The document below is a telegram from the “New Company of the Panama Canal” in 1904. In this telegram, R. Campillo describes how happy he is that the canal treaty was ratified. The caption under the source backs up this claim by labeling it “Telegrams referring to the celebrations for the ratification of the treaty on the excavation of the canal.” This illustrates how happy a lot of these Panamanians were to land this deal as it was almost a guaranteed profit. They were also worried about this because there were rumors that the U.S. might turn to Nicaragua if Panama was not an option. These Panamanian people were happy to secure a source of income for which the country would become wealthier.
This document relates to the project because it is an insight into the Panamanian People’s opinion in the early 20th century. These people are happy about the independence from Columbia because it allowed them to get the U.S. to help fund the canal. Most citizens saw the canal as a great opportunity to increase notoriety and wealth in their country. It also shows a positive outlook on the U.S. where they are helping the Panamanian people and the treaty is considered a “win-win”. We will see that this sentiment changes as time moves on.
Primary Source:
Full Document:
R. Campillo, “Panama Canal Telegram” National Archives of Panama, 1904