I Took Panama by Rodolfo Leitón

Author:Rodolfo Leitón
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: panama canal, roosevelt, french history, bunauvarilla, panama history, big stick, bunau varilla, gunboat, gunboat diplomacy, i took panama, itookpanama, lesseps, matin, rodolfo leiton
Publisher: Rodolfo Leitón

CHAPTER 20

Paris, August 1900

Philippe peeked into the window of the Pavillon de l’Elysée restaurant, which had recently been inaugurated on occasion of the Universal Exposition, and noticed Francis Loomis inside with his guests.

As he was accustomed to doing for as long as the Isthmus Canal Commission had been in France, Philippe took the opportunity to meet any visiting prominent Americans and give them his well-rehearsed “casual” presentation about the advantages of Panama over Nicaragua. This group in particular was attractive because it included various important businessmen who were also members of the influential Commercial Club of Cincinnati.

When he was sure that they were all seated, Philippe entered through the main door and signaled the host, who he handed a few bills, to be seated at a table for one near his friend. When Philippe passed by his table, Francis Loomis got up to greet him, “Philippe, what a coincidence! Allow me to introduce you to Mr. Watts Taylor and Mr. Harley Thomas Procter of Cincinnati, Ohio. This is Lieutenant Asher Baker and Mr. George Morison.”

“Gentlemen, I’m pleased to meet you. Philippe Bunau-Varilla, at your service.”

“Are you alone? Please, join us.”

“I don’t want to disturb you, gentlemen.”

“Don’t be silly, Mr. Bunau-Varilla. Any friend of Ambassador Loomis is welcome at our table,” Thomas Procter responded with a smile.

And so, Philippe dined with Loomis and his companions. Loomis mentioned that Philippe had been the general director of the Panama Canal Company, which allowed the engineer to take over the conversation for the next two hours, explaining to the visitors why Panama offered a better route than Nicaragua for building the canal.

“But, we didn’t know a thing about this, Mr. Bunau-Varilla! You should come to Cincinnati and tell our friends everything you know! If Panama is a better route, French as it is—no offense to you!—the United States should consider it!” Procter exclaimed.

“Be careful if you visit, Mr. Bunau-Varilla, or Harley will sell you a mountain of Ivory soap to import to France!” Watts Taylor joked. The mood was light and all were enchanted by Francis Loomis’ friend.

“Gentlemen, it would be an honor. I understand that Senator Mark Hanna is from Ohio, is that correct?” Philippe asked innocently.

“Of course, we know Mark very well. Perhaps he could join us if he’s in Ohio. In fact, I think he’s coming to Cincinnati in January…” Morison responded.

Philippe managed to be invited to speak to the most powerful senator in the United States about why the U.S. should choose Panama over Nicaragua as the location to build the American canal.

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