Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1921-03-24
For PEACE AT PANAMA

Revolutions" said John Hay,
>"have gone out of fashion in our
neighborhood. That was nearly
seventeen years ago; and he was, by
the way, talking about Panama. To-
day his worthy successor repeats the
same sound principle, with wider
application. With revolutions
read also "ructions."
1t does not comport with our inter
ests to have causeless fightings occur
among adjacent states, particularly
when affecting those in which we
have a great stake and for which we
are both morally and legally respon-
sible. On that ground we have more
than once interviewed to prevent
wanton revolt in Cuba. On that
same ground the present Admins
tration, with admirable readiness,
discretion and resolution, intervene5
TO prevent wanton conflict between
Costa Rica and Panama.
Our right and our duty TO do this
are both above dispute. The Hay
Bunau Varilla treaty Is not a mere
scrap of paper. 1t is valid and
sacred compact, and in its very first
Article is provides that THE United
States guarantees and will maintain
the independence of the Republic OF
Panama"
The responsibility thus assumed is
obvious, and Panama would in case
of need be quick to invoke it. The
authority conveyed by it is common
surate with the responsibility, and
we have in case of need the right to
exercise it. We act in one sense as
the legal protector Of Panama, but
in a broader, stronger sense We act
as the equal friend of both coun-
tries, and as the friend of peace and
justice.
We have spoken of causeless fight
ings. 1t is true that there has long
been a dispute as to the western
boundary of Panama, but boundary
disputes are recognized as fit mat
tiers for arbitration; and so M. Lou
bets meaning was submitted to
Chief Justice White, of our Su-
preme Court, for Interpretation.
And now, instead of following
the rule to which they have twice
committed themselves, and seek
ing to apply Justice Whites inter
probation of NJ. Loubet's decision,
they foolish1y begin fighting over
II. It is we'll for the United States
to veto such a performance, and to
insist that negotiations which began
in peace shall not end in war.
1t is intimated that the League of
Nations is seeking to NEEDLE in the
matter. 1t will scarce:y get far.
We cannot concede that the Cove
nant of the League has superseded
nr q hrouatad tha Hav-Runau Varilla
treaty, or has in any way abridged
our duties and rights hereunder.
Neither can we recognize it as in
any way impairing the validity and
force of the Monroe Doctrine. Two
American States have perfect
right to seek the umpireship of
European chief of state, as these
two did. But no European Power
or League of Powers can be admit
ted to have right to intrude itself
between them, unasked.
1t is unfortunate that the late
Administration caused some tension
of our relations with Costa RIGA.
That fact will scarcely, however,
initiate against our friendly inter-
position in this case. In fact, Costa
RIGA should welcome our action, be-
cause justice Whites Interpretation
of the award was particularly fav-
orable to her claims. II the Incl
dent shall have the result of estab-
fishing not alone the Panama-Costa
Rica boundary line but also more
confident and cordial relationship
between Costa RIGA and the United
States, there will be double cause
for qualification.