The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1915-01-26
COLOMBIA
Still Demanding Indemnity
From U. S.

Washington, D. c., Jan. 22-It was
twelve years ago today that the
treaty between the United States and
Colombia for the construction of the
Panama Canal by the United States
was signed at Washington. While the
nation Is rejoicing today over the ac-
complishment Of this huge task, and
is planning the formal opening in
March, the thorn In the side of the
great modern accomplishment is still
keenly felt by the administration.
For the claim of the Republic of Co.
lOmbia for an indemnity in connec-
tion with the events that brought
about the final treaties is yet to be
adjusted. In all these years, the
claim of Colombia has been pressed
by her representatives in Washing
ton. Not until President Wilson and
his cabinet took up the claim was
there any prospect of settlement. Last
year the state department announced
1t was taking steps for the settlement
of the claim, and many reports were
filed with the department from offic-
ials who were connected with the
early negotiations for the Canal strip.
Although the cry of blackmail was
raised against Colombia's claim, there
have been many Endorsements of the
claim as debt of honor. The con-
nection of our marines with the In
surrection which separated the state
Of Panama from Colombia is the bas-
is for the belief that the United States
is in honor bound to indemnify Co.
lombia for the canal strip.
The treaty signed twelve years ago
was ratified by the senate in the fol-
lowing March. The Colombian sen.
ate rejectedf it on Sept. IA and ap-
proved bill authorizing the govern.
ment to negotiate new treaty. Pan
anna was at that time part of Colon
bia, and, wishing the canal to be
built, revolution was begun and
Panama announced her independence
on Nov. 3, 1908. The Colombian
troops We're withdrawn from Colon
two days later and on the 9Th the
United States recognized the inde-
pendence of Panama. Colombia
lodged protest against this action
of the United States government. So
fast did negotiations follow each 9th
er that ON November 13 President
Roosevelt received the envoy extra
ordinary of the Republic of Panama,
and five days later q canal treaty be-
tween the United States and the new
republic was signed at Washington.
The very next day, Nov. 10, Colombo
an envoys went to Colon to negotiate
the return of Panama to the mother
country, but they were refused.
Colombia sent special envoy to
Washington. He arrived Dec. and
was received by President Roosevelt.
Three days later marines from the
U. s. cruiser Dixie were landed at
Colon and occupied position on the
Panama Railroad.
Colombia announced that the Unit
ed States had practically taken by
force part of her territory and de.
manded an indemnity. No definite
steps were taken to adjust the matter,
and President Roosevelt objected to
payment of any indemnity. The claim
remained buried in the State Depart
ment until Secretary Bryan under
took an investigation into the part
the United States played in the
events leading to the treaty under
which the canal was finally begun.
The opening Of the canal with all
the glory of American accomplish
ment again brings attention to the
skeleton in the closet, and there is a
strong sentiment here that the merits
Of the claim should be carefully and
fully investigated, and, II the United
States is involved In fact, or In honor.
to pay the indemnity, a disinterested
commission be selected to set the
damage price.
l. tst 49,.