The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-10-20
ORDERS TAT I
TO P A N !. M
President Directs Secretary OF
War to Proceed
There.
TO COMPOSE :: Sc DIFFERENCES Il {: Z:
Would Have Secretary Learn
True Conditions and
Report.
o COMPOSE DIFFERENCES
(By Associated Press)

L w -a
President has instructed Secretary of
war TAFT TO proceed. at an early date
to Panama to confer With tho Presl-3
dent OF that republic with a view to COM
posing the differences that have arisen
between the two countries. The lnstruc-
lions are contained In the following let
ter: si5s
white House, washington. D. G..
October is, 100.
"Sir,-By executive order Of May Q, $50
I placed under your Immediate super
vision the work OF the Isthmian Canal
Commission both in the construction or
the canal and In the exercises OF such
governmental powers ;as It seemed neccs-t
sary for tho United States 70 exercise 'it.
under tile trcaty< with the republic Of
Panama in the Canal strip. There is
groun1 for believing that In the cxecu-
ton If the rights conferred By the treaty.
the people OF Panama have been uT-
duly alarmed at the effect OF the cstab-5
lishment sof a government IN the canal
strip by tho Icop,misslon. Apparently they
fear lest the effect be to create out Of.
part OF their territory a competing ana
independent community which shall In
juriously affect their business, reduce
(
as q ma ton.
Should Define Intentions.
Til. United States is about to confer
on the people OF the State OF Panama
Il 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 cxer-
clsing the authority given us under the
- itt,5 11nr "a n
Il ny. suspicion, however un founded, OF our
Intentions as TO the future. We have
not the slightest intention OF cs tablishins
an independent colony In the middle OF
tho State OF Panama or of exercising
any greater governmental functions than.
are necessary to enable lib conveniently
and safely to construct, maintain anu
operate the canal under the right givc:i
us by the treaty. Least of all do we
desire to interfere with the business
and prosperity OF the people Of Panama
However, far a just construction Of tho.
treaty might enable MS to 20. did the
cxigencies OF tho case require It. in us
sorting the equivalent OF sovereignty over
the canal strip, It Is our full Intention.
that tho rights which wo exercise slla II
be exercised with all proper care for the.
honor and interests OF the people @
Panama.
Should be Informed.
The exercise OF sl,cl,~ powers rs are
given us by TIC treaty within he geo
graphical boundaries Of tho republic Of
Panama may easily. II n real sympathy
for both the present and future welfare
OF the people of Panama Is not shown,
create distrust OF the American govern
merit This would seriously Interfere
with the SUCCESS Of our great project
| te, f,f tof MI
! Importance that those who arc Ultimate
| ~ responsible for the policy pursued
! should have at first hand rs trustworthy
| Information as can be obtained IN &c
spect to the conditions existing IN Pana-
ma and the attitude and real Interest
OF the people Of that State, After con-
| ference with the Secretary OF state and
yourself have concluded that ~ VIII
he OF great advantage II you can visit
the lsthmus Of Panama In person nnd
! hold a conference with the President and
/ other governmental authorities Of the
republic Of Panama. You are uthorizcd
| in doing this to take with You such per-
sons as YOU desire, familiar with tho tcon-
! ditons in the Isthmus, who may aid you
with their counsel.
Earlier the Better.
"The earlier you are able to make this
1 visit, the better. The Secretary Of State
Will instruct the United States minister
at Panama to render every assista ~
4 his power and the Governor OF the canal
4 strip. General Davis, will Of course, do
the same thing You will advise the
1. President Of the republic what the policy
4 of this government is to be, and assure
him that It lis not tho pulaose OF the
! United States TO take advantage Of the
rights conferred uponit BY tho treaty to
/ interfere with the welfare and prosperity
4. of the State Of Panama. or OF the cities
] OF Colon and Panama. You VIII maze
die report OF the result Of your visit on
i your return
VERY truly yours,
.TtIEOpOREI ROO SEYELT.8
'"ro tho Secretary OF War.
Senior obaldla, minister Of Panama Q
! the United States, held u conference with
! the Secretary of State and Secretary OF
! War subsequent to the receipt OF this
4 letter and the Secretary Of War Invited
i ~, n ,ninlst or tn accnnlna ny him OH ILLS