The record-union., 1897-02-02
Meets With Opposition, Led by Villas
and Daniels.
Although Appealed To From Many
Quarters, the Wisconsin and Vir-
ginia Senators Insisted That the
to be Hurried to Vote, and De-
manded Complete Discussion.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1.-The Nicar-
aguan Canal bill occupied the attention
of the Senate most of the day, but nc
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 ana
Daniel, resisted any agreement. While
disclaiming any purpose of obstruction
or filibustering against the BILL the op-
position insisted it was Of such grave
moment as to demand complete discus
sion.
Villas was appealed to from many
quarters. Hoar added a high tribute
to the Wisconsin Senator, and said II
was hoped Villas term, about to close
would not develop an obstruction cal
culated to defeat not only the cana
BILL but also the bankruptcy bill and
many other important questions.
Davis (R) Of Minnesota in a similar
appeal said the sentiment in the North
west was most urgent for the speedy
consideration of the bankruptcy bill
Daniel Cd Of Virginia re-enforced
Villas in saying that no present arrange
ment for a vote was possible Many
new diplomatic questions connected
with the canal bill had arisen. He had
several amendments to propose. The
measure was too momentous to be hur-
ried to a vote.
The debate became general. the Cal
ifornia Senators. White and Perkins
urging speedy action, and Caffery ID
Of Louisiana and Villas opposing pre-
ciptate action.
Answering the appeals made to him,
Villas said the opposition was inspired
by no personal motives, but regarded
| it as a grave public duty that the reck-
| lessness Of the canal project should be
elabGrately presented to the Senate and
the country. The Senator analyzed and
| criticised the bill section by section.
He regarded Section Z as disclosing the
mouse in the meal" 1t provided re-
endorsement to the old Nicaraguan
Canal Company for all expenses, cost
or promotion, etc, up to S4,oO0,O0U.
with interest. This section was posi-
/ tive in terms, and would go into effect,
though all the rest Of the bill and the
canal failed Of execution. The prop
erty Of this company, according to the
Government engineers, was hardly
worth S300,0o0. Instead of offering mil
itary and naval advantages to the
United States the canal was a danger
Gus menace as it would expose our
Western coast to the attacks Of the
navies Of Europe. Villas did not cor
clude his remarks before adjournment.
AS soon as the Senate went into ex-
ecutiVe session to-day the arbitration
treaty between the United States and
Great Britain was reported with the
amendments made in the Committee
| on Foreign Relations. Some discus
sion took place as to when the treaty
shall be taken up for consideration.
and disposition was shown to have i:
go over until it could be printed a.
| amended.
The Senate ratified the Japanese
treaty with reference to trademarks
etc, the features of which have been
published.
Senator Morgan, Notwithstanding the
treaty was to go over. insisted upon ex-
pressing his views to some extent on
the subject. Morgan made it very plain
liidl IAC cPpoScu lHc treaty.
Several Senators expressed the opinion
that the amendments, as we'll as the
treaty. should be made public. and also
took the stand that the discussion
should be public in order that the peo-
pie might see the advantages or the de-
fects in the instrument.
Several Senators announced the in
tention Of giving as much publicity to
the treaty as possible.
When the open session was resumed a
resolution by Stewart of Nevada was
| agreed to, asking the Secretary OF
the Interior for information as TO the
progress of the survey in Alaska during
! the last year.
AS result OF recent allegations of po-
litical irregularities in Delaware
Chandler (Rep) of New Hampshire Of
fered resolution directing the Senate
| Committee on Privileges and Elections
to inquire into all the circumstances OF
the recent Delaware elections. and par
ticularly to inquire whetherthe existed
for the benefit of the Democratic party
conspiracy among certain evil minded
persons TO overcome regular election re-
suits ana establish a demagogy in the
State Legislature. The resolution was
! referred.
At the request Of Hill, Senate bills pen
sioning the widow of the late Briga-
dierGeneral Joseph b. Carr at $40 pei
month and the widow Of the late Briga-
| der General John Hough at $50 per
month were passed.
Hoar (Rep) of Massachusetts intro
duced bill for consolidating the United
States Circuit and District Courts. The
Senator said the bill was of great inn
portance, and was introduced to inaugu-
rate consideration Of the subject with
out expectation Of speedy action.
AT ) p. m. a brief executive session was
held. and the Senate then adjourned
HOUSE PROCEEDINGS
WASHINGTON. Feb. 1.-The House
had a busy day to-day. An unusually
large number of bills were passed, but
few of them We're of any considerable
importance. 1t was suspension day, and
the usual obstruction tactics We're pre-
vailng.
The bills passed included the old bill
which has been pending before Congress
| for so many years to retire John c.