The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-02-28

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27-The meet
ing of the river and narbor committee
today developed a new phase of the
interoceanic canal question. Chairman
Burton took the lead in favoring full
government investigation of both the
Panama and the Nicaragua routes be-
fore committing the government, and
after the meeting Mr. Burton express
ed the view that the sentiment of the
committee was opposed to the senate
Nicaragua canal amendment and favor
ed full Investigation. To that end he
introduced in the house a bill to be
proposed later as a substitute for the
senate Nicaragua canal amendment,
Its main features are as follows:
The government Of the United States de-
clareg Its purpose to secure, at the earliest
practical date the construction of a canal
connecting the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans
board of seven engineers shall be appoint
ed by the president to make the SURVEYS and
examinations necessary to ascertain the most
desirable and practicable route for such
canal, and for the performance of such other
duties as the president may direct; three
from the corps of engineers of the army, two
from the engineers of the navy and two from
civil life.
The board shall investigate the proposed
routes for a canal between the said oceans
giving special and personal attention to the
iso-called Nicaragua and Panama routes and
snail complete estimates of the probable cost
OF constructing such canal or canals They
shal also report upon the commercial and
military value to the people of the United
States of such canals or routes.
The president may enter into negotiations
with the respective nations owning the ter
ritory through which such canal or canals
may be constructed, in order to obtain the
able canal, and to acquire such rights in
natural waterways as may be necessary. He
Is also requested to enter into such negotia-
tons as he may deem necessary with anv
ocher nations having rights in any way con-
nected with the construction operation of
such canal or canals The president shall
acquire, If possible, the absolute title to neces-
sary territory, but II such absolute title can
not be obtained he may acquire such rights
or easements therein may be required and
may cause investigation to be made to as
certain the route upon which terms most
favorable to exclusive control by the United
States can be obtained, but in no case shall
obligation be incurred or money paid to any
company or individual for rights easements
or privileges heretofore or hereafter acquir-
ed with view to the construction of any
canal except under authority given by future
action of congress.
One million dollars ere appropriated IN
carry out the act.
The information obtained or action taken
shall be reported to congress at the begin
ming of the next regular session.
The committee did not reach a final
conclusion on the Nicaragua amend
ment or any other feature, but ad-
journed until Wednesday at 10 a. m.
The resolution of Mr.. Burton for an
inquiry was informally discussed, but
no action was taken. Mr.. Burton has
found old treaties made with Great
Britain and France In 1860, guarantee
ing them the same privileges in the
matter of canal rights as other coun-
tries These treaties had not been
abrogated, and Mr.. Burton contended
they were an obstacle to the construc-
ton of the canal by the United States.