Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-03-12
Saturday, March IL, 1921.
THE COLOMBIAN TREATY

THE COLOMBIAN TREATY
Again the attention of the public
is called to q source of irritation be-
tween this country and Colombia
The treaty and proposal to pay Co.
lombia twenty five million dollars are
being considered in the United States
Senate-in open session it is crafty
ing to note-and will go over to the
next session for final action. AL
ready this matter has excited or rath-
er renewed lively controversy
Heretofore when the matter has been
under discussion public opinion has
disapproved the plan. The last time,
under the Wilson administration,
1here was attached to the treaty an
apology, So called, but with no sound
evidence of anything to apologize for.
That the treaty is now advocated
by President Harding and by Senator
Lodge, who formerly opposed it with
the apology, indicates knowledge on
their part of actual conditions with
which people generally may not be
acquainted. Those who oppose,
charge that the worlds scramble for
oil supplies and the desire of power
eul interests to acquire oil holdings
in that country are influences now at
work: and while it is conceivable,
If not probable, that consideration
should be given to these the public is
naturally anxious to know the facts.
Many contend that the proposed ac-
ton would reflect discreditably on
the Roosevelt administration, but this
does not necessarily follow:
1t will be recalled that Panama Sc
ceded from Colombia in 1903, when,
to quote from Roosevelt's writings:
"a shameless and sordid attempt was
made by the then dictator of Colom-
bia and fellow politicians to force the
United States by scandalously i'm
proper tactics to pay vastly larger
sum for the privilege of building the
Panama canal than had been agreed
upon in a solemn treaty" In short
he termed it blackmail.
Roosevelt had been empowered by
congress to acquire either the Pana-
ma or Nicaragua route with direc-
tons to choose the latter unless
reasonable terms" might be obtained
from the old French company and
Colombia. The French agreed to ac-
cept forty millions for their rights,
surely all they were worth, and Co.
lombia signed treaty ceding the
right of way on condition of the pay
ment Of ten millions and perpetual
annuity of a quarter million where
upon the Colombian political free
hooters got busy and held out for
more. Then it was Panama seeded
and the $10.o00,00O was paid to her.
1t is said that in the original treaty
Colombia herself stipulated the figure
of ten millions.
No proof has been found to show
that the United States instigated the
revolt of Panama and this country
was recognized by the world to be
within its rights in dealing with Pan
anna and in building the canal, an
achievement standing to the credit of
Theodore Roosevelt as to no other
one man. Whatever may become of
the treaty with Colombia his fame
endures.
The present treaty was ratified by
the Colombian Senate May 2. 1914,
since which time it has awaited the
action of the United States Senate.
1t should be finally disposed of. I'm
doubtedly the long wait has whetted
the desire of the Colombians until the
best Of them now feel aggrieved and
possibly disposed to be nasty" This
delay has complicated matters and
the effect of a rejection might be re-
garded by all of South America as
an injustice and as proof of the
propaganda against the United
States. Our record is clear and is
honorable yet another fact is before
the eyes of our Latin neighbors;
Colombia lost Panama. it is under
our control. and many overlook her
losing it by her own folly and
her share in the benefits of the
canal. AS an investment in South
American goodwill the twenty-five
millions may be paltry sum con-
sidering possible returns but there
should be attached to it no signifi-
canoe Of apology for what has been
done.
Tho money received to date for
~o,A.. %ho 90 rAs-~-.