The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-12-11

The omission by the president of any
references to or recommendation in respect
20 the construction Of the Nicaragua canal
under government auspices has been re-
Gently noted and commented upon in these
columns. Mr.. Cleveland, however, has
not been silent apon the subject Of its
construction under American auspices.
although not definitely committing him
self TO favor financial aid and ultimate
ownership by the government.
In his frat message to the present con-
gress, after referring to the two revolutions
which had then recently taken place in
Nicaragua. and noting with approval that
large American interests connected with
the canal were unmolssted, he said:
"rhs canal company has, unfortunately,
become financially seriously EMBARRASSED,
bat q generous treatment has been ex-
tended 20 is by the goyernmsnt OF Mica
ragua. The United States Is especially
interested in the successful achievement
OF the vast undertaking this company has
in charge. That il should be accomplished
under distintiyely American auspices, and
its enjoyment assured not only To the yes
sells OF this country rs a channel OF COM
muDicatton between our Atlantic and
Pacific seahoards, but to the ships Of the
world in the interest of civilization, Is a
proposition which. in my Judgment does
not admit OF question"
1t is therefore safe to assume that any
bill which carefully guards the interests of
the government and promises speedy COM
pletion OF this great work, whether enacted
by the present or the next congress-, will
receive executive approval. 1t is evident
from the report of proceedings in both
houses that q strong effort is to be made
TO push the bill now before the house to
vote as early as possible, and that it will
find warm support when it reaches the
senate.
At the last session Of congress the
house committee on commerce unani-
mously reported bill providing for gov
ernmental construction and control of the
Nicaragua canal. The bill was prepared
by a subcommittee Of the house COM
mitsee who submitted il to the full COM
mittee with strong Endorsement OF its
policy and merits. The sentiments OF
the house appeared favorable to
| the measure. but owing TO the
ooJsSNAouS VI hhc Speaker ar.
Crisp, il was not called up. An effort
will doubtless be made to induce the
speaker to make the bill special order
prior to the holiday recess, or. at ali
events, to set aside several days for con-
| sidoration of business from the commerce
committee. This would enable the chair
man OF that committee, Mr.. Wise, of Viz
giniA, to call up the measure.
In the senate the project is ohampioned
especially by Senator Morgan, Of Alabama,
who gave notice last week that he would
address the senate yesterday upon the
merits of the senate bill, which. as We un-
| derstand. is identical with the house bill.
| The question whether the bill shall be
/ taken up early for discussion and final
| action by the senate will be decided by
| the steering committee recently appointed
| by the Democratic caucus. and instructed
to determine the order in which Important
measures shall he reported and considered.
Taken altogether. the prospects Of action
upon this most important national work
At the present session have visibly inn
/ proved, and there lie now fair prospect Of
| definite results before the 4sh of next
March. 1t is confidently believed by the
friends OF the bin that if opportunity can
be obtained TO secure q final vote In both
senate and house its passage is undoubted.