Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-10-05
Political Situation in Panama
Causing Some Concern.
BOUND TO KEEP ORDER
Recall of Minister Porras May Start
Trouble Requiring Inter
vention.

The political controversy in Panama
that has resulted in the summary recall
OF DR.. Belisario Porras, Pa man min
lister in Washington-which rr. Porras
explains as a conspiracy of his enemies
who would clip the wings Of his presi-
rental aspirations may involve the
United States.
The United States. while not directly
concerned in any internal situation in
Panama. is snterested in the tranquility
of the republf on account of the Pan
ANA canal 1T will insist that order
shall be maintained.
President Arosemena, the State Depart
ment has been advised. proposes to dele
gate his powers as executive and absent
himself from Panama for six months
prior to the coming election for presi-
dent. He has had legal advice that this
course will meet the requirements OF the
republican constitution, which bars the
President of Panama from succeeding
himself.
Announces His Candidacy.
DR.. Porras, according to his own
declarations, is candidate for the
presidency. The situation occasioned
by his recall is potent with POSSIBLE
ties of trouble. even to the extent of
armed conflict
While it is not up to the United
States to adjust the political quarrels
of the little nation. in the event OF
hostilities it would probably assume
the right to say something that would
restore peace.
The recall of Dr. Porras will leave
Senior Juan Brin. al present secretary
of the Panaman legation, acting as
charge.
1t will be DR.. Porras last official duty
to present Mr. Brin to the State De-
partment in that capacity If DR.. Por-
ras declines this function, then Mi
Brin will have to await the arrival OF
full credentials from Panama before
he can be formally recognized by the
Stat Department.
Situation Is Peculiar.
The situation is peculiar. but not
without precedent. The United States
herself has been obliged on rare oc-
casions summarily to recall its own
ministers because of dissatisfaction
with their conduct.
The last instance of that kind was in
the early pineties, when Mr.. Miner was
summarilys recalled from Honduras be-
cause. it was claimed, he had permitted
Gen Rarrundia 10 be killed on board IN
American ship while he was a fugitive.
The historian Motley was also recalled
from his ministry in Europe.
Officially the State Department regards
the present sudden change in the Pana-
man ministry as a purely domestic al
fair The department is keeping a close
watch on developments in Panama. What
course il will pursue i'm event that Presi-
dent Arosemena attempts to continue In
the office beyond his present term is
probematical.
II is an open secret that the depart
ments insistance upon a strict adher-
ence to the letter of the Panaman con-
stitution thwarted the intent Of Obaldia.
predecessor.
continue himself in office, and the point
TO be determined now il whether or not
the plan proposed by President Arose
mena to secure another term by taking
q x-month leave of absence before the
election is violation of the spirit of
the constitution. the integrity of which
the United States government feels it
self bound by treaty to maintain.