The San Francisco call., 1897-01-23

could be framed that would put US on an
equal footing with Great Britain, or that q
tribunal could be formed that would do
the United States justice if questions of a
political and territorial character were
su omitted to 1t.
tions that would enable her to enforce her
demands She had long line OF fortlf1-
cations on our Atlantic seaboard from
Nswfound and to our lowest boundary.
On the Pacific coast she was likewise
engaged and was annually making large
appropriations therefor. While she was
doing this he thought we ought not TO get
into any entangling alliances where Great
Britain might have any excuse to coerce
US If she mad the power.
In the further course of his remarks
Stewart referred to article V OF the treaty
relative to the settlement OF territorial
claims, which provides that II the court IS
equally divided there shall be no recourse
to hostile measures until the mediation
of one or more friendly powers has been
invited by one or both OF the contracting
parties This mediation would, he con-
tinued, last for some years and, as she
always does, England would take posse
sion of the territory in dispute.
Reference was made to the British en-
croachment upon our Alaskan boundary,
their establishment of postoffices and
chain along boundary which they dis
pute. On the isthmus examples were
found of Great Britain reaching out to
! mbarrass us. The opportunities for de-
Law offered by the treaty in this respect
are sufficient Stewart conteuded, to cause
the Senate to be careful.
Morgan CD of Alaba interrupted
Stewart to say that if he sought to express
his views on the merits of the treaty be
could only do so in violation Of the rules
of the Senate. Morgan remarked that he
had said nothing before, inasmuch as the
chairman OF the Foreign Relations Com
mittee had not seen fit to object, but the
debate had now reached point where he
was bound to suggest that 1t was viol a.
tion of the rules of the Senate.
II did not intend to encroach upon the
rules of the Senate. replied Stewart, but
l am sorry this treaty cannot have full
discussion in the open Senate"
Up to this time only Republicans had
taken part in the discussion, but Senator
Hill arose as Stewart took his seat.
"'And with one accord they all began
to make excuses That" said Mr.. Hill,
may not be a literal Scriptural quota
ton, but it will answer"
He had proceeded no further when Nor
gan asked what was before the Senate
1.-THE debate is proceeding by unani-
nous consent" replied the Vice Presi-
dent.
"Then object" said Morgan, and Hill
was shut off.
II understand now who is hlt," retorted
Hill as he sat down.
Just as the Vice-President laid before
the Senate at o'clock the unfinished
business, the Nicaraguan bill, Mr.. Sher-
man sent to the desk letter from the
Secretary of State transmitting a COM
munication from Mr.. Rodriguez, the
Minister from the Greater Republic of
Central America" on that subject. 1t
called attention to the frie ndship ex-
pressed by the United States for these
republics and the interest displayed In
endeavoring 10 bring about the construc-
ton of an isthmian canal. AT the same
time it was pointed out that the provisions
of all the bills pending in Congress were
in contravention of the contract between
the Government of Nicaragua and the
Maritime Canal Company, and that if
Congress were to attempt 10 carry out the
provisions of any of these bills it would
vitlate that contract. T Minister sug-
gested a renewal OF negotiations between
the United States and the Greater Republic
along the lines negotiated with Nicaragua
by Secretary Frelinghuysen.
The moment this document was read
Morgan was on his feet. He declared that
Congress knew nothing officially OF such
a govern ment as the Greater Republic of
Central America.
"The Minister is accredited to the Uni
ted States," said Sherman.
'In one sense, yes said Morgan. "He
has been presented at the door of the Gov
ernment, has been bowed in and permit
ted to take a seat among the diplomats,
but we know nothing beyon newspaper
reports OF the ex stence of the Govern ment
he is said to represent"
He characterized the communication as
the ''impertinent intrusion of a Minister.
the effect .: which might be to defeat the
passage of the reuding bill.
4 EAs the discus. on proceeded Morgan re-
ferred to the Clayton -Bulwer treaty, and
particularly called the attention of the
Senator from Ohio (Sherman), ''soon to
be Secretary of State" that a report
drawn up by the former Senator from
Verne mont Edm unds) and approved by the
Senator from Ohio (Sherman) had de-
clared that this treaty was in no way
obligatory on the United States.
Sherman interposed to remark that he
hesitated to answer the remarks of his
honorable friend, because they seemed
based upon matters which should be dis
cussed in executive session.