who has al- ways shown himself very friendly to the American administration of affairs on the Isthmus. The other official de- sirous of being relieved of the duties of public office, is Victoria, Minister of Public Instruction, ees f.. }s5t
 The erstwhile ragtime favorite, If you won't let me look in your rain bar rel, you can't slide down my cellar door," rather aptly illustrates the mer- its of the controversies involved in the animus of the present disagree ment. Its inception is credited to an act of ex-Secretary Arias prior to the return of General Huertas. the Pana- manian Commander -ii-Chief, from his tour abroad, and as this brings the General into the sketch, 1t Is only proper to state that but for him the nAA h-xr
 The First Battalion of the Isthmus prided itself on its band. Up to few months back, this band always took prominent part in the changing of the Presidents guard, which occurred four or five times a day. On such oc- casions the band always covered itself with glory as regards the making of g. successful racket. The Secretary Of State decided in his own mind that this was an unnecessary ordeal for the pub lie to undergo. and gave orders to have the band detached from this duty, and since then once on Sundays has been the extent of the bands performance in this respect.
 When the General returned from his trip and found the band practically out of commission. he was not little per- turbed, and wanted the old time cus- tom reinaugurated. This favor was refused him, and as the General is of a rather quick-ten1pered disposition. his resentment arose.
 Then, again, the General brought back a lot of new uniforms for his sol- djers, which they are to don for the first time in the military parade on the 3rd. These uniforms were primarily paid for out of the Generals pocket, but he saw no good reason why he should stand the expense. and put in his bill to the Government Secretary Arias took a different view, and held that the General ought to pay for the uniforms This only added fuel to the fire already started. and led to the Gen eral holding a personal interview with President Amador. in which is is stated he fatly told the Chief Executive that Arias or he had to go. The upshot of the matter came on Sunday last, when the Secretary sent in his note of resig- nation.
 In all the Government family, ex- Secretary Arias is gentleman, who having many warm friends and great at the same time has the worst enemies. Ever since the birth of the Liberal Party. its members have been bitterly opposed to his continuance In office. At the time the controversy
 
 Panama and the United States over the establishment of ports in the Canal Zone. the ex-Secretary came in for a large measure of public censure for the part he was alleged at that time to have taken fin the so-ca1led secret" treaty. by which the American Govern ment's position in the matter was es- tablished. Just prior to this. the feel ing against the Washington adminis- tration ran high, but when the exist ence of the above treaty was noised about the streets of Panama the cur rent feeling turned to the quarter of ex- Secretary Arias. The latter defended himself through the same medium em- ployed by his opponents, namely. lavish of circulars. but could not stem the tide of public opinion.
 Just now MT. Arias is credited with the Government hasn't done Shortly over Uncle Sam turned over to the Panama authorities the $10.000, 900 lease price, some $2.0oo.o00 Of the amount was appropriated for the build- Ing of roads throughout the Repub- He. The roads have not been built, md the Liberal partisans have started an interesting query as to where the t2. 100000 are.
 Whatever the faults of the ex-Secre- EaFv nav Ina fn afHrfaI Iffa h