Privately, I freely say to you that I should be delighted if Panama were an independent state; or if it made itself so at this moment; but for me to say so publicly would amount to an instigation of a revolt, and therefore I cannot say it." Nothing, however, prevented the President from keeping an attentive eye on the situation.

On the 16th of October he directed the Navy Department to send ships to the Isthmus to protect American interests in case of a revolutionary outbreak.

On the 2d of November, he ordered the squadron to "maintain free and uninterrupted transit....

Prevent the landing of any armed force with hostile intent, either government or insurgent, at any point within fifty miles of Panama." At 3:40 P.M., on the 3d of November, the acting Secretary of State telegraphed to the Isthmus for confirmation of a report to the effect that an uprising was in progress.
A reply dated 8:15 P.M.stated that there had been none as yet, but that it was rumored one would take place during the night.

On the 4th of November independence was proclaimed.