The herald., 1897-02-02
PROCEEDINGS N
SENATE AND HOUSE
A Day Given to the Big
Canal Bill
No ADVANCE TOWARD A Final VOTE
Senator Villas Blocks the Wheels
of Progress
THINKS 1T A PUBLIC DUTY
10 Talk Against Time Until Adjournment
Occurs
His Speech Not ConcIuded-No Time Set for
the final Vote
The House Has Small Fish to Fry and
Gets Rid Of Mess of Them,
Including Jag N.
Quackenbush. }" i.
THINKS 1T A PUBLIC DUTY
To Talk Against Time Until Adlourument
Occurs
Ills Speech Not ConcIuded-No Time Set for
the final Vote
Associated Press Special Wire

Associated Press Special Wire
u WASHINGTON, Feb. 1.-The Mica.
ragua canal bill occupied the attention
of the senate most Of the day, but no
progress was made toward a final vote.
Mr. Morgan, in charge of the measure,
sought to secure an agreement to vote
tomorrow or Thursday. but the oppo-
nents Of the measure, led by Villas and
Daniel, resisted any agreement. While
disclaiming any purpose Of obstruction
or filibustering against the bill, the op-
position insisted 1t was Of such grave
moment as to demand complete discus
sion.
Villas was appealed to from many
quarters. Mr.. Hoar added a high tribute
to the Wisconsin senator, and said it
was hoped Villas term, about to close,
would not develop any obstruction call
culated to defeat not only the canal bill,
but also the bankruptcy bill and many
other important questions
Davis. Republican, of Minnesota, in
similar appeal, said the sentiment in the
northwest was most urgent for speedy
consideration of the bankruptcy bill.
forced Villas in saying that NO present
arrangement for vote was possible.
Many diplomatic questions connected
with the canal had arisen. He had sew
eral amendments to propose. The meas
ure was too momentous to be hurried
to vote.
The debate became general, the Cali
fornia senators, White and Perkins, urg-
ing speedy action, and Caffery, Demo-
crat of Louisiana, and Villas opposing
precipitate action.
Answering the appeals made to him.
Villas said the opposition was inspired
by no personal motives, but regarded it
as a great public duty that the reckless
ness of the canal project should be elab-
orately presented to the senate and the
country.
The senator analyzed and criticized
the bill, section by section He regard
ed section as disclosing the mouse in
the meal" 1t provided the reimburse
ment to the old Nicaragua Canal COM
pany for all expenses, cost of promotion,
etc, UP to 81, 500 0C0, with interest. This
section was positive in terms and would
go into effect though all the rest Of the
bill and the canal failed of execution.
The property of this company, according
to the government engineers, was hard
ly worth $500,000.
Instead of Offering naval and military
advantages to the United States, the
canal was a dangerous menace, as 1t
would expose our western coast to the
attacks of the navies of Europe. Villas
did not conclude his remarks before ad-
journment.
Senator Teller was remembered on his
return to the Senate today after re-
election by floral tributes. Within five
minutes after, on motion of Senator
Sherman, the senate went into execu-
tive session.
AS soon as the senate went into exeou-
tive session the arbitration treaty be-
tween the United States and Great Brit
ain was reported with amendments
made in the committee on foreign rela-
tions. Some discussion took place as to
when the treaty should be taken up for
consideration and disposition was
shown to have it go over until 1t could
be printed as amended. The senate rat
flied the Japanese treaty with reference
to trade marks, etc, the features OF
which have been published.
When the open session was resumed
a resolution by Mr.. Stewart of Nevada
was agreed to, requesting the secretary
of the interior for information as to this
progress Of the survey in Alaska during
the past year.
AS result of recent allegations Of po-
litical irregularities in Delaware Mr..
Chandler of New Hampshire. Repub-
lican, offered resolution directing the
senate committee on privileges and elec-
tons to inquire into all the circum-
stances of the recent Delaware elections,
and partly to inquire whether there ex-
listed for the Democratic party con-
spiracy among several evilminded per-
sons to overcome regular election re-
turns and establish a majority in the
state legislature. The measure was re-
ferred.
At the request of Mr. Hill senate bills
pensioning the widow of the late Brig
Gen. Joseph B. Carr at s75 per month
and the widow of the late Brig. Gen.
John Hough at $50 per month were
passed.
Hoar of Massachusetts introduced
bill for consolidating the United States
circuit and district courts. The senator
said the bill was of great Importance and
was introduced to iraugurate consider
alton of the subject without expectation
of speedy action.
At pm. brief executive session was
held, and the senate then adjourned.
IN THE HOUSE