The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-12-14
NICARAGUA CANAL Bill.
THE SENATE CONSUMES THE DAY
N IT'S DISCUSSION.
Tnrpie of indiana Leads the Attack
On the PendfnG BfII, while Still
PrSfessfAg . Desire - Have the
Canel Uuflt ~ the Government.

WASHINGTON. Dec 11-Today's ses-
sion OF the senate was largely consumed In
discussing the Nicaragua canal bill
Turpse made the principal speech IN OPP
position to the bill. attacking II on the
ground that IL is in the interest Of the Mari
time Canal Company, which ne character
lied as fraud and bankrupt. He moved
= postponement OF tine matter until after
the Holiday recess
Morgan defended the bill and the Mari
time Company and opposed the motion TO
postpone.
Berry and Rawilns both offered amend
ments materially affecting the bill.
Previous TO the proceedings upon the Ca
nal bill. Morrill, made an address in sup
port Of the bill authorizing the purchase
OF site Tor a supreme court building, and
this and several bills was passed.
AT the opening Of the debate on the
Nicaragua canal blu IN the senate today
Senator Morgan had read letter from the
secretary Of state transmitting MinnSrer
Merrys statement Of his representations
10 President Zeiaya, Of Nicaragua, con-
corning the canal concessions, and also
communication made by Hon. w. r. Grace
IN behalf OF the syndicate which has re-
Gently obtained a concession from Nicara-
qua In antagonism to the Maritime Com
pany.
The letter OF Minister Merry to Secretary
Hay says:
Il; Is my duty to further inform you that
my telegram to Consul Donaldson, re-
questing him to personally present your re-
gua), reached him after the option to the
canal SPECTATORS had been signed, but full
ly one cay before the Nicaraguan congress.
that was specially called 10 confirm ii,
passed upon 1t favora5ly.' j am informed
that it is an option for one year only, but
hope TO soon send you more precise infor-
nation In reference thereto"
In a letter dated San Jose, Costa Rica,
October q, 1se. to Gen Zeiaya, president
OF Nicaragua, Minister Merry said:
Il have the honor TO advise that | have
this day received the following cablegram
from the government OF the United States.
You will recognize the great expediency
OF continuing the present status OF the Mic
araguan canal question until congress shall
against any arrangements which may sub
stitute new conditions for those now ex-
ising.'
"Under these instructions I have today
teiegraphed the United States consul at
Managua requesting him TO present the re-
monstrance OF the United States govern
ment against any change OF the conditions
connected with the Nicaraguan canal con-
cession.
II trust that your excellency will de-
eide il in the interests OF the country which
entrists its destinies to your able and pa
triotlc guidance. to accede TO the policy
ture development and prosperity OF Nc
aragua and as due to the friendly rela-
lions between your exceilencys govern
ment and that OF the United States. which
mote. ] may be permitted to add my per-
sonal assurance Of a sincere desire to use
every honorable influence to assure your
excellency OF the proud record OF impor-
tant and patriotic aid in opening the ocean
highway for the worlds commerce through
beneficial Nicaragua"
The letter of William R. Grace is dated
December 2, 1898. and after asserting that
the Cardenas-Menocal concession had been
forfeited and that the concession granted
Eyre and Cragin would be effective In Oc-
tober. says:
'The syndicate is satisfied that It viii
be able to secure money TO complete the
canal II holds that the canal is an en-
terprise from which private capital should
not be eliminated, but respecting the
opinion Of those who fear having such n
highway In private hands, the syndicate
Is willing to arrange basis upon which
the United States government would con-
troll the tariffs and participate In the
management of the canal. and Mr.. Grace
submits the following terms:
1.-The 1nter-Oceanic Canal Company to
be organized under state charter, capt.
tai TO be HsD.a100l0, with the right To is
sue mortgage bonds to tho amount OF $780,
00p,000 at per cent. ana q sinking fund
OF one-half of l per cent. after twenty
years; the United States government to
\
S5A.ooe 600 of the mortgage Indebtedness.
taking a second mortgage as security,
the guarantee not to be given until the
company has invested $l.0oo.00o in the en-
terprise; the government can appoint five
directors OF q board OF fifteen: the syndi-
cate viii consent to the disbursement Of
the money raised by the government guar
antee TO be subject TO audit by the govern
ment.''
In conclusion, Mr.. Grace says the SYM
dicate is DESTROYS of meeting the wishes
OF the president In every possible way.
and TO aiay the fears of the people who
think the great work should not DO left to
uncontrolled private management.
Berry gave notice of the amendment he
will offer 10 the Niearagua canal bin;
providing for the direct appropriation OF
money for the construction OF the canal
and limiting the cost TO sil5.000,ooo. The
! amendment provides for the construction
| pany. and gives the government a lien
| upon the property. Berry stated the OBJ
| ject Of the amendment TO be- 10 eliminate
| the bond feature OF the bill.
Rawlins also gave notice of an amend
ment 10 the Nicaragua bill providing that
| tho act should not so into effect until the
! United States had secured by treaty the
| right TO fortify and garrison the canal; to
/ send armed vessels and ammunition OF
war through IL in time OF war; To close
| IL against any other nation with whom,
the United States may bs at war.
Morrill, addressed the senate on his bill
authorizing the purchase OF n site In
Washington fer a building for the supreme
court. The senate. after the speech.
| promptly passed the supr-.se court site
bii-
Simon. the new senator from Oregon.
| was placed upon the following committees
| Mines and mining, irrigation. revolution
! airy claims, Potomac river front and tres
| passes upon Indian land
Among the bills passed were the follow
| ing: Granting "A right-of-Hay 10 the kat-
| tie River Valley Railroad Of Washington
| through the coiviile Indian reservation:
amending section i.s6S OF tho Revised
/ Statutes relating TO pensions, providing
| in cases IN which pensioners desert their