The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-20

understand the sentiments or motives OF
those who wished TO circumscribe the Dow
ers OF the Nation. Why, he asked should
tility and sophstTy to hamper the progress
and growth OF the country. Rather than
pursue this course, why should not senators
extending our free institutions as far as
possible? AS for himself. he knew our peo-
pie and he had no misgiviEgs that any ad-
ministration of the United States would fail
in its duty towards the people OF any ac-
quired territory. He had faith in the gov
eminent and faith in It's future, ana hdd no
disposition to condescend 10 carping crlu-
cism or craven fear He had not lost con-
hdence In the doctrine that right makes
might and with a nation guided by tndI
principle, as he believed this nation TO be,
there could be no doubt that Il would dare 70
do its duty bravely towards any people
which might fall within the limits Of its
jurisdiction. 1t had been only a little more
than a century since the liberty peii uau
proclaimed the signing OF the Constitution
and IL was not for us now to declare thdt
we cannot proclaim liberty to any land one
foot from our original shores. "Oh, for the
faith of our fathers he exclaimed.
The conference report on the urgent
deficiency appropriation bin was agreed TO-
The bill granting right of way through
the San Francisco mountain forests reser-
walton in Arizona to the Saginaw Southern
Railroad. which passed the House on Satur-
day, was then passed by the Senate,
&r. Gallinger, from the committee on
contingent expenses. then attempted to re-
port the resolution introduced by Mr.. Proc
tor providing for the appointment of a selecs
committee of the Senate TO visit Cuba ana
report upon the conditions prevailing there
The effort on Mr. Gallinger's part developed
stern resistance from Mr. Hale, and was the
occasion of a short explanation from MI.
Proctor
NICARAGUA CANAL BILL.
The Senate then took up the Nicaragua
canal bill, and Mr.. Berry spoke on his
amendment to the measure He announced
preliminarily that on general principles he
was favorable to the construction of canal
across the isthmus, and that he had been
so for many years, because he had felt that
such an enterprise would promote the inter-
ests of the Southern States, but always con-
tended for its construction by the govern
ment of the United States. He had been
hopeful on this account that 1T might be
possible to eliminate the Maritime Canal
Company from the question entirely. he
had voted against granting that company
a charter in 1887. Still, said he, Mr.. Morgan
insists that this accomplishment Is out OF
the question at present. II this be true the
question now was whether the work or con-
structing the canal should proceed under the
name of the Maritime company or pe s sIs1
pended entirely. In this connection ne also
took into consideration the additional tact
that another company had secured con-
ceSSion from Nicaragua to take erect I'M
mediately on the expiration of the Maritime
Company's grant; hence ii seemed difncult
to get away from corporation interests, put
interests would be eliminated ana In view
of this fact he had considered It desirable.
X not incumbent on the Senate 10 make tne
pending bill as perfect as 1t could be mace,
and it was to this end that his amendment
had been introduced He did not commit
amendment would be adopted, but would &C.
termine that question when vote was
reached. Mr.. Berry then explained the pro-
visions of his amendment.
Mr. Allen followed Mr. Berry. lie was
not opposed to the canal scheme, he sald.
because he antagonized certain features Oh
the bill. One of its most pernicious features
would be eliminated by the adoption or the
Berry amendment. namely, the bond fea-
ture. He was opposed to the provision TOT
the adjustment of claims OF the Marltlme
Canal Company. He wanted the govern
ment protected from all loss and all possible
fraud and speculation by that company
Mr. Caffery. at the request OF Mr.. Iurple,
who was unavoidably absent, renewed the
latter's motion to postpone consideration OF
the bill until Jan. 10,
Mr. Hoar said he thought the canal should
not know what the canal would cost, they
knew enough to know that its construction
was necessary for the protection OF the COM
mercial relations between the two coasts OF
the United States. The canal, he insisted
should be built by the government.
Mr. Morgan maintained that the conces-
sion of Nicaragua and Costa RIGA was not
forfeitable next October. Mr.. Morgan SAID
that the Berry amendment for financing the
enterprise was more acceptable to him tnan
the provisions of the committee. tie pre-
dicted that the United States would secure
at least per cent. dlvidends on us ne re
vestment, and drew a glowing picture OF
the use to which the funds could be put
At Sis %. m. the Senate went into eXecu-
tive session, and at 5:35 p m. adjourned.