The times., 1899-01-21

and corruption were the characteristics of
yesterdays debate in the Senate on the
Nicaragua Canal bill, resulting in the
consumption of another day without final
action on that much discussed measure.
The first opportunity was taken by the
opponents of the bill TO show their ami
mostly TO the measure, and an excuse was
sought and taken advantage of when the
bin was first laid before the Senate for
making an open and declared filibuster
against it. Many harsh and bitter words
were INDUCED in by Senator Tiilman. who
yehemently declared that he would stay in
the Senate all night before he would allow
the bill TO pass.
The difficulty arose at . o'clock. during
the remarks of Mr.. Nelson on the Vest
resolution. At that hour. according TO the
rules, the unfinished business is formally
laid before the Senate. and when Sena-
tor is occupying the floor it is customary
10 allow him unanimous consent 10 proceed
with his remarks.
Mr.. Hoar asked consent in Mr.. Nelson s
case yesterday and before it was granted
Mr.. Morgan inquired how long the speaker
would occupy the floor. Mr.. Nelson said he
would conclude in a very few minutes
and Mr.. Morgan said he would make no
objection with that understanding
Objected 10 Interruptions.
Consent had hardly been granted, how
ever, when both Mr.. Hoar and Mr.. Till
man, the latter of whom had been making
frequent Interruptions to the Senator's re-
marks. desired 10 put questions TO him
Mr. Morgan made objection, saying that
unanimous consent had been given for the
Senator 10 finish his speech and that he
had already taken more time than was eX-
pected at its beginning on account of the
frequent interruptions Of Senators. and he
should object TO any further Interruptions
Mr.. Hoar asked for ruling by the Chair
on this objection, and MIR. Gallinger, who
was in the chair. said it was a matter fer
Mr. Nelson to decide as he had the floor.
Mr.. Hoar persisted in asking his question
without the consent of Mr.. Nelson, but
when he had concluded Mr.. Nelson said
he would not yield for any more ques-
tions. as he felt he had not the right to
consume the time of the Senate when ii
was needed for important measures.
Mr.. TiIim-n Boistcrous.
This reply made Mr.. Tillman angry, and
after persistentIy trying to interrupt Mr..
Nielsen. he declared vengeance against Mr..
Morgan and his bill. and began making
points Of no quorum each Of which ne
cessitated a roll call. Later in the day
when the canal bill was under considera-
tion he made boisterous speech against
Ii. and declared that il was the first time
he had done such thing in his service in
the Senate. but he should prevent the bill
from being voted On during the day. and
he was willing to take all the blame for
it on his own shoulders. Every few min
utes throughout the afternoon he demand
ed roll calls for quorum.
The bill was taken up at $40 O'Clock
and Senator Carter took the floor on one
OF Mr.. Caffery's amendments to oppose the
bill. He had hardly begun. however.
when Mr.. Tillman made the point OF no
quorum and the roll was called.
Mr.. Carter resumed the floor. He said
in his opinion the United States was pur-
chasing a spurious gold brick in passing
this bill.
Roll Calls for Delay.
Mr.. Carter had proceeded for only ten
minutes when Mr.. Tillman again inter-
rupted, saying that the facts that were
being brought out were important and
that he knew that If Senators should hear
them they would not vote for the bill. and,
therefore, he would again make the point
of no quorum, after which Mr. Carter
continued his speech. He said the entire
property OF the canal company would not
Opposition was also made 10 the bill
by Mr.. Elkins. He thought it beneath
the dignity of the United States TO become
a stockholder in a private corporation.
and that the bill should be recommitted
to the committee with instructions 10
eliminate the Objectionable features
Nevertheless, he concluded he should vote
for the bill.
Mr.. Fairbanks said il was his purpose Il
give the pending bill his vote At the same
time he had one or two objections TO the
bill, and if he thought these objections
would not be abrogaJcd in conference he
should vote against it. The first objection
he cited was that it was a violation of ths
Clayton Bulwer treaty. He spent some
time in reviewing this phase of the ques.
tion.
Mr.. spooncr's Criticism.
Mr. Spooner remarked that he had saii
all that he intended TO say on the bill, bu
it had seemed strange TO him that Sen
atoTs should advocate voting in favor {
the bill. which they admitted was no
right. simply in the hope that some othe
body or some committee would make il les
Objectionable
Mr. Fairbanks asked Mr.. Spooner II
were not true that II the measure shoul
not be perfected in conference an oppOr
tunity would be given TO vote against thei
report.
Mr. Spooner said he did not believe i
conference committee legislation. He fur
iher urged Mr.. CaTery TO withdraw hi
amendment and let the bill pass.
Mr.. Tillman contended that the conces
sicns obtained By the Maritime Cana
Company were obtained simply for specu
lstiye purposes. and that if he should sen,
all the amendments which the Senate
from Alabama (Nr. Morganl had oFIere,
to reimburse this company, it would TAX
all day today and tomorrow TO read them
TIIIman Makes Chnrrcs.
He declared vehemently that the bill
was steal and be did not want the Presi
dent TO have 10 bear the ignominy Of tn
transaction. He believed that the Pres
dent was perfectly honest and could /
trusted. but he might be unfortunate in tn
selection Of The commission to value u
property.
The more you stir up this matter ii
dirtier Il looks and the more ii stinks
declared Mr.. Tillman loudly.
He concluded by denouncinE the way
which the bill had been pressed, and sal
that alone was suggestive Of fraud
The action Of Mr.. Morgan in dcnyr
him his right as member OF the Senat
he said, had led him 10 prevent the pa
sage Of the bill and the Senate might ;
well adjourn at once as he would not with
draw his opposition.
The pending amendment of Mr.. CancI
was that the amount to be paid for Il
property and concessions OF this compal
should not exceed 81 000, 600 and he beg
speaking on that amendment. when b
Berry proposed an amendment 10 secti,
Of the bill, which provides for the pu
chase of the property of the Martin