New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-02-12
OUR INTERESTS IN PANAMA
THE SENATE APPROPRIATES s25o,Ooo TO
PROTECT AMERICANS THERE
PROVIDING AGAINST POSSIBLE OUTBREAK ON
THE IsTHMus-THE DEBATES ON THE
BRITISH ExTRADTTIoN TREATY TO
BE MADE PUBLIC


BRITISH Ex1RADITIoN TREATY TO
BE MADE PUBLIC
Washington, Feb 1.-THE Senate held o secret
session to-day. Before the Senate convened, an
informal meeting was held of the Committee on
Foreign Relations, and when at an early hour
mr. Sherman asked, under instructions OF the
committee, that the Senate go into executive
session, inquiry was aroused 1t soon became
known that the situation at Panama was being
considered, and there WAS an anxious feeling
prevalent that trouble had occurred, a knowledge
of which led to the action of the committee.
And this feeling was not allayed until after the
doors were opened Last week the Committee
on Foreigl Relations, through its chairman, Mr..
Sherman, had proposed an amendment to the
Sundry Civil bill as follows:
To enable the President 10 protect the Of the
United States and to provide for security OF the persons
and property Of citizens Of the United States at the shmus
Of Panama In such manner as he may deem expedient.
100000
In the secret session of the Senate, however,
the form Of the proposition was changed to that
Of a bill and the amount to be appropriated in
creased to $3.50, 900. 1t is learned that the COM
mittee had received no news Of any outbreak at
Panama, but. deeming it best TO be prepared for
any that might take place. it had decided to
ask for the passage of the bill at once as an
independent measure.
The latest adviccs at the State and Navy De-
partments in regard t. Panama show that affairs
arc quiet at present, but that trouble may be
expected at any time. The United States ships
Atlanta and Ossipee are at Aspinwall and the
Mohican will be at Panama in few days This
force is regarded sufficient for the pro-
lection of American interests on the Isthmus.
The troubles that are feared are such as are in
cident TO the discharge in body of laborers whose
means Of gaining their livelihood are thereby cut
of, and who in their desperation and distress. may
resort 70 violence and bloodshed. 1t is under-
stood that il has been deemed wise by the au-
thorities of the United States, Great Britain and
other nations having large numbers of their cti-
employed on the Panama Canal, TO arrange
Tor bringing them home in case OF wholesale dis
charge, and not 10 suffer them TO remain on tho
Isthmus in destituti0n and want To provide for
this, the amount of the appropriation was in
creased from $780, 600 to $780, There was
but slight opposition to the passage of the bill.
The question of removing the Injunction of
secrecy from the proceedings in connection with
the consideration of the British Extradtion treaty
was then taken up. To this there was considerable
opposition, and the discussion occupied the greater
part of the session. The notion however. finally
prevailed. and tomorrow the record OF the pro-
VIII be furnished to the press. The executive
clerks say it viii take them day TO go through
the journal and make up the complete statements
TRYING TO FORM A NEW CANAL COMPANY.
Paris, Feb. lit is reported that leading financial
houses Of this city negotiating with the object of
forming new combination to complete the Panama
Canal and prevent its passing into the hands Of for
egnes. M. De Lesseps, 1t Is said, Will be merely
honorary president Of tho new company. On the
Bourse to-day Panama Canal shares receded Ia
francs