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  4. Document 551

Mr. Russell to Mr. Hay.

American Legation,
Panama , February 22, 1904 .
No. 57.]

Sir: I have the honor to report that on Saturday, the 19th instant, the inauguration of Dr. Manuel Amador Guerrero as first President of the Republic of Panama took place with much pomp and ceremony. Admiral Glass, of the Pacific Squadron, sent a representative with 20 officers, all in uniform. Admiral Coghlan and staff, of the Atlantic Squadron, came up from Colon; and Colonel Biddle, with staff and 20 officers, represented the regiment of marines stationed in the center of the Isthmus. After the inauguration the President issued a circular, a translation of the portion of which referring to the United States I inclose.

The cabinet was named the same day, and is as follows: Government (which includes foreign affairs), Mr. Tomas Arias; treasury, Dr. F. V. de la Espriella; justice and public instruction, Julio Fabrega; public works, Manuel Quintero V.

Mr. Arias was a member, of the junta of the provincial government and is a member of the Conservative party. Doctor Espriella was a minister for foregin affairs under the provisional government and is a Liberal. Mr. Julio Fabrega was minister of public instruction under the provisional government and is a Conservative. Mr. Manuel Quintero is a Liberal and was a revolutionist general in the last revolution.

I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,

William W. Russell.
[Manifesto.—Extract.—Translation.]

I believe I echo the true sentiment of Isthmians when I take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the Government of the United States of America for its noble and generous attitude in listening to the just representations made to it after the proclamation of our independence, through our representative there, looking to our recognition as a free country worthy to figure in the list and with the same prerogatives as our other sister Republics of South and Central America.