New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-02-28

INVESTIGATION OF BOTH NICARAGUA AND
PANAMA ROUTES PROPOSED BEFORE
THE GOVERNMENT COMMITS ITSELF.


Washington. Feb 1.-THE meeting OK the House
Rivor and Harbor Committee to-day developed
new phase OF the interoceanic canal question
Chairman Burton took the lead in favoring fun
Government Investigation % the Panama and the
Nicaragua routes before committing the Govern
ment After the meeting Mr.. Burton said that the
committee opposed TO he Senate Nicaragua
Canal amendment. and favored full investigation.
To that end ne introduced in the House d bl. TO
be offered later az substitute for the Senate
Nicaragua Canal amendment. Its chief features are
follows
The Government Of the United States declares
It's purpose 10 secure a. the earliest practicable
Atlantic and the Pacific oceans A board of seven
engineers shall be appointed by the President 10
make the surveys and examinations necessary 20
ascertain the most desirable and practicable route
for such canal and Tor the perforInanco OF such
otb,r init - tbe proeidert ma dire.t. thr.e
from the Corps OF Engineers OF the Army TWO
from the engineers OF the Navy and TWO nom
The BOARD shall investigate the proposed routes
for "a canal between the said oceans giving special
,..a r,,,.I d, f..n.,, ~ ~ eerots4 VI - 90
and Panama routes and shall complete estimates
OF the probable cost Of constructing such canal
or canals 10 shall also report upon the com
mercal and military value 10 the people OF the
United States OF such canal route or routes
The President may enter into negotiations with
the respective nations owning the territory through
winch such canal OF canals may be- constructed In
order 90 obtain the necessary land for The con
rIcnts In natural waterwavs a. NAV be necessary
"a he may deem necessary with any other nations
having rights IN any way connected with the con
The President shall acquire. II possible the abso-
Lutte title cannot be obtained. he may acquire such
rights or easements therein a. may be required.
and may cause Investigation 10 he made 10 as'er-
tain the route upon which terms most favorable 70
exclusive control 10y the United states can Dee OBJ
tanned. bur In case shall obligation be Incurred
or money paid 10 any company or individual for
rights easements or privileges heretoioie OF mere
after acquired with a view 70 the construction %
any such canal. except under authority given 10y
further action Of Congress
the provisions Of the act The information obtained
Congress the beginning OF the next regular SEES
sion.
The statement made by Maurice Hu,in. director
general Of the new Panama Canal Company. re
cites the present condition ~ the canal and makes
"A proposition TO the Government to have its works
examined by committee or commission. and then
makes the following offer:
While the new Panama Canal Company does not
seek any Government aid IL recognizes the Ma
tOual sentiment In favor OF acquiring some pc
cunary interest IN any canal connecting tho At
Panama Canal Company declares that H. as the re
suit OF any Investigation. the Government OF the
United states adopt tho Panama route; me com
pany. IL rhe Government 50 desires will reincor-
road company has existed for nearly ffty years.
Droy,-lons OF its concession and vest it, conces-
.ous and property ~ such corporation. II Will also
rcsentati0n In It's Board co., Directors and such
opportunity 10 acquire an interest IN IT'S securities
~ may be permitted by rs concessions, which. o.
course must be scrupuously observed.
The committee did nor reach final conclusion
on the Nicaragua amendment or any other feat
IRE but adjourned until Wednesday az 10 a. m.
The resolution o. Mr Burton for an inquiry was
a. formally discussed bur no action was taken. NJ
Burton has found old treaties made 10y Nicaragua
with Great Britain and France. 10 1850 gutran-
t.eirr 20 them tho same privileges IN the matter
NJ canal rights az other countries. Those treaties
nave NOT been abrogdted. and Ny. Hurton con-
tended that they were obstacle % the constitute
tl0r Of ne cana. BY the United States