The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-02-02
WISCONSIN SENATOR ABLE TO
PREVENT A VOTE ON THE
CANAL BILL.
SECONDED BY Mr.. DANIEL.
DEAF TO THE APPEALS MADE BY
DAVIS AND MORGAN FOR
ACTION.
''NIoUsE TN THE MEAL" EXPOSED.
Payment 10 the UId Co mpany Pointed
Out as the Essential Feature of
the Act.

WASHINGTON, Feb 1.-The Nicara-
qua canal bill occupied the attention
Of the senate today, but for an execu-
tive session devoted to the arbitration
treaty. No progress, however, was
made toward a final vote. Mr. Morgan,
in charge Of the measure, sought to Sc
cure am agreement for a vote tomorrow
on Thursday, but the opponents Of the
measure led by Mr.. Villas and Mr..
Daniel, resisted amy agreement. While
disclaiming any purpose Of obstructing
or fflibustering against the bill, the
opposition insisted that it was of such
grave moment as to demand complete
discussion
Mr.. Villas was appealed to from many
quarters. Mr.. Hoar added a. high tri-
butte to the Wisconsin senator, saying
1t was hoped MI. Villas term, about to
close, would not develope an obstr-uc-
ton calculated to defeat not only the
canal bill, but also the bankruptcy
bill and many other important ques-
tions. Mr.. Davis Rep., Minn) in a.
similar appeal said the sentiment in
the Northwest was most urgent for
the speedy consideration of the bank
ruptcy bill.
Mr.. Daniel Dem, Va.) reinforced Mr..
Villas in saying that no present ar
rangement for a vote was possible.
Many new diplomatic questions con-
nected with the canal had just arisen.
He had several new amendments to
propose. The measure was too monen-
tous to be hurried to a, vote. The de-
bate became general, the California
senators, White and Perkins, urging
speedy action and Mr.. Caffery Oem.,
La.) and Mr.. Villas opposing a precipl-
tate course. Answering the appeals
made to him, Mr.. Villas said the op-
position was inspired by no personal
motives, but he regarded it as grave
public duty that the recklessness Of
the canal project should be deliberately
presented to the senate and the coun-
try.
The senator analysed and criticized
the bill, section by section. He re-
garded section Z as disclosing the
mouse in the meal 1t provided re-
endorsement to the old Nicaragua
canal company for all expenses, cost
Of promotion, ETC., up to $4,5o0,e 600 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 proper
ty Of this company, according to the
government engineers, was hardly
worth $500,o00. Instead of Offering
military and naval advantages to the
United States, the canal was a dan
gerous menace, as it would expose
our Western coast to the attacks of
the navies Of Europe. Mr.. Villas did
not conclude his remarks before adj
jOurnInent.
Mr.. Stewart pop, New offered
resolution which was agreed to, re
questing the secretary of the interior
for information as to the progress of
the survey in Alaska during the last
year. AS a result Of recent alIega-
tons Of political irregularity in Della
ware, Mr.. Chandler (Rep., N. H.) offer
ed a resolution directing the senate
committee on privileges and elections
to inquire into all the circumstances
of the recent Delaware election, and
particularly to inquire whether there
existed for the benefit of the Demo-
cratic party, conspiracy among GER
tain evil-minded persons to overcome
regular election results and establish
demagogy in the state legislature. The
resolution was referred.