Politics

The United States pursues canal rights over the isthmus of Panama from Columbia, but is rebuffed. With U.S. backing, Panama becomes independent and signs a treaty to allow construction of the .
holds office as the 26th president of the United States.
Congress creates the .
The U.S. Navy establishes a base at .
wins a seat in the New York State Assembly.
The village of Lake George is incorporated.
Congress establishes the first on March 14, 1903, at Pelican Island, Florida, to protect declining populations of pelicans and other water birds.
Alexander Obrenovich, king of Serbia, and his wife, Draga, are .
The New York State Legislature passes the of 1903, a model for laws limiting child labor.