The Washington times., 1904-01-16
STARTS
ON LEGISLATION
Constitutional Convention
Is Now in Session.
MESSAGE FROM THE JUNTA
Its Authority Continued Until Full
Provision Can Be Made for
New Government.

NEW YORK, Jan. 16.-The "Herald's"
special cablegram from Panama says:
The members Of the constitutional
convention-the first legislative body in
the history of the new republic OF Pan
ama-met here yesterday.
The convention organized with G. b.
Amador as temporary chairman and
Nicolas Victoria as temporary secre-
tary. It began work under the parlia-
mentary rules of the Colombian con-
gress.
In the vote for president of the con-
vention. DR. Pablo Arosenmena was
unanimously chosen. After he had
made an eloquent speech of acceptance
the vote for vice president was taken,
and DIR. Louis Deroux was elected.
DR.. Deroux was vice president of the
last house of representatives in Bogota
and in the discussion OF the canal treaty
in that body ne declared that unless the
treaty were ratified Panama was GER
tain to secede. The result of his asser-
ton was a storm, and an official note
was. made that DR.. Deroux predicted
that unless the treaty passed Panama
would become independent.
1t was decided, after some discussion,
TO elect a second vice president, as in
the Colombian system. and HeliOdora
Patina was chosen to that Office. Juan
Brin was elected secretary.
Message to Convention.
Having thus organized, the convention
sent a committee to the government
house to notify the junta and the minis
tiers that Il was In session.
After formal recognition had been
given to Seniors Arrange. Boyd. and
Arias. their message to the convention
was read by DR.. Eusebio Morales. This
was very important state document
II recited that after the war OF indie
pendence with Spain the isthmus had
voluntarily Joined Colombia, confident
OF a better condition of affairs, and
hoping hat the nation would become
one OF the most powerful on the con-
tinent.
Long and sad experience. the message
continued. had demonstrated that these
expectations were -baseless. The power
Of the central government in a country
whose territory from the Caribbean to
the AmazOnes is without means Of COM
munication between its remote parts,
and of differing climate and character
OF population. caused inevitable reaction
and resulted in disastrous civil wars.
Capitalization proved especially disas-
tTous for the isthmus. preventing its de-
velopment. The system resulted only in
fractional hatred and in trouble of every
sort.
Surenders Its Power.
The junta. its message said. had sur
rendered its power and had established
the form of a new government, which
now turned over its functions to the
convention. Special thanks were given
10 the ministers who assisted IN the pre-
liminary work. One OF the first acts of
the new government was to continue
the laws OF the old government.
The junta called attention TO the fact
that the receipts of the government were
insufficient for it's expenses. and it
would be necessary to change the
sources of revenue. The canal treaty
IL ratified in Washington, would give
large sum. The wish was expressed
that only a small part Of this sum
should be Immediately paid and that the
rest be placed at interest in New York
The message announced that the most
powerful countries. including the United
States, had already recognized the in
dependence OF the republic, and 1t was
declared that IL was essential that the
convention should Immediately ratify
the acts OF the government. including
the canal treaty.
On motion OF Delegate Burgos a vote
OF thanks was given to the provisional
Junta for the ability and wisdom shown
by it's acts, and its power was extended
until full engagements are made for the
new government.