The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-25

i Belle France, having practically wound up all the small affairs left over after the transfer of interests. This marks the closing chapter in the French reg ime on the Isthmus. Of all classes hhe French employees are most affected by the altered status in canal operations, and to them 1t Is like losing friends. home and loved ones. Living here as many of them have for two decades, | or more, they have come to regard this old New World in a hallowed light Many have intermarried with the na- tive Panamanians, and are rearing fam lilies, while all have been on close terms of friendly relationship. The French never 4combatted native ideas but on the other hand Automatically encouraged them. They fell in easily with the native customs, and were careful not to disturb their prejudices Thus 1t Is not to be gainsaid, that at the present time, the Panamanian deep down in his mind Is continually com pairing the newcomers with their old friends, with the result not always fa- vorable to the former. Many of the old French employees have found work in other fields, yet a large number are now on Uncle Sans pay roll drawing practically the same salary as they did from the French company. But few of them spoke English three months ago, yet now by heroic endeavor number have fair command of the language. At the last, however, there is the ultimate recognition that the Americans are here to build the canal that 1t will be built too, after their own accepted ideas.
 Panama. as city. was in much the same condition when the French canal regime ended, as it was when 1t be- gan fifty years ago. Now after only about three months of American rule, or supervision, a change is to be mo- ticed. At the present time there is more repairs to buildings owned by residents, going on. than ever known before in the history of the town. While it is true that there Is an un- dercurrent of feeling against the Americans in some circles, 1t is none the less true that the same people havo an unbounded faith in our ability and oneness of purpose.
 New Party.
 The recent difference of opinion be- tween the representatives of the gov ernments of the United States and Pan ana. has apparently resulted n but one thing. viz, it gave birth to a new political party. Since the famous third of November last, the Panaman titucptHutHCS udy, tHeTe HdS Dten nr1G- tically but one party, all factions be- ing apparently satisfied with the pres ent rule and dominion. The above contretemps furnished the excuse, and at meeting held In the old theatre one night last week. after a number of oratorical efforts, the Liberal party was sprung, as opposed to the Conserv- l ative now holding the reins of power and incidentally all the offices. There was immediately some talk of an up- rising, which is supposed by some to be the reason the commander in chief of the Panamanian army cut short his ! tour abroad and came home.
 General Huertas, the commander fin chief. came in on this weeks steamer from New York, ana on his arrival in Parhma last night was received with great acclaim. a large force of mili- tary turning out as an escort from the station. The General came into his own very suddenly. He has been a figure in the army nearly all his life, first seeing service as a bugler. He is dwarf in stature. but shrewd, ca pablo. and has showed his bravery on many a field of battle. Prior to the secession he was commander of the first battalion of the Colombian army on the Isthmus, and at one time cn that fateful day of the third of No vember, he held the future of the re- public in his hand. It was at this time that President Amador Guerrero anxiously paced the floor of one of the inner rooms of tho Suartel Cbarracks) with one hand on his revolver ready to place 1t to his forehead in case General Huertas sent his troops into ac- tion. But General Huertas never gave the word and the fate of a nation was decided that night"
 In connection with this incident, the President has told a few of his friends how the joke was on him. When the President went to the CuartSl on that momentous occasion to be near when the crisis came 1t was his full intention to commit suicide If the day went against him. otherwise he knew he would be- shot as traitor. He took his revolver along without taking pains to examine it. On his arrival home after the crisis had passed, he threw the weapon on the bed with a thankful exclamation. His wife happened just then to pick up the revolver and made the discovery that the chambers were empty
 The Panamanian Government voted General Huertas some time ago A pre- sent of s50,0o0 in gold. and a long leave Of absence. Since then he has been touring the European continent fin company with trio of friends. but his trip was abbreviated by his recent recall. The General has not fully es- caped the horrors of war. for he left an arm on the battlefield at Tumaco Colombia, where he was engaged in hghting reVolutionists some years since.
 MT. Lagnrde Resigns.
 Although not known outside official circles, Mir. Ernest Lagarde, Jr.. pre- Viously mentioned in these letters has resigned the position of Secretary of Governmenf of the Canal Zone, and will leave for the States next week for q months vacation, visiting relatives in Alabama before his return to the lsthmus. where he expects to embark In business for himself
 A New species.
 That the Panamanlans have a certain sense of humor is evidenced in the name by which they dub all Americans The Musketers"" is the title they have bestowed on us. w. H. Haskins.