Book 2, Chapter 14 Summary and Analysis

"Envoy Extraordinary" ends Book 2, showing Banau-Varilla outmaneuver the Panamanians to give the U.S. greater rights in the Canal Zone than it wants - and guaranteeing problems ahead. Banau-Varilla celebrates news of the birth of a nation but is troubled Amador does not mention diplomatic powers for him when requesting the promised $100,000. After an exchange of cables, Arango, Boyd, and Arias designate him "Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary near the Government of the United States of America," and he moves to Washington. Hay informs him a special commission is coming from Panama to make a canal treaty, which Banau-Varilla takes as a personal plot against him. Ehrman believes that they are merely assistants and messengers bringing written instructions. Within seven days, however, the Hay-Banau-Varilla Treaty is negotiated and signed, evoking controversy, provoking angry Senate debate, and becoming a bone...