The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1921-08-23
UPRISING
THREATENS
AS SEQUEL
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question. is fully aware of the tense
situation in the Central American re.
public. Belief was expressed in some
circles that the delicate political situa-
ton in Panama was one OF the rea.
sons that a battalion OF American ma.
srines were sent TO Panama.
In the event of an instruction, IL
is accepted as fact that the United
States will give armed support to the
Porras administration. The attitude
of the United States Government TO.
ward President Porras was evidenced
last spring when marines were sent
from the Canal Zone TO protect tina
executive against hostile mobs.
Feeling at High Pitch.
az have no knowledge of any con.
Etemplated insurrectionary movement,
'said Belisario Porras, jr., son of Prest
dent Porras, and Panaman consul gen.
eral in New York city, today. But
do know that the feelings of the peo-
pie are at a high pitch. Should such
a thing occur, it is certain that II
would not be successful.
Steps have already been taken to
prevent any such trouble. A few
y
recently we equipped our police force
in Panama with adequate arms and
munitions. 1t Is quite certain that the
Panama government will be able to
take care of any international troubles
itself The whole thing is so sudden
that II has taken many of US by sur
prise. AS to the American demand
that Panama cede disputed territory TO
Costa Rica, i know that my govern
ment holds the view that II cannot
accept the White award"
Panama officials expressed the
hope that the American marines
which are en- route from Philadelphia
for Panama are not for immediate
action service, but are to be held in
readiness for future developments and
TO protect Panama in the event that
disorders occur.
Troops Well Equipped.
The Panaman forces are well sup
piled with war materials. The govern
Tnent began making purchases in New
York city last April. and as late as
July two shipments of munitions left
this city for Panama. They con-
sisted Of rifles, bayonets, machine
guns and cartridges. 1t was ex-
planned that these munitions were to
he used for the protection of the
city of Panama. The supplies were
sufficient, however, to equip a force
larger than the 500 policemen raised
by the government.
Persons conversant with conditions
f. the Central American republic de-
clared that an uprising against Presi-
dent Porras has only been prevented
by his refusal to give in to the de-
mands of the American State De-
partment.
Despite the Presidents stand
against the White award (which the
United States wants to enforce), his
political enemies accuse him of hav-
ing a secret Willingness TO yield il
he could do so with grace. The politi-
cal opponents of the President are
sparing no effort to embarrass him.
They have recalled old speeches made
by him to prove that he was anti
American at the time of the crea-
ton of the republic.
The position of President Porras
has been a critical one for nearly a
year. with pressure against him from
three different sources. His political
enemies attacked him without cessa-
ton, the public demanded that Pana-
ma reject the White award, and the
United States Government has been
increasing it's insistence that Panama
yield to Costa Rica and accept the
White award.
President Porras is self.made
man. He was born in Colombia, the
son of poor parents. After passing
through the public schools he was
graduated as an honor pupil and was
educated abroad at the cost OF the
government. After the death of his
first wife he married a Costa Rican
woman about ten years ago. This has
furnished his political enemies with
more material with which to harass
him