Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-12
PANAMA AWAITS WARSH|PS
GOV. DIAZ CALLS FOR A BEFIT-
TING WELCOME.
President Roosevelt's Order Calling
for Patrol by Marines Dampens
Enthusiasm of the People.

PANAMA. December 12.-The vessels OF
the Pacific fleet are expected to come into
Panama harbor tonight or Sunday morn
ing. The gunboat Yorktown arrived yes
terday afternoon. Senior Diaz. the Gov
ernor of Panama has issued the follow
ing circular to the local societies:
AS the day approaches for the arrival
OF the Pacific squadron of the United
States with force of from 6 600 to 1908
men who will come ashore during the
time the fleet stays in our waters in
groups of 1000 men every day to visit
Panama and the surrounding districts. the
citizens of this city under the leadership
of high political persOnages propose to
receive them in BETTING manner and to
extend to them every attention and cour-
tesy to the end that our most distin-
guished visitors on leaving these shores
shall carry away with them nothing but
grateful and edifying reco,lectons of
every Panaman with whom they come in
contact. under whatever circumstances or
whatever their social standing.
In order. therefore. to further these
intentions the carrying out of which will
strengthen in most notable manner the
good relations existing between the gov
eminent of Panama and that of the
United States. the governor of this prov
1nce most earnestly cXhOrtS you to use all
your influence with the members Of your
organization to the end that they may
give the fullest and most practical express
sion to the intention herein set FORTH
Presidents Order Causes Surprise.
\ report received here that President
Roosevelt had ordered the policing Of
Panama by American marines under
United States officers when the American
sailors land here during the visit of the
Pacific fleet, caused much surprise in
government. native and foreign circles.
Last Wednesday prominent citizens OF
Panama and the Canal Zone held meet
ing. at which arrangements were made
to adequately celebrate the occasion of
the visit of the fleet of friendly sister
republic and at which also plans for the
full protection of the sailors were taken
in charge by a special committee. On
this committee were appointed Gov. Diaz,
Mayor Arosomena, Chief of Police Pre-
tolt and many other prominent Panamans
who were educated in the United States
and speak the English language fiuently.
Enthusiasm Dampened.
President Obaldia had made it known
that it was his desire that Panama should
avail itself of this opportunity to demon
strate that its friendship for the United
States is sincere. but the alleged orders
of President Roosevelt have dampened all
the enthusiasm and the chances are that,
if they are true instead of warm hos
pitality cold courtesy will be rendered the
members of the fleet
1t is said here that exaggerated reports
have been published in American news
papers regarding the death of an Ameri-
can sailor, who. during the last days of
President Amador's administration. was
urn in fcrbf IN, ~
questionable repute and died as a result
of his wounds. President Obaldia, short
ly after assuming power. ordered a COM
plete investigation Of the affair and four
men are now in prison awaiting trial for
alleged connection with the killing of the
seaman.
Assurances From Panama
Prompt assurances have come TO the
State Department from President Obaldia
in response to the request of Acting Sec
rotary of State Bacon that adequate police
protection be given by the authorities at
Panama to American sailors and marines
that may be landed on the istnmus, either
TO" shore leave or in transit. upon the
arrival of Admiral Swinburne's fleet OF
armored cruisers at Panama. President
Obaldia also has promised there shall
be a prompt trial of the men alleged to
have been Implicated in the woundng and
subsequent death of a member of the
crew of the cruiser Buffalo several
months ago. The treatment accorded
American sailors and marines on the
lsthmus has not been satisfactory to the
administration, but the cordial manner
in which President Obaldia has responded
to Mr.. Bacon's request is thoroughly ap-
preciated at the State Department. where
it is hoped all ground for future complaint
viii be removed.