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244 Before he could act he felt obliged to discover which of these plans the State Department had in mind. If they had given up Panama, all was lost indeed. Unless they would instantly support a revolution, such a proceeding would be suicidal. If the United States proposed to take the zone anyway, the Revolution would be superfluous. Being astute as well as honourable he was aware that under no circumstances could he acquire his information directly, or get the slightest assurance or encouragement from the government. He had a higher opinion of Theodore Roosevelt and John Hay than many of their countrymen—who say that they instigated the revolt—have since evinced.

On this impossible errand he went to Washington. He paid a social call upon the Honourable Francis B. Loomis, Assistant Secretary of State. He told him that he had recently taken an important proprietary interest in the great French newspaper, Le Matin.

"Then you ought to present to the President