, 1898-12-09

washington, DEC. line
guam question Is coming strongly to
the front and promises to be one Of the
leading questions before congress this
winter.
The anxiety of the British to get in
on the ground floor, as expressed by
the London press, causes some irrita-
tion here, as England's friendship for
this country during the recent war is
showed under our noses as AN argument
for the joint control of the proposed
canal. England's claim for a share in
the canal is based on the Clyton-Bul-
wer treaty, an agreement entered into
before anyone dreamed Of a canal
across that part of the isthmus.
1t is understood that Sir Julian
Poonceforte has recently had a con-
ference with Secretary Hay n has
intimated that our exclusive control
Of the waterway violates the contract
OF 1850.
In administration circles the feelins
is strong that no one shall interfere
tention to build a canal and Secretary
Hay probably told this to Sir Juliar
in a friendly, but firm, way. Later on
the United States may declare the can
al neutral in war times. but the gov
eminent will do this in Its own way
and certainly not under pressure.
las to the Ctayton-Bulwer treaty
which England, through the newspa-
.pers, threatens to drag forth, the Unit
ed States has, 1t is stated. two strong
defenses against it. First, the United
States can Immediately annul the
treaty. Second, under the treaty the
United States can do anything she pro-
poses to do without violating any OF
its terms, although the treaty has been
abrogated by Great Britain's own acts.
Speedy action In congress toward
passing the bill authorizing the con-
struction Of the canal is looked for In
the near future.
The Clayton Bulwer treaty was con-
cluded April 10, 1886, and ratified July
4 Of the same year.
BY 1t Sir Henry Lytton Bulwer for
the British and Mr.. Clayton for the
American government declared that
neither nation should, occupy, fortify
or colonize or ASSUME or exercise any
dominion over any part of Central
America"
London, Dec. 9.-No n would wish
to predict a clash between England
and the United States over the question
Of who is going to control the Nicarag-
uan canal. The Britishers, however,
feel strongly that Great Britain has a
second claim to being a party in con-
troll OF the proposed waterway and that
the Clayton-Bulw treaty is still bind
ing.
Recent reports from Washington
indicate that the American government
does not view the question in the same
light. A leading official here who
wishes his name Unpublished, said yes
terday:
THE reports that England is going
to waive her rights under the Clayton
Bulwer treaty is directly contrary to
the truth. Communications are pro-
ceeding between the foreign Office and
Secretary Hay on the British claims.
The point Of demand Is briefly: Con-
troll by neither or BOTH
British traders with Central Amer
lean ports are pointing out to the for
eign office the necessity FOR preventing
the United Stares from having sole
control of the canal and consequently
the power to impose a tariff and
charges unfavorable to them which
they do not propose to pay"
The official also said that England
would demand that the United States
undertake not to fortify the entrance
to the canal.