The news & observer., 1897-01-28
Debate on the Bill Reached a
Crisis in the Senate.
MR. sHERMAN's STATEMENT
HE SAYS MINISTER RODRIGUEZ
CAME WITH AUTHORITY.
AN IMMIGRATION BILL PASSED
The House Adopted the Conference
Report on the Bill by Vote
of 1871 to II8.


Washington, Jan. ga crisis in the
debate on the Nicaragua canal bill was
reached in the Senate to-day. 1t brought
out an energetic statement from Senator
Sherman, in which he foreshadowed a
new treaty by which the United States
could build the canal without the inter
mediation of a private concession. The
Senator declared that this governmental
execution of the project was the only
feasible one and that all private efforts
in that direction had proved failures.
Answering Mr.. Morgan's recent charge
that England inspired opposition to
American control of the canal, Mr.. Sher-
man asserted that this was a "bugaboo,"
wholly without foundation. He added
handsome tribute to England and her
institutions
Mr.. Villas followed with motion to
recomnht the canal bill to the Commit
tee on Foreign Relations, step which
Mr. Morgan characterized as an insult.
The motion was changed so as to make
the recommittal to the special committee
OF which Mr.. Morgan is chairman. The
Senate adjourned before vote was taken
and the Villas motion to recommit is pend
ing.
Mr.. Morgan Dem, Alabama) was the
first speaker. He criticized Minister
Rodriguez and the course of Nicaragua,
saying THAI country had made enough
money out of canal concessions and
should not be allowed to continue the
project on the bargain counter"
Mr.. Morgan asked consent for a final
vote at B p. m. Friday.
Mr.. Turpie objected. Thereupon Mr..
Morgan gave notice that tomorrow he
would ask the Senate to remain in session
until the bin was passed.
Mr.. Morgan, replying, said he had be
come satisfied that the Rodriguez letter
was intended - prevent the United States
from building the canal. He was salts
fed that the Central American union
was determined to break down the con-
cession to the Nicaragua Canal Company
Mr. Sherman said he believed the only
means of building the Nicaragua canal
was through the power of the United
States. The execution of the great pro-
ject was made most promising by the
treaty made some years ago and subse-
quently withdrawn. Why it was with
drawn the Senator did not know, as it
was most beneficial to the United States.
Following this private company had
secured concession but failed to execute
the project
I'm my judgment a private company
will never be able to build that canal, I
proceeded Mr.. Sherman, 'as it is a pro-
ject too vast to be executed except by the
United States"
Mr. Sherman said Minister Rodriguez
came here with full authority. He was
a man of sagacity and ability. His letter
was entirely friendly in tone and there
was nothing in it to warrant the criti-
cisms of the Senator from Alabama.
Mr.. Sherman declared that Mr.. Nor
gans fears and charges against English
conspiracy was 'bugaboo." The Sen
ator added, speaking with deep earnest
ness:
My honorable friend drew England in
and whenever there is a 'bugaboo' to
be- presented, England is brought before
us. The Senate of the United States
does not fear England or any other pow
er, and the people of the United States
do not fear England. We have had two
wars with England, long since past, and
| hope that war with England will never
occur again. The two nations ought
never to fight each other. They ought
always to be friendly. Great Britain is
more and more following the example Of
American people Of having a government |
for the people, of the people, by the peo- |
pie, and | believe the time is not far dis |
tant when Great Britain will be as free |
as we are. In many Of their late proceed |
ings, they have approached nearer and |
nearer to the rule of the people in their |
country; and but for the Irish question, |
/ have no doubt they would approach |
much nearer"
Mr.. Morgan said that the statement Of /
Mr.. Sherman, who was about to become |
premier, was eX cathedra. 1t indicated a
purpose to revive the old Frelingheuysen
treaty with Nicaragua, but Mr.. Morgan
gave warning that when that treaty
came to the Senate, it would meet with
serious objection unless it firmly protect
ed the rights of the American citizens
who had secured concession and had
formed a private company. 1t would
be found at that time that there were
still men in the Senate determined to pro-
tect the rights of American citizens.
Mr. Villas moved to recommit the bill |
10 the committee on Foreign Relations
IF the Senator desires it
recommitted to the special
committee of which he is chairman"
added Mr.. Villas, II will change my mo-
ton"
"The Senator has no choice between
insults responded Mr.. Morgan, with
evident feeling.
~ 4 /
lissipated the gathering storm by a mo-
tion to adjourn, which prevailed-28 to
27--and the Villas motion went over.
The military academy APPROPRIATION |