Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-17
Uncle Sam to Lend Aid in the
Next Elections.
SEQUEL TO TAFT'S VISIT
Local Government Names an Elec-
toral Commission.
BLACKBURN AND SQUIREs
Will Hear and Examine All Com
plants and Aim to Forestall Any
Disorders Arising Therefrom.

PANAMA. May 1s.-When it became
known here that the American Secretary
of War would visit Panama it was gener-
ally concluded that he would interpose
the friendly services of the United States
TO prevent disturbances at the next presi-
Dental election This matter was fully
gone into during Mr.. Tafts stay here
and for several days past persistent re-
ports have been in circulation that the
United States would take a hand in these
elections. which will be held in July. To-
day the result of the conferences was
made public
The Panaman government last evening
officially informed the government of the
United States. through Joseph c. S. Black
burn, governor of the Canal Zone, and
Herbert G. Squires the American minis
ter. that it had created a commission
of electoral inquiry. which was fully en-
powered and directed to hear and examine
all complaints. to examine all records and
proceedings. and, in short, to investigate
all the details relating TO the coming
elections from beginning to end.
To Protect American Interests.
In view of the large interests in the
United States that would be affected in
case of disturbances, Panama cordially in
vites the United States to join 1t In such
inquiries and proceedings and to designate
such parties as it may desire to examine
and cross-examine. inspect and make
copies of the electoral lists. and to con-
duct its investigation in conjunction with
Panama SO as to secure the best results.
Each commission. 1t is proposed Is to
make d report to its respective govern
ment.
Gov. Blackburn. in reply to this official
notification, made the following statement
to the Panaman government:
In behalf of our government, we ex-
press our appreciation OF the spirit OF
your suggestion and our acceptance and
accord with the same. We agree with
you that not day should be lost in pur-
suing the necessary inquiries and taking
appropriate action. We shall in behalf
of our government designate various par
ties to visit the several provinces imme-
dlately and we suggest that we meet at
once to arrange the necessary details re-
lating to the conduct of these inquiries"
Action Is Commended.
Richard Reid Rogers. general counsel
of the Panama canal commission. has
been appointed United States representa-
tive to communicate daily with the repre-
sentative of Panama regarding the investi-
cation to be held. Already party COM
posed of canal employees who have been
here for a long period and are thorough
ly acquainted with the isthmus has been
organized for the purpose of making an
Inspection.
The supporters of Senior Obaldia. the
former Panaman minister at Washington
and now a candidate for president have
organized committees for the same pur-
pose.
The general opinion is held here that the
action of the United States I'm reaching
forth guiding hand, which practically
means supervision of the coming cleo
ton, cannot fail to bring about most bene-
ficent results in Panama.
Secretary Taft. who recently spent six
days on the isthmus. Is due to arrive i'm
Charleston, 5. c., today. During the
stay in Panama he had MANY confer
ehces with President Amador foreign
Senor Aris. Minister Squires, Senor Or
ahgo. the Panaman minister and other
prominent officials with regard to MANY
questions relating to the boundary line
between Panama and Colombia, the Canal
Zone administration and the coming eIac
tions
While In Panama he cabled to Charles
r Masoon. provisional governor of Cuba
ihrltlng MN IN the name of the Panaman
administration and people to go to the
lsthmus to settle the questions that had
arisen. Gov Magoon replied to this mes
sage that he would give two weeks be-
sllniiie June l, to the consideration of
these questions. Gov Magoon was govern
or OF the Panama Canal Zone i'm 1.N,,-oH
secretary Taft on his return to Wash
ihetoh Monday next will make full re
por, 10 the President of his conferences
WIN the Panama officials. He has used
the caoie sparinSly during his visit to the
lsthfnus. leaving the bulk of his report for
verbal communication. Because of the De-
cuilar relations of the United States gov
ernment toward the republic of Panama
the President and his advisers are par
ticuldriy anxious that there shall not be
any cause for disturbance in the isthmian
republic. and feel that they are justified
In eNert1ng every effort without interven-
ing to an unwarranted extent In the af-
fairs of Il sister republic in offering every
suggestion looking to it's welfare.
During his visit it was represented to
Secretary Taft ~ certain element of
the population OF the isthmus that the
elections in that country had been unfair
, and that no proper expression of public
| opinion had been permitted. Secretary
Taft was very much impressed by what
had been told him. and in his conference
with the authorities. no doubt laid great
stress on the complaints
Today's reports from Panama indicate
| that his efforts have brought promp. re-
sponse from the officials of the republic,
| and the efficient carrying out of the plans
proposed for secuang fair elections it is
| believed here will render further sugses
tions from the United States unnecessary.