The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-01-05

Of the American people, but also in the
highest sense q work OF civilization, and,
TO the greatest degree tecnficjal to the
development of commerce between the
American States and the other countries
Of the world.
Among those who signed this resolution
OIL behalf OF their respective governments
was General Reyes, the delegate of Colon
bia. Little could it have been foreseen
that two years later the Colombian Gov
eminent, led aStray by false alldrements
OF selfish advantage, and forgetful alike
Of its international obligations and of the
duties and responsibilities OF sovereignty.
would thwart the efforts of the United
States to enter upon and cOmpleto WORK
which the nations OF America, re-echoing
the sentiment CT the nations Of Europe,
had pronounced to be not only WORTHY
OF the greatness OF the American people,
but also Gin the highest sense work of
civilization
That our position IS the mandatory OF
civilization has been by no means niscon-
cc;ved is shown BY the promptitude With
which the powers have, one after another,
followed our lead in recognizing Panama
as an independent State. Our action in
recognizing the rev republic has been
followed by like recognition on the part
CT France, Germany, Denmark. Russia,
Sweden ard Norway, Nicaragua, Peru.
China. Cuba, Great Britain, Italy Costa
Rica, Japan, and AustTia-HurgaTy.
In view OF the manifold considerations
OF treaty right and obligation, Of national
interest and safety, and of collective civil
constrained to act am at a loss to COM
prehend the attitude Of those who can
discern in the recognition Of the Republic
Of Panama only general approval of the
principle Of revolution" by which CIV
en- government IS overturned or one por-
tion of q country separated from an
other. Only the ampiest justification
can warrant a Teyolut onary movement OF
either kind. But there IS no fixed rule
which can be applied to all such move
ments. Each case must be judged on
is own merits. There have Been many
revolutionary movements, many move.
ments for the dismemberment of coun
tries, which were evil, tried by any stand
ard. But in my opinion no danterestel
emo fair-minded observer acquainted with
The circumstances can fail to feel that
Panama had the amplest justification
ior separation from Colombia under tho
conditions existing, and, moreover, that
t. action was in the highest degree bepe-
fetal to the interests OF the entire civil
lied world by securing the Immediate
opportunity for the building Of the inter
oceanic canal 1t would be well for those
who are pe.simistic as 10 our action in
peacefully recognizing the Republic of
Panama. while we lawfully protected the
transit from invasion and disturbance,
to recall what has been done in Cuta,
whore we interviewed even by force on gen
eral grounds OF national interest and
duty. When we interfered il was freely
prophesicd that we intended to keep Cuba
and administer it for our own interests
The result has demonstrated in singularly
conclusive fashion the fa.sity OF these
prophecies Cuba is now an Independent
republic. We governed it in its own in
tcIe5ts for a few years, t II it vas able
20 stand alone, and then started i upon
It's career Of self-g government ana inda-
pe2dence, granting it all necessary aid
We have received from Cuba 8 grant Of
two naval stations, so situated that they
IN no possible way menace the libert.
OF the island, and yet serve as important
detenses for the Cuban people, as we'll a.
Tor our own people, against possible for
eign attack. The people of Cuba have
been UNNECESSARILY benefited by our in.
reference in their behalf and cur own
gain has been great, So will 1t be with
Panama. The people Of the Isthmus, and
as l firmly believe of the adjacent parts
CT Central and South America, will he
greatly benefited by the building of the
canal ana the guarantee Of peace ana
order along It's lire; and hand in hand
with the benefit to them will SO the bope-
III to US and to mankind. By our prompt
and decisive action, not only have cur
interests ana those of the world at lorga
been conserved, but we have forostalica
complications which were likely to tie
fruitful in loss to ourselves, and in blood
shed ard suffering 70 the reople Of the
Istnmus.
Instead Of using our forces. Cd we were
invited by Colombia to DO, for the two
fold prpose Of defeating cur own rights