Page:Dramatic Moments in American Diplomacy (1918).djvu/249

Rh of Colombia, this indomitable champion of the Isthmian canal had gone into action. Within half an hour he was in the office of M. Lindo. M. Lindo was the head of the largest banking house of New York and Panama. We have M. Bunau-Varilla's own record of events.

Well, M. Lindo,' said I, after the first exchange of compliments, 'is the rumour true that the people of Panama are going to make a revolution?'

"He shrugged his shoulders in a disheartening way and said:  'Faltan recursos.'  ('They have no financial means.')

What!' said I, disappointed at this answer. 'These people who are ever ready to make a revolution for insignificant causes, are going to keep quiet when Colombia decrees that they must die of hunger.'

It can't be helped,' he said. 'Without money a revolution cannot be brought about any more than a war. But if you care to know what the situation really is I will ask Amador to come and see you.'