Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-12-17


ABLY disposed TO the Nicaragua canal treaty,
and possibly IL may be ratified. The Ques-
tons involved are however, OF the greatest import
ance, and Will be considered, no doubt with the
care they require. To enter on the policy mapped
out by the administration Will subject this country
70 criticism In both Great Britain and France, and
we should be prepared TO sustain ourselves In any
argument that may arise. England Will claim that
We violate our treaty obligations and France VIII
see IN the scheme plan TO ruin her canal at the
Isrhmus OF Panama. The treaty will bind this
country 20 colonial policy heretofore avoided,
perhaps now longer feasible in view OF the closer
relations OF commercial nations springing out OF
the improved facilities OF intercourse OF to-day We
shall also be required tn augment the strength OF
our navy In order to comply with the terms Of the
treaty. under which guarantee the defense of
the canal against enemies At present our navy
could not defend anything against anybody. But
the signs OF the times point TO reform in this re-
spect, whether we have Nicaragua colony topro-
tect or not.
Another objection to the treaty which viii be
urged Is that 1t commits the government either
directly, or as guarantor. to the construction OF
canal at cost estimated any where from forty to
one hundred millions. AS An abstract principle
such outlayS OF the public funds are inconsistent
with our constitution but as a matter OF fact the
government has repeatedly come to the assistance
or private enterprise on behalf OF projects Of ma
tional magnitude and political significance. The
suoSidised Pacific railroads ready Illustrations
and 1 may De added that the history OF these roads
In their relation TO the government shows the dan
gers which Turk In liberal policy, and suggests
caution In entering on concessions In the
future IL is very doubtful il an interoceanic canal
either at Panama or by the Nicaragua route would
ever pay. Certainly there cannot be business
enough Tor both, so that the considerations which
must influence the Senate in ratifyirg the treaty
hal
---
The revenue reform wing of the democracy vie "
With undisguised alarm, Mr.. RandalIs tour In the
south, which they take TO be missionary journey
on lis part strengthen protective beliefs among
southern democrats and, Incidentally to thereby
promote his own political aspirations The Cotu-l-
eT-JouTndl OF yesterday came out in a bitter at
tack on Mr.. Randall by Mr.. Watterson, In which
the editor says IL is well understood that Mr. Ran
dars trip TO Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama sis
declaration OF war upon the revenue reformers of
the states In question" Senator Brown OF Georgia,
Is charged with the general management of the
scheme, which Is TO result In "rebuke" to Beck,
Blackburn, Carlisle, Willis, Isham G. Harris and
men OF their way OF thinking
III Is Claimed, and not without reason that this
TOUR OF Mr.. Randall Is the opening of the next
speakershtp canvass. It is generally understood
tnat Mr. Randall viii not go into the cabinet. but
tnat ne Will De candidate once more for the speak,
P' opposing MI CARLISLE as before, not on per-
sonal grounds, but as the represen tatye different
tariff principles. In the former contest Mr. PAN
dal was disappointed IN his southern supnort
winch Jailed him 10 a notable degree when II came
10 votes In caucus. Mr.. Randall and his friends did
hot IKE the turn matters took at that time and his
southern trip IS doubtless to explore the ground
personally and carefully, so that the msunuerstand
ings OF last winter shall be repeated The Carlisle
men DO Wei TO be On the watch, for Mr. Randall
md fr,11
In some parts OF the south will favor his asntra
tons