Jasper County Democrat, Volume 6, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 November 1903 — PANAMA A REPUBLIC. [ARTICLE]

PANAMA A REPUBLIC.

Isthmian State Secedes from Columbia and May Sign Canal Treaty. Colombians at Panama have declared their independence, which, once established, is expected to lead to the early conclusion of a canal treaty. United States war vessels and marines have been ordered to the scene after a hurried White House conference. They will guard the railway in accordance with treaty obligations. The State Department feurs a general war may break ont among the Central American republics. The successful movement by which the independence of the Isthmus of Panama was declared took place amid great enthusiasm and frantic excitement. There were 3,000 armed men in the uprising. liens. Tovar and Amayo, who arrived at Colon on the Colombian gunboat Carthagena and proceeded to Panama, were made prisoners. Gov. Obaldia and all the authorities are also captives. The uprising, which is believed to reflect popular opposition to the rejection of the canal treaty, shows fully what the present feeling is on the isthmus. A conference of members of President Roosevelt’s cabinet and leading officials was held at the White House and orders issued for the dispatch of a number of war vessels to Panama and Colon. For the present the efforts of the United States will be devoted to the maintenance of order and preservation of freedom of transit across the isthmus according to our treaty obligations. As to the recognition of the revolutionary government, a Washington correspondent asserts that there is no doubt that as soon as evidence is received of the establishment of a de facto government the United States, following the usual practice, will recognize and treat with the revolutionary authorities. This means that within a short time the new isthmian government will probably conclude a treaty with the United States for the construction of the Panama canal. Within a few days the United Status will have four or five naval vessels and fully 2,000 marines at Panama and Colon. Vice United States Consul Ehrman at Panama cabled the State Department at Washington Wednesday that the Colombian government warship Bogota was shelling the city. Eleven Chinamen were reported killed.