The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-02-02
THE NICARAGUA CANAL.
SENATORS Villas AND DANIEL
BLOCK IT'S CONSIDERATION
Expose Us to the Navies OF
Europe.

Washington, Feb. 1.-The Nicaragua
Canal bill occupied the attention of the
Senate most of the day, but no progress
was made toward a final vote Mr.. Nor
gan, In charge of the measure, sought to
secure an agreement for vote to-mor
row or Thursday, but the opponents of
the measure, led by Mr.. Villas and Mr.
Daniel, resisted any agreement. While
disciaiming any purpose of obstructing or
fihbusteripg against the bill, the oppOsi-
ton insisted that it was of such grave
moment as to demand complete discus
sion.
Mr.. Villas was appealed to from many
quarters, Mr.. uoar adding high tribute
to the Wisconsin Senator, and saying it
was hoped Mr.. Villas term, about to close
would not develop an obtruction calcu-
lated to defeat not only the canal bill,
but also the bankruptcy bill, and many
other important questions.
Mr.. Daniel Oem., VA, reinforced Mr..
appeal, said the sentiment in the North
west was most urgent for the speedy
consideration of the bankruptcy bTl.
Mr.. Daniel Dem, Val, reinforced Mr..
Villas in saying that no present arrange
ment for a vote was possible. Many new
diplomatic questions connected with the
canal had just arisen. He had several
new amendments to propose. The meas
ure was too momentouS to be hurried TO
a vote. The project had been on foot
for years, and the world would not suf-
fer If the vote was not taken in the next
few days. Mr.. Daniel said that che
gentlemen who were so anxious about the
bankruptcy ball should move to take it
up.
The debate became general, the Cali
formia Senators. White and Perkins,
urging speedy action, and Mr. Gallery
Dem, La, and Mr.. Vilas opposing a
precipitate course.
Answering the appeals made to him,
Dir. Villas said the opposition was in
spired by no personal motives, but regard
ed Ii as grave public duty that the reck
lessness of the canal project should be
deliberately presented to the Senate and
the country.
The Senator analysed and criticized the
bin, section by section. He regarded sec
ton Z as disclosing the mouse in the
meal It provided reimbursement to the
old Nicaragua Canal Company for all
expenses, cost of promotion, etc, up to
$4,500,000 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 hardly
worth 100000 Instead OF offering mill
tary and naval advantage to the United
States, the canal was a dangerous me-
mace, as il would expose our western
coast TO the attacks Of the navies Of
Europe.
Mr.. Villas had not concluded his
speseh when, at O'Clock the Senate held
an executive session and then adjourned.
As soon as the Senate went into exec
utive session the arbitration treaty be-
tween the United States and Great Brit
ain was reported with the amendments
made by the committee ON foreign rela-
tions. The Senate removed the injunc-
tiOn of secrecy from the amendments,
as had been previously done with the
treaty. Some discussion took place as
to when the treaty would be taken up for
final consideration, and disposition was
shown that 1t should 90 over until 1t could
be printed as amended.
Senator Morgan, notwithstanding the
fact that the treaty was to go over,
insisted upon expressing his views 10
some extent upon the subject. After he
had talked some time, the Senate con-
Guided not to make public at present the
amendments offered by the committee an
Foreign Relations, several Senator'S de-
string this course for the present
Senator Morgan made it very plain in
his remarks that he was opposed to the
treaty. Several Senators expressed the
opinion that the amendments, as well
as the treaty, should be made public, and
also took the stand that it's discussion
should be public, in order that the people
might see the advantages or defects in
the instruments, and several Senators an
nounced their intention of giving as much
publicity to the treaty as possible.