Presidential addresses and state papers, Volume 2 (of 7)Roosevelt, Theodore
History
Presidential addresses and state papers, Volume 2 (of 7)
Roosevelt, Theodore
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919; United States -- Politics and government -- 1901-1909
July, 1901.—Revolutionary disturbances.
September, 1901.—City of Colon taken by rebels.
March, 1902.—Revolutionary disturbances.
July, 1902.—Revolution.
The above is only a partial list of the revolutions, rebellions,
insurrections, riots, and other outbreaks that have occurred during
the period in question; yet they number 53 for the 57 years. It will
be noted that one of them lasted for nearly three years before it
was quelled; another for nearly a year. In short, the experience of
over half a century has shown Colombia to be utterly incapable of
keeping order on the Isthmus. Only the active interference of the
United States has enabled her to preserve so much as a semblance of
sovereignty. Had it not been for the exercise by the United States
of the police power in her interest, her connection with the Isthmus
would have been sundered long ago. In 1856, in 1860, in 1873, in
1885, in 1901, and again in 1902, sailors and marines from United
States warships were forced to land in order to patrol the Isthmus,
to protect life and property, and to see that the transit across
the Isthmus was kept open. In 1861, in 1862, in 1885, and in 1900,
the Colombian Government asked that the United States Government
would land troops to protect its interests and maintain order on the
Isthmus. Perhaps the most extraordinary request is that which has just
been received and which runs as follows:
“Knowing that revolution has already commenced in Panama [an eminent
Colombian] says that if the Government of the United States will
land troops to preserve Colombian sovereignty, and the transit, if
requested by Colombian chargé d’affaires, this government will declare
martial law; and, by virtue of vested constitutional authority, when
public order is disturbed, will approve by decree the ratification
of the canal treaty as signed; or, if the Government of the United
States prefers, will call extra session of the Congress—with new
and friendly members—next May to approve the treaty. [An eminent
Colombian] has the perfect confidence of vice-president, he says, and
if it became necessary will go to the Isthmus or send representative
there to adjust matters along above lines to the satisfaction of the
people there.”
This despatch is noteworthy from two standpoints. Its offer of
immediately guaranteeing the treaty to us is in sharp contrast with
the positive and contemptuous refusal of the Congress which has just
closed its sessions to consider favorably such a treaty; it shows
that the government which made the treaty really had absolute control
over the situation, but did not choose to exercise this control. The
despatch further calls on us to restore order and secure Colombian
supremacy in the Isthmus from which the Colombian Government has just
by its action decided to bar us by preventing the construction of the
canal.
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