The herald., 1897-02-10
PROCEEDINGS IN
SENATE AND HOUSE
Another Day Is Spent in
Secret Session
METHODS Of MODERN newspapers
Don't Meet the Views of Secre.
tive Senators
ONLY A TRAINED REPORTER
Could Send Out Such Detailed and ~
curate Reports
I.iIl "Points Moral by Plea for 0psa
Doors
The House Agrees to the Conference Report -
immigration and Passes TIVE More
Vetoed Penslon Bills.
Committee Werk
ONLY A TRAINED REPORTER
Could Send Out Such Detailed and Ae.
curate Reports
I.iI "Points Moral" by Plea for 0psa
Doors
The House Agrees to the Conference Report -
immigration and Passes TIVE More
Vetoed Pension Bills.
Committee Werk
Associated Press Special Wire

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9-The senate
today passed the bill to aid In the inn
provement of the navigable channel of
the South pass by closing the existing
crevasse in the Pass pOutre. Missis-
sppi river.
The open session was wholly per-
functory, and after transacting some
routine business, the doors were closed
and an executive session continued
throughout the day The routine busi-
hess was cleared away by 1895 p. M.
and on motion of Mr.. Sherman, the SEN
ate went into executive session, and at
5:45 p m. adjourned.
IN SECRET SESSION.
The most important developments con-
cerning the consideration Of the arbi-
tration treaty by the senate in executive
session today were the offering of an
amendment by Senator oMrgan Of Ala
bama, jroviding for the abrogation of
the Clayton-Bulwer treaty, and the
| speech by the same senator in favor of
! this proposition. Senator Morgan de-
ciared the conditions which called forth
the Clayton-Bulwer treaty had long
passed away 1t was no longer binding
!
or value to this nation. though it might
be of Importance to Great Britain In
| case the Nicaragua canal is constructed
With the treaty now under considera-
| tion, he said, nod oubt the question Of
| the abrogation of the Clayton-Bulwer
ereaty in effect would have to be sub
mitted to arbitration.
| While the other treaty was obsolete
and disregarded, yet it was still used
| as a menace and bugaboo to the United
States whenever the construction Of the
Nicaragua canal was advocated. Great
Britain, declared Senator oMrgan, had
violated the treaty and brogated 1t by
occupying a portion of the territory Of
| Honduras. Great Britain would use the
| treaty of arbitra ton to her advantage,
and the Clayton -Bulwer treaty would
be used in the same way unless it was
declared to be void There was no better
occasion for abrogating the Clayton
Bulwer treaty than by SO providing in
this arbitration treaty, said Mr.. Nor
| gan.
Another important amendment was Of
| ffered by Senator Bacon of Georgia. 1t
| provides for modification OF article
| VIII so as to relieve the southern states
from any obligations that might arise
, under the bonds issued in the reconstruct
tion days. The amendment was the re-
suit of a conference among the southern
| senators, who concluded the article as 1t
| now stands might render it possible to
make these bonds. when held by sub
jects of Great Britain the subject or ar
bitration- Mr.. Bacon sought an opPor-
| tunity to address the senate on tho
amendment. but was prevented by the
fact that Senator oMrgan held the hoor
all day.
When Senator oMrgan renewed his re-
| marks he stated that the treaty before
the senate should be amended so as to
| except in definite terms the Nicaragua
| canal and everything relating to that
enterprise. He dwelt at length upon
this phase of the treaty, and read from
a number of reports bearing upon the
subject. showing the interest of the Unit
ed States in that part of the continent,
which the senator declared, was more
vital than any treaty which could be
made with Great Britain. Mr.. Morgan
concluded his speech at $50. but said he
would discuss other phases OF the treaty
before vote was reached.
A number of amendments have been
prepared. which Will be offered in the
course of the debate. Among them is
one directing that all subjects OF arpi-
tration must first be submitted to the
president and the senate before being
sent to the tribunal provided for in tha
treaty Another excerpts from matters
subject to the treaty the Alaskan boun-
dary dispute, also any controversy as 10
the boundary line in the Straits of Fuca.
which separate Vancouver island from
Washington state.
The friends of the treaty did not en-
ter the debate today. During the day
Senator Teller said he wanted it un-
derstood that the silver men were not
opposing the treaty as silver men, and
that no opposition was being made to
it because it affected the silver interests.
There were other and sufficient grounds
on which to base their opposition. The
suggestion raised by Mr.. Daniel in the
committee on foreign relations as to
silver and gold Qn case this country
whether the difference in the price or
goes on Il silver pasis) should be made
the subject of arbitration did not re-
ceive much consideration nor did 1t at
tract any particular notice
The proceedings connected with the
consideration of the treaty on its mer-
its were today far less varied and excit-
, than on yesterday, and it was impossi-
bic to hold the senators in their seats
| while il proceeded.
The early F zrt of the session. how
, ever was by no means so devoid OF in
terest. The firts two hours were given
to a discussion of the full reports OF yes.
] terday's secret session. which Wefs
printed in the papers this moruinG ~