The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1904-10-20
TAFT TO VISIT
new REPUBLIC
War Secretary Will Carry
Assurances of American
Sincerity to Panama
TO STUDY CONDITIONS
Isthmians Will Be Told
That This Government Is
Not Going Beyond Treaty

WASHINGTON. Oct 1s.-The Presi-
dent has instructed Secretary of War
Taft to proceed. at an early date. to
Panama to confer with the President
OF the republic with view to compOs-
ing the differences that have arisen
between the two countries.
The following letter has been sent by
the President to the Secretary OF War.
after a conference with the Secretary
Of State and the Secretary OF War with
respect to conditions In Panama:
WHITE HOUSE. WASHINGTON. Oct. IS.
1eo4--Sir: By executive order OF May o. 1904.
l placed under your immediate supervision the
work OF the Isthrnian Canal Commission. both
in the construction OF the canal and in the ex-
ercise OF such governmental powers as IL
seemed necessary fer the United states TO exer-
else under the treaty with the republic OF
Panama in the canal strip There Is ground
conferred by the treaty the people OF Panama
have been unduly alarmed at the effect OF the
strip BY the commission. Apparently they fear
lest the effect be TO create out OF part OF their
territory competing and independent COM
munity. which shall injuriOusly affect their
business. reduce their revenues and diminish
their prestige as a nation
The United States ia about to confer the
people OF the State o. Panama a 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 Importance OF SO exer-
cising the authority given US under the treaty
with Panama to avoid creating any suspi
cion. however unfounded. OF our intentions as
to the future We have not the slightest IN
tention OF establishing an independent colony
IN the middle OF the state OF Panama, or OF
exercising any greater governmental functions
than are necessary 10 enable US conveniently and
safely 10 construct. maintain and operate the
canal under the rights given US BY the treaty.
- afw frTNa rAn~n rrrfFh hn
business and prosperity OF the people OF Pana-
ma However far just construction OF the
cies OF the case require IT. in asserting the
equivalent of sovereignty over the canal strip.
II Is our full intention that the rights which
we exercise shall be exercised with all proper
care for the honor and interests OF ths people
OF Panama
The exercise Of such powers as are given
by the treaty within the geographical boun-
diaries OF the republic OF Panama may easily,
II real sympathy for both the present and
future welfare OF the people OF Panama Is not
shown. Greats dstrust OF the American Gov
eminent This would seriously interfere with
the success OF our treat project In that c9 Pa-
who ultimately responsible for the policy
pursued should have al first hand as trust
worthy information as can be obtained in re-
spect TO the conditions existing in Panama and
the attitude and real interests OF the people
OF that state. After a conference with the
Secretary OF State and yourself l have con-
Guided that IL will be OF great advantage IL
you visit the Isthmus OF Panama in person
other governmental authorities OF the republic
OF Panama. You are authorized In doing 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 10 make this visit the bet
ter. The Secretary Of State will instruct the
United States Minister at Panama render
you every assistance IN his power and the
Governor 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 In
terfere 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 return. Very truly
yours. THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
To the Secretary OF War.
While definite arrangements have not
yet been made for Secretary Tafts trip.
it Is his purpose to go to Panama on
the army transport Sumner from New
York.