The Morning Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Okla.) 1919-1927, 1921-03-01
THE ooLoMBIAN TREATY AGAIN.

Disquietlng In the statement given out in
Washington the other day by Harry VI. paugh-
crty TO the effect that the special session OF the
senate called 10 confirm presidential appoint
monts. would bo asked to remain IN session until
tho extraordinary meeting o. tho congress- In
April. for tho purpose OF Considering She Co
Iombian treaty negotiated by 'hc wilson ad-
ministration.
1t will be recalled that ;l.s treaty gives TO the
Colombian government, S250pobo0 Tor the
wrong done 81 by prcs.ien; Roosevelt when
the republic ot Panama VAS recognized as a
condition precedent 90 the beginning Of con-
sruction work Of the canal.
Every attempt to rat,fy tho treaty during The
Wilson administration was frustrated because
It was charged In the senate. and tho charge
supported by public opinion. that such an act
would constitute an Indictment OF President
Roosevelt be an insult to his memory, and was
In fact nothing but a species OF blackmail.
The explanation given by Mr. Daughorty in
tho interview referred TO Is that there arc
large number OF American business men who
have secured concessions In Colombia which they
will be unable to realize unless the good will OF
the Colombian government be secured by
the payment OF this bribc for 1t is nothing more
nor less than bribc
It is unbelievable that republican admins
tration would seriously consider ratification of
this monstrous pact at all much less as the first
important act OF an administration elected TO
ropudiatc the word and works OF Woodrow Will
sou. did not the assurance that such is the pro-
gram contemplated come from one who has
proven his right TO speak for the president
elect.
Tho World knows not how others may feel
about this matter; It has no information CON
corning tho attitude Of republican senator's with
respect TO this program which is adroitly put
before the country, but for itself It docs not
hesitate to condemn It unsparlngly, and to assert
that II Il is carried out, II will clothc tho ad-
minlstration with infamy in the beginning tho
senate with opprobium that will cling to 1t
forever
Even were It not for the precedent facts in
volved which go to the very heart Of the ma
tions rectitude and the moral code of one OF
the nations very greatest characters, It would
still be a monstrous perversion OF authority
an impossible doctrine that money should hc
taken from the national treasury to buy the
friendly cooperation Of another nation held to
be essential to tho success of private invest
ments.
Every tenet or the constitution ~ RdmonluNo
agains, such practice, American business men
who have acquired concessions IN Colombia
either have rights there In law which ontitle
them to the protection OF their own govern
ment or they have not. II they have, then It is
beyond the power OF any diplomat or statesman
TO point out legal way to protect those rights
by the payment OF brbes from tho national
treasury. II they have not such rights in Law
and equity, then the Washington government
is under no compulsion to assume emhnrrass-
Inents by reason Of such claims.
There are men In the senate who win not hest.
tate to speak boldly concerning this matter when
II comes up for consideration; we hope they
will speak for the majority OF the senate as
they will speak for tho majority OF the citizen.
ship.