New-York tribune., 1906-05-11
KEEP PEACE In PANAMA
HR. Taft STATES POLICY.
Revolutionary Movements WI Jas
ffu .4rnled Interference.

washington. May lO-Revolufionary move
~oe,ss or election troubles in Panama which 10
s-,, nav interfere with work in the canal zone
Justify the interference Of the United States
"A support OF the Panama government
sueh Is the tenor OF instructions sent 90 Cow
ernor AIagoon by Secretary Taft, who also SUBJ
rnittea 20 the Governor letter from Secretary
Root setting forth in detail what is stated to
be the justification for American interference in
case OF disorder in any part OF Panama.
The emphatic setting forth of the position OF
she United States il is believed. viii prevent
serious trouble at the election 90 be held In
June AS Secretary Taft makes Il clear that
any disorder in the republic will hinder canal
work. his letter win be doubly discourasing TO
opponents Of President Amador. who are re-
ported 70 have been planning a movement
against him outside OF the canal zone. believing
that the United States would not suppress any
fnsurrecfion unless within the zone.
Governor AEagoon communicated his instruc-
tions 20 the Panama government yesterday. and
to-day Secretary Taft made public both his let
Ter 70 the Governor and a letter Of Secretary
Foot's reviewing the relations OF the United
States and Panama In his letter Secretary
Taft says:
I have no hesitation whatever in saying that
in nay judgment nsurrection in any part OF
the republic would disturb order IN Paname
and Colon and adjacent territory, and Woulo
greatly increase the difficulties that the United
states would have I'm constructing the canal;
and while, OF course, the forces of our govern
ment ought not TO intervene until II is estap-
ltshe6 that the Republic Of Panama canRot
maintain order In its own territory. think the
United States may properly. under the clauses
OF the treaty construed in the light Of the pro-
vision Of the constitution of Panama quoted by
the Secretary or State. and to prevent its lneVl-
table interference with the work Of canal con-
strucfion. suppress any insurrection In any part
of the republic. OF course. such action taken
TT-7ff n ar in6anon6Rnf
even with it's consent. as given I'm its funda
mental law. ought not 70 be lightly taken, or
until all the circumstances are known, and until
Il IS fully established that the government OF
Panama is not able to maintain itself. OF this
our intervention TO suppress an insurrection
would be the best evidence. IL this fact does
appear then the duty Of our government would
be plain. I sincerely hope and confidently be-
lieve that no disturbance OF the peace. insur-
rectiOn, will take place, and that, If II does, the
authorities of Panama can suppress il without
assistance from the United States; but persons
discontented with the government of the Re
public of Panama should not be encouraged TO
attempt 70 overthrow 1t on the supposition that
the Uniteo States would not take steps. il occa-
sion arose under the circumstances already de-
scTlbed, 10 lend it's aid by armed force to sup
press an tnsuIrection in any part Of the Republic
Of Panama.
Secretary Roots letter TO Nj Taft discusses
at length the constitutional questions involved
in the exercise by the United States Of author
fly TO maintain peace on the isthmus. and quotes
a section from the Panaman constitution. which
provides that the United States may maintain
peace in Panama in case this country agrees by
treaty 20 do so. Ee also quotes a section Of
the treaty between the United States and Pan
anna, in which Panama grants the United States
the right to preserve order in the new republic.
It is made clear by the Secretary Of State that
the United States does not purpose relieving
Panama OF responsibility for the maintenance
OF peace. and has no thought OF interfering with
the political parties in the republic. He em-
phasizes the fact that the United States does
not assume 70 protect the government and peo-
pie of Panama from the inevitable results Of
indifference and indiscretion on their part" He
then says the United States would not be COM
mitting act Of war by sending troops into
Panama on the request Of the President of that
republic, under the Panaman constitution
such request may be interpreted the assent
Of the government Of the republic.
The right Of the United States TO protect its
property. wherever located, is set forth by Sec
Tetary Root Any hindrance to the construction
Of the canal is interference with the rights and
privileges of the United States, which the Secre-
taFy OF State says must be dealt with. Accord
ingly the Secretary Of War is requested 20 in
struct all United States officials the isthmus
TO hold themselves in readiness to meet any
emergency without exceeding their jurisdiction.