Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-11-17
NO IDEA OF ANNEXATION.
Pres. Taft Settles the Stories Regard
ing Republic Of Panama.


Panama, Nov. 16-President Taft
tonight effectually disposed OF the re-
port that the United States was likely
10 annex Panama. At a dinner given
in his honor by President Arosemena
and attended by 200 prominent Off
Gals, diplomats and merchants Pres
ident Taft aroused the greatest enthu-
siasm when he declared that the
American people would feel utterly
|dishOnCred in anneXing Panama, I'M
less some conduct by the Panaman
people left no other course.
This contingency, Mr.. Taft was sure
would never arise.
The President reached Panama at
$50 o'clock this evening from Culebra.
after spending an interesting day in
the great cut where he was often COM
pletely surrounded with giant SHOW
els. putting drills and hurrying dirt
trains. while occasional distinct blasts
sent 10 tons of rocks.
The recent landslides were visible
but they We're in no wise disturbing
10 the President or Lieut. Col. Goe-
thals. The latter said they will be
taken care of as they occur. until the
degree of wall slope prevents recur-
renee.
This afternoon, the President re-
viewed the marines at Camp Elliott
later hearing grievance committees.
Who asked for an increase in pay
Thls, however. is not likely to be
granted in view of the fact that the
wages of the men are already higher,
and the cost of living much lower than
in the United States. Immediately on
his arrival in Panama, the President
proceeded to tie American legation,
who're he was called on by President
Arosemena.
Mr.. Taft returned the call at the
palace and then proceeded to the ban
Huet. After an address of cordial well
Taft said:
president Aresemena and my
friends of Panama, l am glad to ac-
cept your hospitality. AS once in the
| case of Mexico, so now in the case OF
Panama | ventured to violate the Gus
tomary limitation upon the movements
of the President of the United States
by leaving the soil Of my own country
to come beneath the flag and protec-
ton of friendly neighbor
The birth of the Republic of Panama
and the peculiar interest which the Unit
ed States has had since that birth i'm
Panama's welfare and prosperity have
round a common cause in the construc-
ton of the Panama canal The treaty
between the two countries makes the
United States the guaranter of the integ-
rity of the Panama Republic and there
lore in sense the guardian of the lib
ertleS OF her people secured by its con-
stitutlon Our responsibility therefore
for your government requires us CLOSELY
to observe the course of conduct nv
those selected as the officials of your
government, after they are selected, and
to insist that they be selected according
to law.
''All this makes us especially interest
ed III what is done in your government
put this relation neither calls for nor
permits annexation. We are here to CON
struct, maintain. operate and defend the
world canal which runs through the
heart of your country and YOU have
given US the necessary sovereignty and
jurisdiction over that part of your couu-
try occupied by the canal to enable us
to do this effectively. We do not wish
any further responsibility in respect to
Your government than, is necessary in
the carrying out of our purpose to CON
Struct and maintA:l this canal We have
no desire to add to tie territory under
our jurisdiction, except as the operation
of the canal may require it,
I'VE have guaranteed your integrity as
republic and for us to annex territory
hn ;nI,,
nothing would justify on our part so
long as Panama performed her part I'M
der the treaty.
i wish to make this statement as en-
phatic as possible because irresponsible
persons, without the slightest foundation
Ill fact nave started a rumor that nv
VISIT to the isthmuS is for the purpose Of
promoting annexation. which nothing
could be farther from the truth. Pana-
ma cannot be too PROSPEROUS too
healthy. too strong government for the
United States. and | know | sneak the
unanimous voice of the people of the
United States when | say that they
would be most reluctant to have to take
over the responsibilities of government
beyond the canal zone and would feel ut
terly dishonored in so doing unless there
was some conduct on the part of the
Panaman people which left them no 9th
er possible course.
Il am glad to say that there is not the
slightest indication or probability that
the Panaman people will ever pursue a
policy which would require such a
change in the present most satisfactory
relations between the two republics