Los Angeles herald., 1908-03-20
CLEAR. CRISP AND CLEAN
PANAMA POLITICS

TN HE political pot is boiling in the
little republic Of Panama, but it
Il looks as if the unprecedented
political sagacity of her people-un-
precedented, that is, in Latin-American
countries-would actually give an ex-
ample of orderly procedure. to all our
neighbor republics and of respect for
the constitution which might we'll be
initiated in the United States. Proba-
bly, all the people of Panama have
been instructed in their constitution
1t is in all likelihood a feature of the
school course. Briefly stated, the sit
uation in Panama is this: President
Amador is in office. He is the first
president of Panama, its George
Washington. and a great deal de-
pends on the precedents h establishes
Many of his friends wish him to be
his own successor in office. We all
know that in some neighbor republics
a presidential term looks something
like a limited monarchy. The presi-
dent neither dies nor resigns. lie
STAYS and the constitution, If there
is such a thing, is studiously forgot
ten. 1t would be a sad breach of Off
cial etiquette to refer to it. A person
who quoted from it would not be ar
rested by a policeman for incendiary
speaking. ike the American who was
rash enough to cite an extract from the
constitution of this big republic. Still,
it would be exceedingly bad form 20
introduce it into an official conversa-
ton. law fergit it," is free transla-
tion of one South American constitu-
tional sentiment. and whats the
constitution between friends?" is an
other.
Amador, however, has a sincere re-
spect for the constitution of his coun-
try, knows it by heart, does not need
to appeal to higher courts for con-
structions of it's intent, believes that
it's language is meant to convey ideas
and not to promote legal disputes and
acts in accordance with this healthy
and sane belief.
To his constituents, who are asking
him to run again and TO serve for an
other term, he has sent a wise and
patriotic letter insisting upon retire
ment from office at tho end of his
present term, in accordance with the
letter and spirit of the constitution.
This utterance has been accepted as
final by the people of Panama, who
give their president the credit of being
a truthful man, who means what he
says. Two candidates are announced
for the election that must be held to
elect Amador's successor. Although
there are two political parties in Pam
anna, the Liberal and the Conservative,
the Liberals have decided not to put
a man in the field The Conservatives
or Constituencies have named both
candidates and the election will be
held not to determine which party shall
rule the country. but which individual
shall be president. The question of
power has been amicably settled. 1t
has been conceded that the Conserva-
tives are in power and the Liberals
will give their voting strength TO that
candidate of the Conservatives who
seems to be most taNorable 10 thelf
policies The candidates are Senor
Domingo de Obaldia, formerly Pan
aman minister at Washington and
Senior Ricardo Arias, one of the
founders of the Panama republic,
This little side light on Panama
politics is necessary on account of the
great Importance of Panama to the
United States Besides, isn't it inter
esting to reflect that there is country
where the two best men are presented
for an expression of the will of all ths
people, even though they both belong
TO the same party? And equally in
teresting to know that favorite presi-
dent will obeyithe constitution rather
than the enticing clamor of popularity: