The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1898-12-21
flFTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.
Senate.
SEVENTH DAY.

Il u.
Discussion of two questions. each OF
interest and Importance at this time.
was begun by the Senate. Territorial
expansion and the construction of the
Nicaragua canal occupied the atten-
tlon of the body. Mr.. Morgan opened
the debate on the Nicaragua canal bill
with three-hour appeal for action at
this session. In the course of his re-
marks, he agreed to accept an amend
ment specifically excepting the canal
from neutrality with regard to any
country with which the United states
might be at war.
AS soon as the routine morning busi-
ness had been disposed of. Mr. Vest
called up HIS resolution. offered last
week declaring 1t to be unconstitution-
al Tor this Government to acquire for
elgn territory. except for coaling sta
IONS or some like purpose. unless its
intention is to confer Statehood upon
the territory and citizenship upon its
inhabitants. Mr.. Vest declared that II
Is basic principle of this Government
that the powers OF the Government
are derived from the consent OF the
governed, and maintained that the
Federal Government has no authority.
either Ia morals Jr In the Constitution,
10 go beyond that principle. He held
that the principle had been sustained
by the supreme Court In various decis-
ions. and that no public man of promi-
ncnce and no recognized tribunal had
ever been reckless enough TO controvert
II.
EIGHTH DAY.
Mr.. Morrill, addressed the Senate on
his bill authorizing the purchase of
site cast of the capitol grounds I'm
washington for building for the
united states supreme court. The SEN
ate promptly passed the bill.
The session of the Senate was largely
consumed In discussion of the Mica
ragua canal bill. Mr.. Turpie Dem.
Ind) attacking II on the ground that it
Ia In the interest of the maritime COM
pGny, which he characterized as q
fraud and bankrupt He moved a post
ponement of the matter until after the
holiday recess. Mr.. Morgan defended
the bill.
Mr.. Berry gave notice OF an amend
ment providing for the direct appro-
priation Of money for the construction
of the canal and limiting the cost to
sl15,000,000
NINTH DAY.
The Nicaragua canal bill held its
place as the principal subject before
the senate. Speeches were made by
Messrs Harris, Money. Stewart and
Morgan. Mr.. Money urged postpone
ment of the question i'm order to per-
with Great Britain for modification
of the Clayton -Bulwer treaty and Mr.
Morgan antagonized the proposition.
TENTH DAY.
The urgent deficiency appropriation
bill. making provision for the army
and navy for the next six months, dis
placed the Nicaragua canal bill in the
Senate. preventing even the taking of
vote on the question of postpone
ment until after the holidays, as had
been intended. The deficiency bill
was passed after spirited discussion.
turning principally on the point of
keeping the volunteer soldiers in the
service. At the instance of Mr.. Har-
ris. the Senate adopted n resolution
calling upon the President for informa-
ton as to the status of the report of
the Nicaragua commission. Mr.. Nor
gan presented memorial from the
National board of trade favorable to
the construction of the Nicaragua
canal. asking that the document be
printed In the Congressional Record"
Mr.. Allen objected. He predicted that
the canal would cost $500. .000, 900.