The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-12-06
HAY-PAUNCEFOTE TREATY
CONSIDERED BY SENATE.
senator Lodge Explains Meaning of
the various Provisions Made
I'm the Document.

WASHINGTON. Dec. 5.--The executive
session OF today was devoted to the con-
sideration OF the -Pauncefote treaty.
The treaty and the amendment to II
suggested by the committee on foreign re-
lations We're read at the instance or
Senator Lodge, who took charge OF inc
then made a speech in explanation of the
treaty. and urged its speedy ratification
as a necessary preliminary 70 the consid-
Grafton of the Nicaragua canal bill.
Senator Lodge was subjected TO many
questions during the presentation of his
explanation of the treaty.
Senator Beyeridge asked whether II was
not true that the abrogation Of the Clay
ton-Bulwer treaty. as provided for In
the pending treaty, would have the eff
feet of permitting Great Britain to ac-
Senator Lodge replied in the negative.
saying that II was well known to all that
the Hay-Pauncefote treaty. while abro-
eating the Clayton-Bulwer treaty so far
as it applies to the United States and
binds this country, still leaves England
bound by its terms. For this reason he
was sure there need be no apprehension
on that score.
Senator Lodge discussed the amendment
suggested during the last session of con-
gress by the committee on foreign rela-
tons. providing that none of the provi-
sions of the first five sections of the
treaty should be construed as applying
TO measures which the United States
may find necessary for securing by its
own forces the defense of the United
States and the maintenance of public or
der"
The senator urged that this amendment
had the effect of giving greater assur-
anee to our own people. and was a nee
essary safeguard.
At this point Senator Lindsay. of Ken
lucky. interjected question. and in do
ing so made quite q statement as 10 what
he said he considered popular misap-
prehension as to the effect of the amend
ment
II find" ne said, "that most people APP
pear to think that this amendment pro-
vides for the fortdcation Of the canal.
whereas II does nothing Of the kind, as
a reading OF It win demonstrate"
He quoted from the amendment show
ing that II applied specifically to only sec
treaty eat He claimed that # f ony provides e
in the most general way for the protec-
ton Of the, rights of the United states.
lie called attention to the fact that while
the treaty OF Constantinople applying to
the Suez canal, had been used as the ba-
sis Of the pending treaty, only the first
seven articles of 1t had been Incorporated
I'm the -pauncefote agreement. leav-
ing out article 10 OF that agreement, which
gives to the khedive of Egypt the right
to defend the interests of that country
In connection with the Suez canal.
Canal to BE Always Open.
Replying Senator Lodge said he had
not commended and did not contend that
the amendment conferred specifically the
power TO foftify the canal The great
benent or the amendment was tounu, ne
said, in the fact that II applies to the
first section copied from the CONSTANT
nople agreement, providing that the canal
shall be free and open in time of war.
as in time OF peace, TO the vessels or
commerce and of war Of all nations"
The amendment, ne further said: was
substantially in the language of article 10
OF the Constantinople treaty. and there
fore might be expected to serve the same
purposes intended 10 be subserved by that
article with reference to the Suez canal.
In conclusion he urged early action on
the treaty as OF great Importance, be-
cause of the general desire to go on with
the Nicaraguan canal legislation. He did
not, however. Indicate any time for tax
ing a vote upon either the treaty or the
amendment.
senator Money. OF MIssissipni. made n
Treaty, hut indicating that he might vote
for ii II the amendment was retained.
though not satisfied he said, that the
amendment would make the document en-
tireiy satisfactory. Upon the whole. he
thought the United States would hest
promote its own interests by proceeding
10 construct the canal without asking the
ala or consent OF any other country.
During the executive session. In which
the Hay pauncefote treaty was under con-
sidefation several comparatively unim-
portant treaties with other countries,
largely South American. Were laid be-
fore the senate and referred 20 the COM
mittea on foreign relations, some 81 these
We're reciprocity treaties and others ex-
tradition agreements. One q them was
4 reciprocity agreement with Ecuador.
another a treaty with Denmark provid-
ing for reciprocity With the island Of
Santa Cruz
later IN the day second executive SEES
sion was held. but no business was trans
acted hTyond the reference OF several
~ fbs rrgnar c0mnftfteeN