New-York tribune., 1898-11-22
NICARAGUAN CONCESSIONS.
SENATOR MORGAN ON THE PLANS OF
THE GRACE-CRAGIN SYNDICATE.

HE SAYS THEY ARE \ BOLD AND UNwARRANTED
PIECE OF PRESUMPTION WHICH THIS
GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BROOK.
lBY TELEGRAPH To ruE rRIsrNr.l
Washington. Nov. 2l-Selator John T. Morgan.
Of Alabama, chairman Of the special Senate Com
mittee the Construction Of the Nicaragua
Canal regards the efforts Of the Grace-Cragin
syndicate new canal concessions from
the Government Of Nicaragua piece Of bold
and unwarranted presumption which cannot meet
with success. Speaking the subject to-day he
said:
"As have not the agreement which is said
to have been entered into by this syndicate and
the President Of Nicaragua / cannot venture any
opinion on its terms. But It * bold interference
upon the part of the syndicate which this Govern
ment should not brook. 1t is a par with the
plan OF another alleged American concern. which
is said 10 have agreed TO give Spain 500 0 0O) for
he Philippine Islands, provided she would not sci!
Them TO the United States. Little do those specu-
iators know that they violating the laws and
are laying themselves open TO a term In the peni-
.entiary. But this Government is lenient with her
citizens and does not choose prosecute while if
4 German or British syndicate should attempt 10
So the very same hing the hair on every American
head would stand end and d great cry would go
sp for the Administration to enter protest.
Il have been waiting for some such scheme as
this. At time when the entire American people
not only united the question OF the Mic
construction it IS not surprising that spectators
and adventures should try to rush IN and grab
something OF profit out Of the enterprise. Natu-
rally. they begin by irving to knock down the men
who in front Just the syndicate is
striving to overthrow the Maritime Canal Company
and set fits work in the last twelve years at naught
Il cannot accomplish such an end.
MARITIME CANAL COMPANY'S RIGHTS.
In the first place contend that the concessions
granted by the Government Of Nicaragua to the
Maritime Canal Company will not expire in Octo-
Der. 1922. in the year following. Neither is
there any ground upon which the concessions can
be declared forfeited Under Articles IS and 81 of
.he concessions. TIE Nicaraguan Government can
not annul the contract. II any differences exist
between the Maritime company and Nicaragua
which Is a stockholder II is stipulated that they
Ihal be settled by arbitration. The company has
spent s45cooOO in carrying the work. and the
Govern ant Of the United States has spent $l.o0
~ 100000 In getting surveys. for which
Nicaragua has not spent cent. In view Of the
honest endeavors OF the company and the great
amount OF money that has been spent IN the under
,akng. and also because Of Interruptions Near
stands bound by her contract TO extend the
concessions If at the time OF expiration the work
not completed The concessions. therefore will
not pass into the hands Of the syndicate in Octo
per lSse II ever
Suppose the syndicate did secure the concessions
In lSss would # not have to appeal to Congress for
Il chsrtcr?'
Certainly It would II would have so through
the work from beginning 70 end. az the Maritime
Canal Company did in 1887. But there IS not
much danger that Congress will he asked for
charter for this When Congress
convencs II is my purpose to bring up my bill for
the construction Of the canal. and to press it to
vote. do not care who or what Influences are
against II the Administration should oppose
IT would make the slightes, difference
far | concerned The people want the
canal. and those that stand in the way OF getting
Il must suffer the wrath OF the Nation. | am
aware. though. that the Administration Is not op
posed TO the canal. that it IS heartily in favor OF
constructing it without further loss Of time. And
with everybody il favor OF It. how Is anything
which the New-York- Chicago syndicate may do
going prevent the construction of the water
way by the Government?
THE NEW CENTRAL AMERICAN UNION
What in your opinion. will be the effect the
formation Of the union in Central America
will have upon the completion of the canal?'
- do not that IL will have any effect. have
believed that Nicaragua did not want the canal
built unless she could make large sum Of money
out Of IL. When the Maritime Company received
the concessions it deposited slJOOOO in gold with
Nicaragua Is ii the intention of that State 10 re-
fund the money N case concession Is let 10 an
other syndicate? No one with sane mind would
believe So Or rather is IT the desire OF Nicaragua
n get another pile of gold. say $loo0oo. for these
concessions: When the Greater Republic Of CEN
tral America formed in my opinion. it was for
the purpose of getting money from the canal
else preventing IT'S completion. That is what
brought Minister Rodriguez TO Washington. II
remains 20 be seen what the attitude OF the new
government -
rs there any question as TO the recognition OF
the United States of Central America? 90
"Tha, will depend. This Government will con-
duct thorough examination TO determine whether
the union 10 legitimate one. through which
American Interests will not be permitted to suffer.
O whether u is a suTreputous affair for the pur-
pose Of evasion. 70 keep W from building the
maritime canal II the new government is one
formed by the will OF the people substa ntially de-
carNd. and IL IL lts declared purpose TO recognize
American interests there is no reason why II
should not be recognized by us But repeat. the
United States must carefully examine into the mat
ire before acting
viii II not then naturally follow that Congress
Will rccocuiZc the new Union by amending the ap-
propriatlons law and providing for diplomatic
representative 80 that Government"
''Of course this Will he Gone when tho new Gov
eminent is recognized II not done in the case
Of the Greater Republic of Central America for
reason Congress was no; satisfied that union
had been established because the States had mere
ly imposed their foreign relations body called
the Diet and though the Diet recognized in
dipomatlc way II was not thought best TO aCcredit
q Minister IL.
The main question is the construction Of the
Nicaragua Canal The Administration wants II.
push the matter In the senate and the efforts OF
an outside syndicate shall have weight I'm the
matter. II IL question too great TO be tr0ed with
and whoever stands against the will of the people
must bear the consequences"