The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-02-06
ALL FOR THE CANAL.
Nicaragua Bill Likely to Become q
Law This Month.

Law 1nIS Month.
New York, Feb. GA special to the
Herald from Washington says: Sena-
tor Morgan, chairman of the senate
committee on the Nicaragua canal,
says he expects the canal bill to pass
the senate this month. Representative
Hepburn, chairman of the house COM
5nittee. says he expects it to pass the
house during the month.
A poll of both houses shows that
when it comes to a vote the bill will
pass both houses by overwhelming
1aajorities.
Both bills, while differing in language
somewhat, authorize the president to
secure from Nicaragua and Costa Rica
the control of such territory as may be
necessary to construct and defend the
proposed canal, and make an indefi-
mite appropriation to be used in secur-
ing such control. Citizens of Nicaragua
and Costa Rica are to have the same
advantages in the use of the canal as
citizens Of the United States. An APP
preparation of $40, 900, 900 is made for the
commencement of the work and the
secretary of war is authorized to enter
into contracts for the compilation to the
amount of s1sO 200, 600, the money to be
provided in the regular appropriation
bills as it shall be needed.
There is no reason to expect any Sc
rious efforts to delay the bill in either
house of congress. It's opponents are so
few as make such efforts hopeless, and
the present prospects are that vote
will be reached in both houses after
short debates. When Mr. Reed was
speaker he was able to prevent consid-
Grafton Of the bill in the house. but
Speaker Henderson is heartily in favor
of it and will aid in expediting action
Chairman Hepburn's present plan is
to try to secure consideration of the
bill by unanimous consent. Speaker
. int tod 70 ha+
this can probably be secured. If there
is objection to consideration by any of
the opponents of the measure Mr.. Hep
burn win then apply to the committee
on rules for special order, and he has
no doubt of its being granted, as all
the members of that committee are in
favor of the bill.
In the senate the financial bill will
have the right of way until February
Is, but after that has been acted upon
Senator Morgan intends to call up the
canal bin and push it to a speedy vote.
There will be some opposition from
senators who think it would be wise to
wait for the report of the Walker COM
mission, but few members will oppose
the bill in its present form.
Senator Morgan is confident the canal
bill will pass congress at the present
session. He has assurances that large
majority of representatives favor the
passage Of the bill without further de-
lay
IN the senate some or the friends or
the bill are impatient to have it taken
up and passed some morning during the
morning hour. The only substantial OPP
position comes from Senator Caffery of
Louisiana, who will probably insist on
debating the subject at length.
Friends of the bill,' Senator Morgan
said, "are satisfied the American peo-
pie fully understand the provisions of
the measure and recognize the impor-
lance of prompt action. Under the cir
I r77V9 TO- g 0fUna1 no CT a
time in discussion. So strong is the
sentiment in the senate favorable to
the bill that it might be taken up to-
morrow and passed with not more than
five or six votes against it. There is
a general understanding, however that
it shall not antagonize the financial bill
now pending and therefore 1 probably
shall not call up the canal bill until
the financial bill is disposed of. The
latter measure is to be voted on one
week from next Thursday.
Il do not believe Senator Caffery pro-
| poses to filibuster against the bill when
! it is taken up. He desires to present
/ his objections to the proposed bill and
| I understand he will content himself
| by explaining his position to the senate,
after which vote will be taken. I
! have no fear as to the result as the
| senate has twice passed a similar bill,
and the subject is perfectly we'll under
| stood by all of the intelligent people
| of the United States"
Senator Aldrich, chairman of the
finance committee. says there is no
doubt as to the passage of the canal
| bill.
More than two-thirds of the senate
| favor the BILL he said, land it is not
likely that the small opposition will in
! terpose any unnecessary delay to pre-
vent the passage of the bill The very
small minority in opposition may re-
| qufre a few days to present their views
and friends of the bin will give them
every reasonable opportunity to be
heard. Unless some Unforeseen OBJ
stacles arise the bill should be passed
soon after the financial measure is out
| of the way"
Senator Harris, of Kansas, one of the
most energetic friends of the canal bill
| on the Democratic side of the chamber,
! IL, t1rr