And State Papers 703 



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 

 1 86 1, in 1862, in 1885, and in 1900, the Colombian 

 Government asked that the United States Govern- 

 ment 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 charge d'affaires, this 

 government will declare martial law; and, by virtue 

 of vested constitutional authority, when public or- 

 der is disturbed, will approve by decree the ratifica- 

 tion of the canal treaty as signed ; or, if the Gov- 

 ernment of the United States prefers, will call extra 

 session of the Congress with new and friendly 



