The "United States of Colombia" are quarrelling gravely with Venezuela.
Although it is in South America, the war may turn out to be of importance, for the Government of the United States is inclined to interfere. President McKinley will declare, it is asserted, that war in South America threatens the Monroe doctrine and the interests of the Union, and consequently will be prevented, if necessary by force. This is not altogether unreasonable, since, if the Union is to protect the States of South America, Washington must have some control over their foreign policy. Unfortunately the Spanish-American States have never admitted the suzerainty of America, and should Colombia resist, the American Government will be under a strong temptation to occupy Panama, which is a State of the Colombian Union, and to hold it as a guarantee that expenses will be paid. With Panama in her own hands America can cut the canal at leisure, unopposed by anybody except France, which will contend that her citizens still hold a large property, valued at several millions, in the State of Panama, and that such property must not be confiscated. Matters must advance a little further before an opinion can be formed, but American men-of-war have been ordered to Panama, and it is not impossible that within a few months that State may be in American occupation. Then the Canal question will be serious. For ourselves, we can see no reason why this country should oppose.
Previous page
