The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-05-02
Nearly Every Member I'm Favor of n
Nicaraguan Waterway, hut Many
Opposed to the Present Bill.
SPEECHES FOR AND AGAINST
STRONG OBJECTIONS RAISED BY
HIT, CANNON AND BURTON.
Prompt Construction of the Canal Ad-
vOcated by Hepburn and Others
Attitude of the Minority.

WASHINGTON, May 1.-For the first
time during the fifty years of agitation of
the project for the construction of an inter-
oceanic canal the House of Representatives
to-day entered on consideration of meas
ure to actually authorize the building of
canal Many times propositions bearing
the subject have been before the House.
but this was the first time positive action
was held tonight. and tomorrow the bill
will be voted upon before adjournment.
The debate to-day was memorable be-
cause of the Unexpectedly powerful opposi
ton it developed. Mr.. Burton, of Ohio,
chairman of the rivers and harbors COM
mittee; Mr.. Hit, of Illinois, chairman OF
the foreign affairs committee, and Mr. Can
non, of Illinois, chairman of the appropria-
tons committee threw the weight Of their
influence against it, not because they are
opposed to the building of the canal. but
they considered the time of authorizing
its construction was not ripe. Mr.. Burton
and Mr.. Hit contended that the bill would
violate the Clayton-Bulwer treaty which
guarantees the neutrality of the canal. and
Mr.. Cameron quoted Admiral Walker,
chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commits
sion. as saying that the commission was
not yet prepared to say which was the best
route. Mr.. Cannon contended that the au-
thorization of the conduction of the canal
over the Nicaragua route at this time
would delay its building for years and cost
the government $50.0O0,0o0.
The debate also developed other lines of
opposition. Some of the Democrats insist
that the amendments striking the words
defend" and Notifications from the bill
are designed to make it harmonic with
the Hay-Pauncefote treaty, and that Ii is
therefore Objectionable, and Mr. Shackle-
ford, of Missouri desired the bill amended
so that II that treaty is ratified the bill will
not go into effect. The anomalous situation
is therefore presented of practically every
member on the floor processing his friend
ship for the canal and yet of powerful OPP
position arrayed against it on various
grounds.
JOHN SHERMAN LISTENED.
The bill was ably and vigorously cham
pioned by Chairman Hepburn, of the Inter
state-commerce Commission, Mr.. Lovering,
of Massachusetts,, Mr.. Ransdell of Louis
lana and Mr.. Corlss of Michigan, Mr..
Fletcher of Minnesota, was the only men,
Der of the commerce committee who op-
posed the passage of any bill at this ses-
sion. During the debate to-day ex-Secre-
terested listeners on the floor and Admiral
Walker followed the proceedings from
seat in the reserved gallery.
Mr.. Hepburn opening the debate said it
was now almost exactly fifty-four years
since the project of an interoceanic canal
was first preached, but this was the first
day bill to carry such project into eff
feet had received the attention of the
House of Representatives. There had
always been some way to defeat action.
al want the canal, when completed, under
our CONTROL" he said. II do not want our
hands tied before we enter the contest.
IF we pass this bill and the Senate rati-
es the Hay-Pauncefote treaty the provis-
ions of which conflict with it," interrupted
Mr.. Clark of Missouri, which would take
precedence?"
II do not know" replied Mr.. Hepburn.
IF they absolutely conflict the law would
be superior TO that treaty.
mo" cried gentlemen from various
parts of the hall.
''If we decide to protect the canal the
Hay-Pauncefote treaty would give Eng
land the same rights" persisted Mr.. Clark
81 am afraid" responded Mr.. Hepburn,
"that such action would be unfortunate
for the provisions of my bill. But If the
House of Representatives by an over
whelming vote declares the policy of the
American people to be for an American
canal unless untrammeled by entangling al
liances no one in the United States will
dare to saw Nay IAppIause.1 1 do not
think there is a disposition by the admin
istration to thwart the will of the Amer
lean people" [Applause.1
IF ii is not the intention to press the
Hay-Pauncefote treaty, why is it not with
drawn?" asked Mr.. Clark, of Missouri.
1--WE must not stop now for fear of some
thing in the future" replied Mr.. Hepburn
eff YOU will put that word 'fortify' back
q, y xrrflf haxr he
of this SIDE" said Mr.. Clark.
'I do not think the changes the COM
mittee consented to make in the interests
of harmony, as we supposed, make any
radical difference in the bill, responded
Mr.. Hepburn.
do you think the Clayton-Bulwer treaty
can be abrogated by an act of Congress-"
asked Mr.. Dolliver.
II doubt it would be better were the abb
rogation TO be arranged through the State
Department, but i entertain no doubt OF
our power to abrogate 1t by legislation In
consistent with its continuance"
OTHER SPEECHES.
Mr. Burton, of Ohio. who was one of the
leaders of the opposition. said: II yield to
no one in my desire for the early connec-
ton of the two oceans by an isthmian
canal, but this measure does not provide
the best method OF accomplishing it. 1t
ignores solemn treaties. 1t commits us to
one route when the advantages of all
routes should be considered and compared. !"
AS a solution of the whole matter. he sug-
gested the making of provisional treaties
with the governments through which the
different routes for canals may go, OBJ
tanning options on rights of way and con-
cessionS and the postponement of the seec-
ton of the route until next December.
Mr.. Hit opposed the bill on account of
the provision for the construction of the
canal after obtaining from Nicaragua and
Costa Rico full control over the territory
through which IL passed. The provision,
he said was in contravention of the Bull
wer-Clayton treaty, which he maintained
was in force. The faith OF the Nation was
pledged in that treaty. 1t had been en-
TERED into largely at our own solicitation.
He believed that we had the right during
the fifties when Great Britain en-
croaching in Central America to notify her
that she was violating the treaty, and that
If she persisted the treaty was abrogated.
Instead of that we refused to abrogate,
Great Britain yielding her contention and
the treaty remained in force. Mr.. Ere
who had ever maintained that the treaty
was mot void" "but voidable."
Mr. Hit used strong words in his de-
nunciation of the attempts 10 violate the
CLAYTON Bulwer treaty. He styled il a
cynical disregard of the moral law, and an
attempt to commit the American people to
open perjury
bate for the afternoon with a brief but
vigorous speech against the bill. He Gre
ated something OF sensation by quoting
Admiral Walker. chairman of the isthmian
canal commission. as saying: I'VE are not
prepared TO say now when the canal across