Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-10-21
THE iSTHMIAN CANAL
Placed Wholly Under the Charge of the
Secretary Of War.

Washington, Oct. 2O.-The following
letter has been sent by tie President
TO the secretary Of wal, after con.
ference with the secretary Of state ma
the secretary of war with respect to
the conditions in Panama:
White House.
"WashiEgton, Oct. IS.
"Sir-By executive order of May 8,
1904. 1 placed under your Immediate
supervision the work Of the isthmian
canal comm ission both in the cOnstruc-
ton of che canal and the exercise of
such governmental powers as it seemed
necessary Tor the United States to ex-
crcise under the treaty with the repub-
lie of Panama in the canal strip. There
is ground for believing that in the ex-
ecutiOn of the rights conferred by the
treaty the people of Panama have been
unduly alarmed at the effect of the as
tablishment of government in the
canal strip by the commission. .Ap-
parently they fear lest the effect be TO
create out of part of their territory n
competing and independent community
which shall: injuriously affect their
Dus>iitCSo, ICuuc tiltii iCNCIucS illu
diminish their prestige as a nation.
1.-The United States is about to con.
fer upon the people of the state OF
Panama 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 impor-
lance of SO exercising the authority
given us by the treaty with Panama as
to avoid creating amy suspicion, how
ever unfOunded, of our intentions Of
establishing an independent colony IN
the middle Of the state of Panama. or
of exercising any greater governmental
functions than are necessary to enabls
us to conveniently and safely to con-
struCt. maintain and operate the canal
under the rights given us by the treaty
Least of all do we desire to interfere
with the business and prosperity of the
people of Panama.
"However far just construction OF
the treaty might enable us to go, did
the eXigencies of the case require it,
in ascertaining, asserting the equiva-
lent of sovereignty over the canal strip,
il is our full intention that the rights
we exercise shall be exercised with all
proper care for the honor and interests
of the people of Panama. The exer-
else of such powers as are given us by
the treaty within the geographical
boundaries Of the republic of Panama
may easily. if real 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 import
ance that those. who are ultimately re-
sponsible for the policy pursued should
have at first as trustworthy informa-
ton as can he .CEtai~cG :" rne"cct to
the conditions existing in Panama and
the attitude and real interest of the
people of that state.
after a conference with the secre-
tory Of state and yourself, have con-
cluded that it would be of great ad-
vantage it you can visit the 1sthmus of
Panama in person and hold a confer
cree with the President and other gov
ernmental authorities of the republic of
Panama. You are authorized in doing
this to taken with you such persons as
you desire, familiar with the cOndi-
tions in the isthmus who may aid you
with their counsel. The earlier you are
able to make this 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 governor of the Canal
strip. Gen. Davis. will of course, do the
same thing.
You will advise the President of the
republic what the policy Of this gov
eminent it to be and assure him that
it is not the purpose of the United
States to take advantage of the rights
conferred upon it by the treaty to in
terfere with the welfare and prosper
ity of the state of Panama or OF the
cities of Colon and Panama. You will
make due report of the result of your
visit on your return.
Very truly yours,
THEODORE ROOSEVELT,
To the Secretary of War"