The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-12-19
CANAL STEAL.
Mr.. Turpie Speaks Against the Nica-
raGuan Bill.


WASHINGTON. Dec. 17.-More than
three hours Of today's session of the SEN
ate were occupied in the discussion of the
Nicaraguan canal BIZ! and three senators
made speeches Mr. PETER of Kansas
favored the measure under certain condi-
tons, but was opposed 10 issuing bonds
payable in god to raise the money re-
quired Mr.. Squire Of Washington de-
ciared unequivocaLy in favor Of the con-
structiOn OF the cana. while Mr.. Turpe
though approving a canal, expressed his
decided opposition to the pending b.ll
During the morning hour Mr.. Kyle of
South Dakota submitted some remarks in
behalf Of the bill establishing a nationa.
university a Washington.
Consideration OF the Nicaragua canal
bill was resumed and Mr.. PETER adj
dressed the senate. He did not believe that
the country was in a condition to buy the
canal and issue bonds for It's payment. The
constitution did not authorize the lending Of
money for the purpose Of forwarding a
private enterprise. which was what was
proposed to be done by the present bill. 1t
would be better for the government to
build the canal
Mr.. Squire Of Washington followed with
a hearty Endorsement of the canal project
which. he said, would be of greater i'm
portance 10 the western world than the
SUez canal is to the eastern.
At this point Mr. Turpie offered an
amendment TO the bill. which was ordered
printed. The amendment provides that be-
fore any provisions of the act are en-
forced the president is to appoint three
competent engineers, two of them from the
engineer corpse anu one from civil life, not
interested in the company to make a sur
vey and estimate Of the expense Of the con-
structlon Of the canal on the route proposed.
Mr.. Iurple then proceeded TO address the
senate on the pending bill He started OUT
by saying that he was heartily in favor OF
the construction Of this canal or any other
navlgable highway through the isthmus. He
did not regard the pending bill, however,
as furnishing any means Of the accomplish
ment of this enterprise. tending to pro-
mote the prosecution OF completion of the
canal. He regarded il, whether designed
or undersigned, as one of these measures
which will assUredly lead to another fail
ure (the fifty first, he thOughO Of the con-
cessiOnS or compact for the building Of this
canal. He entertained grave doubts re-
specting its constitutionality and knew Of
no authority in congress to indOrse or guar
antee the payment of the derts Of any cor
pOratiOn, public or private.
He argued that there was but one pre-
cedent for the step proposed in the pending
bill. and that was in the case of the Pa
cifc railroads. Regarding security for the
debt incurred thereby Mr.. Turpia said there
was nothing but a right-of-way 100 feet
wide. some ties and some tracks on the ties
"a very slim security. But il was a full
ard ample one if l. be compared for one
moment with the guarantee of the pending
bill.
After detailing the original understand
ing that the government should not be asked
10 guarantee the maritime cOmpany's in
debtedness Mr.. Turpie asked with some dis
play Of feeling with what fairness can this
company NOW come to congress and ask for
10000, 600.
Without rising from his seat Senator Nor
gan interjected the remark that the COM
pany had not come here making such a
request" to which Mr. Turpie replied:
Then they have a very peculiar way Of
staying away
He ridiculad the talk Of selling the COM
pany's bonds in England and declared that
it's entire assets could not b. sold in Lon
don for $50. He said the failure Of the
Panama canal scheme had sealed the doom
Of all isthmian canal building. The tropical
climate. ne said. was fatal TO all such en-
tcrprises. There were no difficulties in the
way Of construction offered by the Clay
ton-Bulwer treaty.
Referring 10 the numerous surveys for a
route made from time to time Mr.. Turpie
laid particular stress on that Of 1851 by
Cornelius Vanderbilt and associates, any
one OF whom. he asserted, could have COM
pleted the canal. Yet the enterprise had
been abandoned.
Pending the conclusion OF his remarks
the senate. at 4:55 p. M. went into execu-
tive session and at 5;O7 p. m. adjourned.