The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-01-19
BACON WANTS A DECLARATION
AGAINST AMERICAN SOVEREIGNTY
IN THE PHILIPPINES.

I'm strong speech lie Urges tho
Prompt Passage of His ResOIu-
tions-Senntor CIay's Strong Argu-
mcnt on the Nicaragua Canal.
"HOId on to what We Have" He
Says Must Take Marine Co.'s Com
cession.
Washington, Jan. 1s.-(speclaD.-SenatoF
Bacon of Georgia made one OF the best
speeches that has yet been made on either
side Of the expansion question to-day
when he outlined In an argument of about
two hours, his reasons for opposing the
permanent retention of the Philippine Is-
lands
His speech was an argument principally
for the adoption of the resolution which
he recently introduced preparatory of the
future policy of this government with re-
iation TO the Philippine Islands.
Senator Bacon was given the closest at
tenton by the leading members of the
Senate on both sides Of the chamber, and
a number of members of the House were
on hand TO listen 20 his speech.
Senator Clay made strong and inter-
estlng short speech this afternoon in favor
nal 1t was during the debate of the canal
bill, under the nfteen-minute rule, and hls
was one of the most interesting of tho
shrot talks made in favor of the project.
Senator Clay took the position that tho
enterprise was in its very nature of the
greatest importance to the United States.
He said he was not exactly satisfied with
the present bill, but It seemed to him that
It was the best that we could do under the
circumstances. He said that after a care
ful study of the final situation he had
come to the conclusion that we were forc-
ed to utilize the concession granted to
the Maritime Canal Company.
Must Secure Consent.
In order to enter the territory Of the re-
publics Of Nicaragua and Costa Rica and
construct this canal, we must have the
consent Of those republics. This exclusive
right for a certain period Of time had here
tofore been granted to the Maritime COM
pany, and this concession had not yet ex-
pired. The Maritime company alone has
the exclusive right TO enter the territory
| where the canal is located and 10 build
| the canal, and hence We are compelled to
| use the concession granted to this COM
have serious trouble IN acquiring the right
| of way on whuch to locate the canal.
When We purchase and utilize the title
| held by the Maritime company we stand
| In the shoes Of that company, and we have
| a practical method by which to reach the
end desired. If, however, we allow these
| concessions to go under, then Nicaragua
might refuse to grant the right to build,
| and the whole thing would have to be
| gone over again from the beginning.
Hold ON Ia what We Have.
Let US hold on to what we have" said
| Senator Clay land proceed to perfect our
title"
The senator pointed out that this bill au-
| thorlzes the President 10 further negotiate
| with Nicaragua or any other government
| where It may be necessary TO clear and
| perfect our right to enter, construct and
| operate this canal. The President cam
| treat, and modify the Clayton-Bulwer
| treaty so as to move any trouble that
might arise on it's account. He can
negotiate with Nicaragua and Costa Rlea
and perhaps acquire title in perfetuity.
IF we cling to what we possess now we
will be better able to negotiate further"
| he contended.
Senator Clay presented the advantages
to commerce, which would follow the con-
| structlon of this canal. This waterway
J would give US continuous line from
Maine to Alaska. 1t would shorten the
| distance between our eastern and our
western coast by 10000 miles. II would
| place our southern ports on a direct line
| with the markets of China and Japan.
| When this canal is constructed our steam
| ers VIII sail from our southern points to
the far east bearing cotton goods manu-
| factured in the South with freights re-
| duced probably one-half.
Must Find Larger Markets.
Senator Clay contended that we must
| find more extended markets for our pro-
| ducts. Cheap transportation means more
| profits to manufacturers and producers
| The senator elaborated these ideas as fully
| as ii was possible during the short time
| allotted under the Senate rule. His speech
| was carefully listened 10, and 1t showed
| that he had made a careful study of the
very important question under considera-
| ton.
Senator Clay to-day introduced bill
providing for the payment to the owners
| of the steamer Leesburg of 1896 for the
| use of the steamer and $4,000 for her
| valuation, the steamer having been lost
| while In the service Of the government.
en-