New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-12-19
THE MISSION TO PANAMA.
SECRETARY TAFT'S WORK.
Some Impressions of a Successful
ErTand of Peace and Good VIII.
Panama, Dec. 8.


quaint ola Spanish city. the very names OF its
streets stil echoing the voices of Leon and Cas-
.us Is reminiscent OF the strenuous forward
overrent of the American nation. 1t was there
Ast an American army first invaded alien soil
r-ora the Perdtdo TO the Escambia is short
distance. but in marching IT. ninety years ago.
+, distinguished Democratic expansionist set for
ill time most important precedent. In main
aiming this immutable principle of sef-de-
s,noe'-the seIf-detence of the republic-Jack-
son marched an American army for warlike
-urposes into the territory OF foreign power
Nth which America at peace Approved
81 the time by the fathers of the Constitution"
snd confirmed by the experience and practice of
fourscore and ten succeeding years. that
snoch-marking precedent returns wildly 10
-ind to-day. as the sanctioning authority OF
more than one subsequent act which the for
retful have IN late years all too heedlessly chal-
lenged. Not now. however has 1t been neces-
ssry 10 follow that precedent, with force and
arms Though led by the Secretary of War, and
transported II ships of war. the present errand
10 and from Pensacola is one of peace 1t u.s.
no less than Jeckson's meant for the self-de-
fence Of the republic; but it seeks that end by
means Of Cancellation and good will. It is to
maintain the inmGtable principle of self-de-
fence" not only against foreign intrigues and
whatever might 10 any extent menace the
achievement of the great work Of IAN American
canal under American control" but also against
the ,ns,dious peril OF MISUNDERSTANDING be-
tween the United States and d sister republic,
and against the possibility of reproach for hav-
ing dealt ungenerousIy with weaker and half
dependent nation. Nor the port of depart
ure less fitting IL that view of the case. Peace
and good will mean social and commercial
intercourse: and the superb harbor OF Pensa-
cola nay well become the great gateway of the
Eastern Gulf and South Atlantic States opening
upon the Gulf and Caribbean Sea, and leading
70 that worlds gateway OF commerce and travel
which We are about to construct at Panama.
Il was suspicious and appropriate. too, that the
departure Of the present mission should have
been effected under a sunny sky and upon
smooth sea. and that similar conditions, 10 an
extent seldom experienced in these capricious
regions, should have accompanied II all the way
hither and thus far during its isthmian
,ourn The stormy Caribbean" was. TO the
Columbia and tho Dolphin, as calm and placid
as the devotions Of a universal peace congress.
The reception of Secretary Taft and his party
et Panama by the Panaman government and
people was Enthusiastically marked with cordi-
ali;y and friendly expectation. There seemed
to be none Of the extravagant illusion which
some earlier and probably not well advised dis
patches had reported The Panamans were not
boxing for any radical reversal of American
policy. Indeed. things had recently hap
pened which were we'll calculated TO dispel such
visions. Il they had ever been cherished. Cen
eraI HueTtas had made. only short time be-
foe his fatuous attempt at what would have
tsen revolution, and had been effectively sup
pressed through the good offices Of the United
States. Upon the details OF that episode space
Eil not now permit me TO dwell The story of
It is q most interesting one. but in respect,
perhaps. more interesting and valuable than IN
the food for thought which it provided for all
men in Panama. More than anything else, since
the revolution Of a year and month ago. II re-
vealed with convincing emphasis the purpose Of
the United States TO stand firm for both its
rights and its duties under the existing treaty.
70 respect and 70 maintain the independence
Ct the isthmian republic, bat equally to main
tain, whenever necessary, the constitutional
Ger Of that country. The conduct Of the United
States in that crisis ha3 on The one hand
assured the Pananlan government and had in
Epred il with feelings Of confidence and graft
TIDE, and had. on the other hand, given a stern
but salutary and effective lesson of warning to
whatever discordant and revolutionary ele-
nsnts there might be IN the community. From
such point Of view I might almost say II was a
good thing that the abortive conspiracy had oc-
Cured. There can be no doubt that because Of
and its firm suppression the fulflment Of
Secretary Tafts mission materially facili-
Isi through the formation in the minds Of
hsPananans Of q more just and accurate APP
psciation Of the United States and of its rela-
lions 70 isthraian affairs
Secretary Taft did not delay to sound what
nay call the dual keynote Of his mission, to wit,
that justice should be done TO Panama, and
and
would be required Of Panama. It was at noon
OF sunday, November %. that he reached this
CITY, and al hour o. two later he was received
Y PRESIDENT Anlador at the Government House.
II MS address 10 the President the Secretary
congratulated him and the Republic OF Panama
lpon the suspicious beginning of a long and
Eosperous life. anG-most signihcantly-upon
L tact that this life is TO be a peaceable life,
=" oe life q government that shall know no
l-Sages, except those according to the rules Of
XIV and the constitution There should have
Oeen no uncertainty or mistake as to the pur-
V0ft Of those words There was none. They
we're received fl tie spirit in which they were
1'leFec. and no less graciously and gratefully
Ilan WAS the further declaration of the speaker.
1Ast the United States has no intention. in
N7Ag or this isthmus. 10 do other than to build
lanai, and no desire to exercise any power
A'ept mat which IL deems necessary under the
esly to insure the building maintenance and
"'eecton Of the canal" That brief but preg-
AN speech was applauded with equal vigor and
--ceFlty by Americans and Panamans and was
happy prelude to the diplomatic negotiations
a"cA began the next day and which were con-
-eo until the end Of the week.
ne conferences were held in private, as was
ing. Town meeting diplomacy is never ad-
-|soie, Least OF all is it well to attempt it
r"een two nations-such as these-of widely