The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-01-23

the purposes Of the United States as
to Nicaragua. He had SO expressed his
conviction to the secretary of state
British railway lines had been estab--
lished across the IsthmuS, for the dis
tinct purpose of securing exclusive con-
troll Of this Isthmus communication
This belief was confirmed by recent
developments. Turning to the letter
from Minister Rodriguez, the senator
exclaimed: Great Britain is using that
diet as a catspaw for the purpose of
driving us out of the; ,Isthmus That
Is a serious statement. but 1 make it
deliberately in the United States senate
and it demands an answer
Raising his right hahd, Mr.. Morgan
brought it down with Resembling force
on the desk and added "That answer
must be given before there is any rati-
fication of this new arbitration treaty"
Mr. Morgan said it was an unusual
thing that the minister for this new
republic should send such a communi-
cation. If these governments desired
to forfeit any concessions, they should
do it, and then the American congress
would determine if there had been a
violation of contract rights given to
American citizens. 9t-f
Mr. Hale interposed the suggestion
that Minister ROdriguez's letter seem
ed to raise a grave question as to
whether the measure under considera-
ton could proceed. Whether this could
be explained away or Aot, he was not
able to say, but he asked Mr.. Morgan,
in charge of the BILL, as to the status
since the presentation of this letter.
Other senators interpoSed questions
and intense interest was shown in the
appearance of the Sst
UNEXPECTED LETTER.
Senators Davis, Brice and others
gathered about Mr. Gray's desk and
took turns IN reading the minister's
letter. Mr. White asked if there was
a minister from Nicaragua.
MIR. Morgan explained the diplomatic
status and then declared with empha-
sis: '"This is an impertinent intrusion
thrust into our face while the senate
is seeking to deal with the Isthmian
question"
Mr.. Morgan favored making Mica
ragua live up to her contract and con-
cessions. Until lately she had favored
American construction to the canal,
and yet she comes here with two other
Central American countries and raises
objections, which, if held to be good,
would end the prospect of American
control Of the Nicaragua canal. The
American people would rot quietly give
up the right to control that great wa
terWay, whatever clamor may be raised
for a peace treaty with Great Britain.
The presentation of this letter, coming
from the. secretary Of state, meant that
the president of the United States had
determined that the pending Nicaragua
canal bill was not to be allowed to
pass. That was i remarkable threat
and yet it was so in line with pre-
ViGus executive action that Mr. Morgan
said he felt quite prepared for the in
terVfeW.
Mr.. White Oem.. CALI suggested
that the letter had been sent by the
secretary Of state to the foreign rela-
lions committee for it's private infor-
nation, and the chairman (Ir. Sher-
mani had undertaken to make 4 pub
lie in the senate.
Mr.. Morgan said the real cause for
the appearance Of this Rodriguez let
ter was that it proposed a renewal Of
the Frelinghuysen-S avalla treaty, by
Wf1ch we were to pay Nicaragua
81 ,O00 600.
Does Nicaragua wish to handle that
$4,0OOO0O?' inquired Mr., Morgan sug-
gestively. The senator believed this
was the real motive for the an7ro"'-~---
Of the letter. Let this minister send
that statement back toen.s 5o,-.-
ment, exclaimed Mr.. Morgan. He re-
ferred to the position Of Mr.. Sherman
as to treaties affecting the canal.
Il will say" interjected Mr. Sher-
man, that [ favor the Nicaragua ca
ma"
Mr.. Morgan said the letter Of Mr.
rodriguez was. in effect, a notice to
the senate not to pass the Nicaragua
canal bill. With this threat "flouted
1n our faces" and the Anglo-Ameri-
can treaty standing ahead of us, the
United States senate might as we'll
close its work and surrender its func-
ticns, as to accept the1views Of this
mi CytGAYS 1IN<Nr1
nothing.
Mr. Hale insisted that the minister's
protest was of the gravest conse-
quence.
Proceeding, Mr.. Morgan said it was
regretable that senator's were under
such contempt from the president that
they were not informed as TO the cir
cumstances Of Mr.. Rodriguez's recognf,
ton But the senate was in such a
Illuminating position that the president
gave it no information as to this i'm
pOrtant question. The entire plan OF
building the canal might as well be
abandoned if this threat from Mr..
Rodriguez was needed. Would the next
step be to ratify q treaty which fur
Their hedged and protected Great Bri-
tain? That might satisfy some gen
tlemen who liked foreign titles and
decorations and aristocracy, but it did
not suit him. and he would never ap.
prove 1t.
why has Nicaragua come in at the
last hour, just as the bill is about to
pass?' asked Mr. Morgan. 1T is be-
cause she has some strong power
standing behind her" He said this was
serious moment in the senate 1t was
being rendered "a halter with which
to hang itself for at least five years
The United States had stood silently
by while the British occupied Corinto
and now this proposition Of blackmail
was presented, which threatened to de-
stroy the bill. He expected and awaited
motion to recommit the bin.
Mr.. Hale felt that the word "black-
mali was Ill chosen,- and that Mica
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