New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12
70 the Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: During the last few days nave nv
ticed a number of articles in various leaulnS
newspaper. favoring the ratification OF the
pending treaty with Colombia. AT various
times in the columns Of The Tribune, Ihe
Independent" and other papers have spoken
in favor of the settlement of the pending CUES
ton with Colombia in manner that shall
leave no shadow of doubt as 70 the legitl'
macy of our title to the Canal Zone. Now In
the present chaotic condition Of international
affairs it would seem especially incumbent
upon US to clean up our own slate in order
that Americas voice in favor Of worldwide
order and justice shall be effective.
As a Republican, and one of the workers in
the recent campaign, | urge that this matter
shall not be considered as party matter
which it is not by any means. but as ma
tiona duty and precaution, as we'll az most
important step in securing the confidence
and good will. and thus the trade, of the Span
Ish-American countries, with its huge annual
harvest of dollars.
The initial steps toward harmony with
Colombia were taken by Secretary Root, but
the state of public feeling In Colombia at the
time prevented results Then President
Taft sent Minister Dubois to negotiate q
treaty. He created most favorable I'M
preston in Colombia, though by reason OF
the brief time at his disposal, owing to the
change of party at Washington, he did not
settle any definite terms. Nevertheless he
most ably paved the way for the Thomson
Urrutia treaty now awaiting ratification by
the United States Senate
The S25OOO,OOO offered in the pending
treaty was first officially suggested by Min
lister Dubois and would be a mere bagatellc
compared to the increased trade that il
would foster.
There seems to be little doubt as to the
advisablity Of the purchase Of the Danish
west Indies; yet they constitute mere hand
full Of land, all privately owned and of nc
possible value to save as a strategic out
post to the Panama Canal. Yet st. Thomas
their principal hsrbor, is further away from
Colon than is Tampa, Fla.
Colombia's most distant port, Bahia Honda
Deep Bav), is just one-half as far. is COM
pletely sheltered with six to seven fathoms
of water three miles wide by seven long.
Fourteen miles nearer the canal is FL POr-
tete, half the size, but equally deep and
sheltered.
One hundred and eighty miles nearer the
canal in a direct line is Santa Marta, busy
shipping centre of the banana trade and one
of Americas best harbors.
Fifty-four miles further down the Colon
bian coast in line to the canal is Savanills
the main port of the Magdalena Valley.
Sixty miles still closer TO Gatun is Carta-
gena harbor, great shipping centre. com
pletely landlocked, nine miles long BY one to
five wide, distant from Colon a days easy
steaming by the slowest tramps, or half 8
day by cruiser.
Almost adjoining Cartagena harbor is Bar
bacoas Bay, of warship size, and series
of islands that would shelter the fleets OF
the world. before reaching Cispata Bay, a
quiet sheet of ample dimensions.
Further TO the southwest, Isla Fuerte
would afford safe anchorage for a score OF
batteships.
Then the Gulf of Darien, with safe anchor
age for half its great expanse, terminating
in Colombia Bay which Admiral Selfrdg'
has called zone of the finest natural harbors
in the world And just here is where the
Germans have bought land and before the
war broke out had begun a pier and coalin'