| OCR Text |
Show Now Dig the Canal. The United States senate's ratltlca-tion ratltlca-tion of the Panama canal treaty removes re-moves the last serious obstacle to the construction of the isthmian waterway water-way which the American people have had hi contemplation for more than half a century. Though there has been a long and stubborn tight over the treaty and many amendments were suggested, it was finally approved without so much as tho change of a vvoid from the original convention as signed by Secretary Hay and Dr. Her-rarr, Her-rarr, the Colombian representative. Tho treaty embodies every concession conces-sion that this country could reasonably reason-ably make to Colombian sensibilities, though at tho same time, it is believed, amply safeguarding our Interests. In-terests. It gives the Colombians sovereignity sov-ereignity over a vast enterprise of the United States government, representing represent-ing man) more millions of dollais than the Colombian government is woith. The rights of this government govern-ment to the canal pioperty are for 100)eais, with the pilvllege of having the lease perpetually renewed. Colombia Col-ombia agrees not to lease or sell to any forcigrr government any lands for the purposo of establishing formications formi-cations or coaling stations or other woiksthat might iuteiferc witli the construction or maintenance of the canal and auxiliary works. The treaty provides that free potts shall bo established at the terminals of the canal, that the United States shall supply drainage s) stems for Panama and Colon and that tho two countries shall Jointly repel Invasion. It Is also provided for a Joint commission commis-sion of tho governments of Colombia and tho United States to establish and enfoico sanitary and police regulations. Authority to icgulate the uso of the canal, railway, the entering ports and auxiliary works, however, rests with the United States. In acknowledging the sovereignity of Colombia the United States disavows dis-avows any Intention to Impair it in any way or to increase its territory at the expense of Colombia or of any of the sister republics In Central or South America. With these political concessions and tho liberal financial considerations an annual payment of $250,000 In gold to be made for the lease, beginning nine) ears after the date of ratification, ratifica-tion, and $10,000,000 In gold to be paid upon the exchange of ratifications of the treaty the Colombians ought to and no boubt will bo entirely satisfied. The building and operation of the canal will greatly increase the Importance Im-portance of the Colombian republic among the nations and add prodigiously prodig-iously to the country's resources. This being the case, the American people will not look with any sot t of toleration on further Colombian obstruction ob-struction and will expect to see the woik on the great enterprise speedily begun, with the hearty approval of the Colombians. |
