The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1904-10-20
President Would Allay Alarm in
Panama Over Creation of
Canal Strip Government.
FEARS AMERICAN AGGRESSION.
United States Officials Will AS
sure .Amador That No Soy
ereignty Will Be Assumed
Except Such AS Ef-
fects Canal.

Washington. Oct. fs.-Secretary of Wal
Taft. with a party which he is to select
will make visit 10 the Republic of Pan.
anna to femiiarize himself with conditions
| touching the construction Of the canal and
| to allay the suspicion. now growing in
| Panama. that the United States intends
to assume sovereignty over the canal strip
| to the detriment OF Panama
While definite arrangements have not
yet been made for Secretary Tafrs trip,
1t Is his purpose to go TO Panama on the
army transport Sumner from New York
about November a.
Secretary Taft IS authorized by the
President TO take with him whomsoever he
pleases In connection with the work and,
while the personnel of the party has not
yet been arranged, IL is certain to be a
large one Representing Panama will be
Minister Obaldia
Admiral John Walker Will go as repre-
sentative of the Canal Commission. Judge
Charles Magoon. the law officer of the
commission and of the Bureau OF Insular
Affairs. who has been of much assist
ance in framing orders and regulations
for the canal strip. also will be of the
party. The members Of the Senate and
House committees dealing with 18TH
milan affairs will be invited.
PRESIDENTS LETTER.
The following is part of the letter sent
by the President to Secretary Taft:
There Is ground for believing that in the
execution OF the rights conferred BY the treaty
shs people 20, Of Panama IN ,, have been undIy
government In the canal strip by the commits
siOn. Apparently they fear lest the effect be
petins and Independent community. which shall
tnju-iously affect their business. reduce their
revenues and diminish their prestige as a ma
ton.
The U.ited 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 thi. fact
ercising the authority given Us under the treaty
with Panama as TO avoid creating any sus-
picion. however unfounded. OF our Intentions
as TO the future.
GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS
We have not the slightest intention of estab-
lishing an Independent colony in the middle OF
greater governmental functions than are neces-
snry to enable us conveniently and safely TO
der the rights given by the treaty. Least Of
all do We desire TO interfere with the business
ever far q just construction OF the treaty might
enable US TO &c, did the eNigencies OF the
sss1s d in s II !. IF
tention that the rights which we exercise shall
be exssssed with all r, for the honor
The exercise of such powers as are given us
by the treaty wherein the geographical bound
a sympathy. for both the present and future
welfare of the people Of Panama is not shown,
create distrust OF the American Government.
This would seriously interfere with the SUCCESS
of our great project in that country 1T is of
the utmost Importance that those who are
ultimately responsible for the policy pursued
SHOULD have at firrt hand trustworthy in
formation can be obtained In respect TO the
conditions existing in Panama and the attitude
and ZEAL interest OF the people OF that State.
VISIT TO lsTHMUS
After q conference with the Secretary OF State
and yourself. have concluded that II WITH lie
of great advantage IL you visit the Isthmus
of Panama In person and hold conference
with the President and other governmental
authorities Of the Republic of Panama. You
are authorized. In doing this. to take with yon
such persons as you desire. familiar with con-
ditions on the isthnius who may aid you with
their counsel. The earlier you are able TO
make thie VISIT the better.
The Secretary Of state will instruct the
United States Minister at Panama to render
you every assistance In his power and the Gov
erner Of the canal strip. General Davis. will. OF
course. do the same thing. You will advise the
President OF the Republic what the policy Of
this Government is TO be and assure him that
IL Is not the purpose of the United states TO
take advantage Of the rights conferred upon II
by the treaty to interfere with the welfare and
prosperity OF the State OF Panama, or Of the
cities of Colon and Panama.
You will make due report Of the result OF
your visit your return