The record-union., 1897-01-23


United States Will perform its duty with
due deliberation. whether the intemper-
ate criticisms cease of not.
Cullom, member of the Committee
on Foreign Relations, said that he was
In accord with the views of Hoar. There
had been meetings of the committee
since the treaty had been received. 1t
had been received at the first meeting,
and laid over until the second. and as
some members of the committee were
absent at the second meeting, the mat
ter had been laid over to the next meet
ing. There was no disposition on the
part OF the committee to delay action on
the treaty moment after the commit
tee was convinced that it was proper to
ratify it. So far as he was himself con-
osition embraced in the treaty. but was
unwilling to vote for a treaty so eX-
tensiye in its scope until he had fully
satisfied himself that he was acting in
the interest of the United States. as Well
as of the world. He wanted to be salts
fed that the treaty was not tying up
the United States in a way not expected
When satisfied of that, he was ready to
vote for the treaty, but not before
Lodge (R.) of Massachusetts said that
he was exceedingly glad that his col
league, Hoar had said what he had said
because there was a good deal of mis-
understanding. While all Senator'S, he
thought, agreed with the principles in
volved, they might disagree as TO the
meaning and effect of some of the pro-
visions of the treaty. There We're grave
difficulties of opinion as to whether
under this treaty a great question of
national policy. which had been the
American policy for years, like the
Monroe doctrine, was involved in it or
not. There were questions whether the
Nicaragua Canal bill, now under con-
sideration, was involved in it. These
were not questions which the Commit
tee on Foreign Relations or the Senate
would dispose of in two or three days.
Hawley R) of Connecticut advocated
careful consideration of the treaty in
committee, and, discussing the main
subject, said it was a matter for con-
graduation that the United States had
forced Great Britain to arbitrate an old
quarrel with Venezuela.
SeWell (R) of New Jersey urged that
the committee take time enough to as
certain the full scope of this treaty, so
that they might understand thoroughly
all the questions that might be conceded
within it's text.
Stewart POp) of Nevada saw little
reason to apologize for refusing to obey
the demands of an imperious public, eX-
was a subject of such vast Importance
that it must necessarily consume time.
The United States was not on equal
terms with Great Britain in making an
international treaty.
Stewart proceeded, despite the rules of
the Senate, to discuss the merits of the
case and criticised the selection of an
European umpire. Europe was a family
of States. It's sovereigns were related
by blood and associated in interests and
sympathy. An European monarch act
ing as umpire under this treaty would
naturally be governed by his surround
ings.
Senator Stewart did not believe
treaty could be framed that would put
US on an equal footing with Great Bri
tain, or that a tribunal could be formed
that would do the United States JUS
tice if questions of a political and ter
ritorial character were submitted to it.
Great Britain was making preparations
that would enable her to enforce her de-
mands. She had a long line of fortifica-
tiOns on our Atlantic seaboard from
Newfoundland to our lowest boundary.
On the Pacific Coast she was likewise
engaged, and was annually making
large appropriations for it. While she
was doing this he thought we ought not
to get into any entangling alliances
where Great Britain might have any ex-
cuse to coerce us if she had the power.
In the further course of his remarks
Stewart referred to Article VI. of the
treaty relative to the settlement of ter
rito1ial claims, which provides that if
the court is equally divided there shall
be no recourse to hostile measure until
the mediation of one or more friendly
Powers has been invited by one or both
of the contracting parties. This media
ton would, he contended take time,
possibly years, and meantime Great Bri-
tain, as she always does, would take
possession of the territory in dispute.
Reference was made to the British en-
croachment upon our Alaskan boun-
Diary, their establishment of Postoffices
and other evidences of an intention to
force a claim along a boundary which
they dispute. On the ISthmus examples
were found of Great Britain reaching
out to embarrass us. The opportunities
to delay offered by the treaty in this re-
spect was sufficient, Stewart contended
to cause the same to be careful.
Up to this time only Republicans had
taken part in the discussion. Senator
Hill arose as Stewart took his seat
"And with one accord they all began to
make excuses" That, said Hill. might
not be literal scriptural quotation, but
it would answer. He had proceeded no
further, when Morgan asked what was
before the Senate.
THE debate is proceeding by unani-
NOUS consent" replied the Vice Presi-
dent
Then I object" said Morgan, and Hill
was shut off,
Il understand now who is hit re-
torted Hill, as he sat down.
Just as the Vice President laid before
the Senate at o'clock the unfinished
business, the Nicaraguan Canal bill,
Sherman sent to the desk a letter from
the Secretary of State transmitting a
communication from Mr.. Rodriguez, the
Minister from the Greater Republic of
Central America" on that subject. 1t
called attention to the friendship ex-
pressed by the United States for these
hn ipfa ~,
to bring about the con-
struction of an isthmian canal At the
same time it was pointed out that the