The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-01-18
TAf. SENATE AND HOUSE
ne Nicaragua Canal BIN Comes Up for Its
f Reel Consideration.
SENATOR Chiffon fAyoRs neRGAN's BILL
RawIin's Amendment voted Down
by BiE Major;ty--Housc Passes
the Naval Personnel II.

Washington, January 1T.--Almost the
entire session OF the senate today was de-
voted to the consideration OF the pending
Nicaragua canal bill. Speeches were made
in support OF the measure by Mr. Chiffon
tTexas) and Mr.. Turner (wash,), and in
opposition to II by Mr.. spooner (wis.) AT
o'clock consideration Of the bill under
the nfteen- minute rule was begun and was
continued to the close Of the session. The
first vote reached was on an amendment
offered by Mr.. Rawlins tUtah), which. in
brief. provided that the United States
should have absolute control OF the canal
for military or naval purposes. with power
to dictate the use Of the waterway during
the existence Of war. The friends Of tho
pending bill rallied against the amendment
and 1t was defeated by the decisive vote OF
IS to 2. A provision was Inserted In the
bill providing that no more than $4,000, 900
should be paid the Maritime Canal cont
pany for its concession and work already
done on the canal. When adjournment
was taken the substitute offered by Mr..
Caffery (La.) was before the senate.
At the opening of todays session of the
senate Mr.. Davis, chairman OF the COM
that tomorrow, on the conclusion OF rou-
tine business, he would move that the SEN
ate so into executive session.
Mr.. Pettigrew Is. d. offered resolution
relating to the claims OF the loyal Scrai-
Mole Indians and II was adopted.
Mr.. Turner gave notice that on Thursday
after the morning business he would ad-
dress the senate or the Vest resolution.
The resolution OF Mr., Hoar declaring
the Philippines ought to be free and indie
PENDENT WIS laid before tho senate. but Mt
the request OF Mr.. Hoar went over, as he
said he desired a more convenient time TO
address the senate iron it.
At the request of Mr.. Morgan fAla.) con-
sidcrntion OF the Nicaragua canal bill was
resumed. and Mr.. Chiffon (Texas) adj
dressed the senate in support of the gen.
cral canal project.
He strongly advocated the construction
OF the canal at as early time as possible,
particularly because of the commercial
advantages OF such connection between
the Atlantic and Pacific oceans The ca
nal. he said would be of especial advan-
tage TO the cotton growing States, as its
construction would quite certainly invig
crate the now languishing cotton industry.
He would vote for the Morgan bill, he
said. not because it was free OF Imperfect
tions, but because the American people de-
sired the construction of the canal as soon
As possible. r. aeS
He thought this was propltious time
for the enactment of the grand project, and
he did not believe II ought to BIZ delayed
by mere technicalities or by reasons of
minor character.
MIR. Spoouer fWis) followed with an
argument in opposition to the pending
measure.
Mr.. Turner (Washington) strongly advo-
Gated the enactment into law OF the pend :
H. IL - a. -
advantages that would accrue to the pso-
pie OF the Pacific coast and concluded with
an analysis Of the pending measure.
Mr.. Morgan in charge OF the bill. then
insisted that the bill. In accordance with
the order placing the measure under the
fifteen minute rule OF consideration at )
clock today, should he proceeded with.
question was pending. but in an instant
several senator's were on their feet with
~ endments.
Mr.. Rawlins tutah) proposed this
amendment: THAT this act shall not take
effect until the government of the United
States shall have secured by convention
with the governments of Costa RIGA and
Nicaragua and with other governments
with which the United States may have
treaties inconsistent Herewith. the right
to fortify and garrison the proposed canal
and to maintain armed vessels therein or
upon Lake Nicaragua and to move mill
tary forces through the territory Of either
tecting the canal and the citizens of the
United States operating the same. although
the right of passage through the canal OF
armed vessels. troops, munitions and sup
plies OF war OF the governments of the
United States, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
in case either OF the said governments ia
at war with any foreign government. with
the right to close the canal. to the ships.
troops and munitions Of war of such for.
eign government during the existing OF
such state of war; rftft
Mr.. Rawlins made the amendment the
text for severe attack upon the canal
project. At the conclusion NJ his remarks,
he asked for vote on his proposition
Pending the taking OF the vote. even after
the roll call had begun. Mr.. Turner said
he desired to submit some remarks upon IT,
He argued that the Clayton Bulwar treaty
was not in force now. II II Ina, ever been
as he said it had been modified and the
modification made had never heen rati.
fed by the senate. He believed that the
hill could be enacted without in the least
disturbing our relations with Great Brit.
ain.
The Rawlirs amendment was defeated
by decisive majority--9 yeas, Ss noes.
Mr.. Sullivan fMississippil offered az
amendment limiting 70 s,.oao,o0o an, ln'
company IN the way Of compensation FOL
lis concession ,nd OF reimbursement f"'
it's work. Adopted without. division.
| Mr.. Caffery HIouissanal then offered ar
amerdment TO the Morgan bill his bill II
far the construction Of the canal by ths
United States. one feature At which u
tbe direction to the president 70 secure
The abrogat'on OF the Clayton Buiwe'
Then. at 1850 .. fu,. on motion Of Mr.
Carter. the senate went into executive
session and at 5:S5 p. M. adjourned
THE HOIstc.