The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-02-12
PANAMA'S STORM CLOUD.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE PROTEC
TION OF AMERICANS.

An Outbreak among the Discharged
Laborers Apt to Occur at ANY Mo
ment-Three War Ships Soon to be
or the Scene-Homeward Passage to
be Furnished.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 1.-THE Senate re-
mained in secret session nearly three hours
to-day. Its most important action was in
regard to Panama Last week the COM
mittee on foreign relations, through its
chairman, Mr. Sherman, had proposed an
amendment to the sundry civil bill as fol-
lows; ITO enable the President to protect
the interests of the United States, and to
provide for secu lty of the persons and
property Of citizels the Uni ed States at
the Isthmus of Panama, in such man er
"a he may deem expedient, 100000" In
the secret session to-day, however, the form
of the prop sltiol was changed to that OF
a bill, and the amount to be appropriated
was increased to $3.50, 900
CAUSE OF THE ACTION
1t is learned that the committee had re-
ceiVe ed no news of any outbreak at Panama,
but deeming 1t best to be prepared for any
that might occur, it had decided to ask for
the passage Of tie bill at oEce, as an inde-
pendent meas ire, rathe than risk the de-
lays and uncertainties of an amendment to
an appr pratt N bill. The troubles that
are feared are suoI as are Incident to the
discharge Of the body OF laborers whose
means Of gaining their livelihood are to be
cut OF, and who may resort to violence and
blOodshed
TO BRING THEM HOME.
1t is understood that it has besn deemed
wise by the authorities OF the United States,
Great Britain and other nations having
ior- @F hAs- "a
on the Panama canal, to arrange for bring
lug them home i'll ca Q of wholesale DIS
charge, and not to suffer them to remain on
the isthmus in desttution and want. To
provide for this the amount of the appro-
priation was increased fro 100000 to
$250,0O There was but slight opposition
to the passage Of the bill.
OUR NAVAL FORCE.
Late advices at the state and navy de-
par ments regard to Panama show that
affairs are quiet at present, out that trouble
m y be expected at any time. The United
States ships Atlanta and Ossippee are at
Aspinwall. and the Molican will be at Pan
anna il few days. This force is regarded
as sufficient for the protection of American
interests on the isthmus.
A NEW COMPANY.
PARIS, Feb. l1.-It is reported that lead
ing fin ncial houses of this city are nego-
uatlng with tde OBJECT OF forming new
combination to complete the Panama
anal and prevent it pas ing into the hands
of foreigners. Count de Lesseps, it is said,
will me ely be honorary president of the
new company. On the bourse to-day
Panama shares receded 215 francs.
PURPOSE OF THE APPROPRIATION.
Tho chief purpose Of the appr, priation is
TO fulfill tue guarantee given by C ngre IS in
the act incorporating he Panama railroad
to protect it from injury. The present ground
for fear that demand may be made for
its fulhllment is tie fact that on Feb. Is
work on t e Panama canal is to stop, so
that thousands of men will he suddenly
turned looss on the isthInus, some of wuo u
are liable to make trouble. All but sixteen
shares Of the capital stock of he Panama
railroad is held in France, and most of 1t in
Paris, yet under the guarantee the road
must be defended by the United States.