Only the active interference of the United States had enabled her to preserve so much as a semblance of sovereignty.

Had it not been for the exercise by the United States of the police power in her interest, her connection with the Isthmus would have been sundered long before it was.

In 1856, in 1860, in 1873, in 1885, in 1901, and again in 1902, sailors and marines from United States warships were forced to land in order to patrol the Isthmus, to protect life and property, and to see that the transit across the Isthmus was kept open.

In 1861, in 1862, in 1885, and in 1900, the Colombian Government asked that the United States Government would land troops to protect Colombian interests and maintain order on the Isthmus.

The people of Panama during the preceding twenty years had three times sought to establish their independence by revolution or secession--in 1885, in 1895, and in 1899.
The peculiar relations of the United States toward the Isthmus, and the acquiescence by Colombia in acts which were quite incompatible with the theory of her having an absolute and unconditioned sovereignty on the Isthmus, are illustrated by the following three telegrams between two of our naval officers whose ships were at the Isthmus, and the Secretary of the Navy on the occasion of the first outbreak that occurred on the Isthmus after I became President (a year before Panama became independent): September 12, 1902.
Ranger, Panama: United States guarantees perfect neutrality of Isthmus and that a free transit from sea to sea be not interrupted or embarrassed.