Page:Dramatic Moments in American Diplomacy (1918).djvu/274

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254
DRAMATIC MOMENTS

dividual in international affairs. It was worthy of Athos at his best.

The news was spread over the whole town of Colon that at Bunau-Varilla's request the Americans were coming to protect Panama. On the morning of Nov. 2nd the entire population was scanning the sea in doubt and curiosity. As the hours passed, disappointment and chagrin clouded their hearts. By night, they were in despair. When lo! Smoke was descried on the horizon. Miracle of miracles, —amid a burst of "delirious enthusiasm" the Nashville sailed into the harbour with the Star-Spangled Banner floating in the breeze.

And sitting in the Waldorf Astoria the manipulator of events, this maker of diplomacy by induction and mathematics, received the fateful telegram:


"Independence of the Isthmus proclaimed without bloodshed.

"Amador."


The Colombian troops arrived all right and