The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1904-10-28
HIS mission IS =. T.. 7
VERY IMPORTANT.
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT ASIA
SECRETARY TAFT TO VISIT
REPUBLIC OF PANAMA..

Wishes to Explain Our Policy and 70
Assure People That Undue Ad-
vantage Will Not Be Taken Of Our
Treaty Rights.
! Washington, Oct. 20.-The following
letter has been sent by the president
to the secretary of war after q con-
ference with the secretary of state and
the secretary of war in respect to the
conditions in Panama: -
"Sir: BY executive order Of May 3.
1904, I placed under your immediate
supervision the work of the isthmian
canal commission both in the con-
struction of the canal and in the exer-
else of such governmental powers az
it seemed necessary for the United States
to exercise under the treaty with
the Republic of Panama in the canal
strip.
Natives May Be Alarmed.
There is ground for believing that
in the execution Of the rights con-
ferred by the treaty the people Of
Panama have been unduly alarmed at
the effect of the establishment Of q
| government in the canal strip by the
commission. Apparently they fear lest
the effect be to create out of part Of their
territory competing and independ-
| ent community which shall injuriously
affect their business, reduce their reve-
nues and diminish their prestige as ma
ton. The United States is about to con-
| very great benefit by the expenditure Of
| millions Of dollars In the construction Of
the canal.
Must Not Create Suspicion.
But this fact must not blind us
to the importance OF so exercising the
authority given us under the treaty with
Panama as to avoid creating any suspi-
cion, however unfounded, of our inten-
lions as to the future. We have not the
slightest intention of establishing an in
dependent colony in the middle of the
state of Panama, or of exercising any
greater governmental functions than are
necessary to enable US conveniently and
safely to construct, 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 prosper
ity of the people Of Panama.
Our 1nt>ntions.
However far just construction of
the treaty might enable us to go, did the
exigencies of the case require it, in as
sorting the equivalent of sovereignty
over the canal strip, it is our full inten-
ton that the rights which we exercise
shall be exercised with all proper care
for the honor and interests of the people
of Panama. The exercise Of such powers
as are given US by the treaty within the
geographical boundaries of the Republic
of Panama may easily, If a real sympathy
for both the present and future welfare
of the people of Panama is not shown.
create distrust of the American govern
ment. This would seriously interfere
with the success of our great project in
that country. It is of the utmost impor-
lance that those who are ultimately re-
sponsible for the policy pursued should
have at first hand as trustworthy infor-
nation as can be obtained in respect to
the conditions existing in Panama and
the attitude and real interest of the peo-
pie of that state.
Asks Taft to Visit Country.
AFTER conference with the secretary
of state and yourself, have concluded
that it will be of great advantage if you
can visit the Isthmus of Panama in per-
son and hold conference with the presi-
dent and other governmental authorities
of the Republic of Panama. You are au-
thorized in dong this to take with you
such persons as you DESIRE familiar with
the conditions in the isthmus, who may
aid you with their counsel. The earlier
you are able to make this visit the bet
ter.
1.-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 presi-
dent of the republic what the policy Of
this government is to be, and assure him
that 1t Is not the purpose Of the United
States to take advantage of the rights con-
ferred upon it 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 on your re-
turn.
Every truly yours,
THEODORE ROOSEVELT,
ITO the Secretary of War;" =
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