11 MAY 1985, Page 20

One hundred years ago

The Government of the United States has taken a great stride towards the annexation of the Isthmus of Panama. It was necessary during the recent emeutes there to land Marines for the protection of American property, and, indeed, of civilisation in general; and although on the arrival of Colombian troops the Marines retired, the Colombian Gov- ernment was hardly found equal to the situation. It is as weak, and possibly as corrupt, as most Spanish-American Governments, and could not per- manently protect the transit. A treaty has therefore been made under which the Government of Washington and the Government of Bogota assume a joint Protectorate of the Isthmus, and be- tween them are to guarantee the safety

of transit. Spectator, 9 May 1885