Evening journal., 1897-02-09

lean arbitration treaty was under cOnsid !
Grafton by the senate for nearly six hours.
The entire proceeding was in executive
session and consequently behind closed
doors.
Tho first half of the session was spent in
debating a motion introduced by Senator
Hin to consider the treaty in open senate
and the most animated part of the pro-
ceedings was based upon this point The
debate was characterized by several sharp
passages at arms between the author of
the motion and Senators Morgan, Lodge
and Sherman the three last named con-
tending strenuously for the observance Of
the senatorial custom OF secrecy i'm dealing
with the treaty. 1t was stated that it was
the wish of the administration that the
public should be excluded from the debate
The only vote of the session was secured
on the Hill motion which was defeated
the count showing only for and 40
against. The negative vote was cast by
two gold Democrats Hill and Lindsay;
two silver Democrats. Roach and Iillman;
two Independent silver Republicans. Tell
er and Pettigrew; two Populists, Peffer
and Stewart, and one straight Republic
an. Brown.
This was not considered in any respect
test vote, as there are known TO be many
favor departure from the ordinary prac-
tice of the senate. Still the friends OF the
treaty believe sufficient action was devel-
oped as to the attitude of senators TO justi-
fy the conclusion that the treaty is certain
of ratification if it can be brought to a
vote. 1t is claimed that the straight Re-
publican vote is solidly favorable TO ratid-
cation and that fraction at least Of all
the other elements will be found in that
column when the vote is announced.
1t was made apparent, however, that
the treaty would stand no chance without
the committee amendments. The support.
crs of the agreement are not, however, so
sanguine of carly action as of a favorable
result when secured. A quite determined
spirit Of delay was manifest, and when
Senator Sherman expressed the hope that
consideration could be concluded atanother
sitting Senator Teller told him frankly
that he would be disappointed in this re-
speot, intimating that several more scs-
sions would be necessary for the complete
consideration Of a matter Of importance so
great and so fareaching in its results.
sherman Favors the Treaty.
With the Hill motion disposed Of, the
senate took up the document upon its
merits Senator Sherman, chairman Of
for about an hour, making a strong plea
for the ratification of the treaty, which, he
urged, was the realization Of dream
which had long been cherished in the
United States He quoted historical works
and congressional reports TO show that ar
bitration was distinctly American policy
and referred to the resolutions of 1889 and
1898 as proof Of this statement. He also
explained the amendments made by the
committe on foreign relations and defend
ed the main amendment as essential To the
proper understanding and Interpretation
Of the agreement. He urged that this de-
termination did not detract from the trea-
ty's scope, except that, through removing
the Monroe doctrine from arbitration, it
also removed the question Of the Nicara-
qua canal, which was he said, embraced
in the Monroe doctrine.
Senator Sherman contendcd for the para
mount Importance Of tho treaty and urged
the senate to act upon it without unneces-
sary delay, as only bypursuing this course
could the wishes of the country and the
expectations of the civilized world be met.
He said that the amendment eliminating
the king of Sweden and Norway as UNI
pire had been made after due deliberution
and that this step was only taken as pre-
caution against unwelcome complications.
In conclusion, the senator said that it
would be q great mistake for the senate to
repudiate the treaty. mistake which
would forfeit much Of the high regard felt
toward the United States as nation of
peace lovers and which might exert a Sc
rious influence upon the progress Of the
world in the settlement of disputes with
out resorting to the atrocities OF war
Morgan In Opposition.
Senator Morgan replied to Mr. Sher-
man, speaking in opposition to the treaty.
The Alabama senator's argument was
largely constitutional in tendency. He
dwelt with especial emphasis upon its
sweeping character, claiming that in dele
eating, as the treaty does to the president
the right to determine for this country the
circumstances under which arbitration
shall be resorted to, it robbed congress Of a
prerogative especially conferred upon it.
In reply to a question from Senator Vest,
put so as to show that such was the Mis-
souri, senator conviction, Senator Morgan
said that he believed the ratification Of the
treaty would amount TO an abrogation Of
the right of the senate to cooperate with
the executive in the making of treaties.
Senator Morgan said that there proba-
bly, were few Americans who would be
willing to announce themselves as opposed
TO the principle Of arbitration, but it did
not follow that every one must swallow
the first measure presented which profess
ed to put into execution this methcd OF
settling disputes between nations. He said
that it behooved all persons to regard with
especial caution the overtures of Great
Britain in such an interest and remarked
that the island kingdom had never beer
especially known for her devotion to the
xvnlfarp of the United States
Senator Morgan's and Mr.. Sherman :
were the only set speeches made, but ther,
were many other brief utterances. Senator
Daniel intimated opposition TO ratification
on account of the danger of entangling al
liances, and Senator Turpie asked a mum
ber of questions pointing in the same di
rection.
Plea For King Oscar.
Senator Nelson made plea for the re
tention of the clause continuing King Os
car of Norway and Sweden as umpire. II,
contended that King Oscar was a benign
ruler and man whose sympathies wer
largely with America. He said the treatl