Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1900-12-13

Washington, Dec. 6.-The senate
sat in executive session for more than
four hours today, the entire time
being devoted to a discussion by
Senator Morgan of the HayPaunce-
fote treaty for the abrogation of that
portion of the Clayton-Bulwer treaty
which relates to the Nicaraguan canal.
Senator Morgan made it very plain in
the course of his remarks that while
he was not opposed to the pending
treaty in almost any form, his prin-
ciple if not only concern, in that con-
nection is for the passage of the canal
bill and he allowed it to be very
gagged in treaty discussion because of
his conviction that there was a major
ity of senators who would insist upon
action on the treaty as a precedent to
the passage of the canal bill He in
timated privately to other senators,
however, that he would not consent to
the fixing of the time for a vote upon
the treaty until there also could be
time fixed for like action upon the
Nicaraguan canal bill
Discussing the question OF the forth
ication of the canal. Senator Morgan
argued strenuously against it, both as
ineXpedient and unnecessary. He con-
tended that Great Britain was not the
only power whose interests would be
affected by provision for fortifica-
ton, and said that Nicaragua and Cos
ia Rica had right to be considered
in that connection. He admitted, how
ever, that he had no doubt if the
United States should proceed with the
construction of the canal, without first
taking steps to secure the neutrality
of the canal. Great Britain would be
previously offended, and that he
thought it not impossible that the of
Tense would be considered sufficiently
grave to lead to hostilities between
the two countries.
do you mean" asked Senator Bev-
eridge, that, Notwithstanding the
present friendly relations between the
countries, England might declare war
if we should construct the canal with
our own means in our own way"
Senator Morgan replied that he con-
sidered that result among the proba-
bilities. But he continued, Il
should not be deferred by that circum-
stance" What England would do he
said, of course was a mere matter of
speculation and added that he had
only referred to this possibility in or
der to emphasize his opinion that the
canal should be constructed in any
contingency In discussing the points
of the treaty with Senator Teller, the
Alabama senator expressed the view
that the Clayton-Bulwer treaty was
unconstitutional and for this reason if
for no other he said it should be dis
regarded
Washington. Dec. 6.-The house of
representatives today at the end of
a long sitting passed the army re-
organization bill by vote 166 to 1873.
Three democrats. Messrs. Hall
(Penn), Underhill and Slayton IN
W, voted with the republicans for the
b'll but also to continuing the tenn
stood with the democrats against it,
Otherwise il was a strict party vote
The proposition by which some
democrats attempted to commit their
side in the case of an extension of the
present temporary army until July 1.
1908, which was voted upon indirectly
on a motion TO recommit, commanded
the vote of only about half the oppo-
sition and Of two republicans, Messrs.
Mccall (Mass.) and Mann (Ill).
Many democrats, however. voted
against the motion because they were
opposed Mt only to the reorganization
bill but alsoo TO continuing the tenn
porary army at its present strength.
A number of amendments were
placed upon the bill before it was
passed. The liyliest fight was made
upon the substitute offered by Mr.. Lit.
tiedcld Mel for the canteen section.
The substitute absolutely prohibited
the sale of intoxicants al military
posts When vote was taken the
prohibiting amendment carried BY the
overwhelming majority l5S to 81. Mr..
n. N,TAf al -.