The Topeka state journal., 1900-02-07
over the canal in full accord with the

over the canal in full accord with the
almost animous demands of the
American people. Whatever rights or
privileges in connection with the build
ing or administration of the canal when
completed England may have had un-
der the provisions of the Clayton-Bul-
wer treaty she proposes to relinquish
and We give her substantially nothing
in return"
Senator Aldrich of Rhode Island,
leader of the Republicans in the SEN
ate, says he does not see any substan-
tial force in the contention that the
treaty should be amended so as to au-
thorize the United States to erect per-
manent fortifcations for the canal.
What is the object said Senator
Aldrich, "of our great naval estab-
Hshment if it is not intended to pro-
tect our great national harbors and
waterways? In my judgment our great
ships and harbor defense vessels af-
ford better protection to the canal and
our coast cities generally than the most
formidable fortifcations that engineer
ing skill can erect.
If a hostile fleet intended to make
war on the United States it would
hardly concentrate it's efforts on the
canal. If they could get near enough
our coast to engage fortificationS the
point of attack probably would be in
the vicinity of New York, Boston. or
some of the great commercial cities
along the coast.
'If. as contemplated, all the nations
of the earth sign an agreement to OBJ
serve strict neutrality in connection
with the operations of the canal, a for
eign power would hesitate a long while
before violating that agreement. An
international agreement of such a. char
acter in itself would be the surest pro-
lection that could be devised for the
canal"
Senator Harris, of Kansas, said:
Il doubt very much if Nicaragua and
Costa Rica would be willing to permit
US to erect fortifications on their terri
tory and maintain an armed force on
the banks of the canal. 1t would be
constant menace to these two govern
ments, and would incite unending COM
plications.
''All this speculation in regard to the
necessity of fortifying the canal is, to
my mind. but pretext to delay or de-
feat the construction of the canal, in
spired by those who are either luke
warm in their advocacy of the canal or
directly opposed to its construction and
control by the United States
Senator Depew, of New York, said:
ct cannot conceive how any fair
minded man can charge the United
States with having been made a victim
of Englands superior diplomacy in the
proposed treaty. Whatever interests
England may have had in the canal she
has relinquished to the United States in
consideration that the canal shall be
conducted on q neutral basis She Will
have no share in the revenues derived
from the canal, and will have no greater
advantages in the administration of the
affairs of the canal than are afforded
to other neutral powers.
Perhaps certain persons may be able
to read between the lines and discover
that Great Britain has buncoed the
United States in this matter, but am
unable to reach that conclusion by
such investigation as I have been aole
to give this great question
According to the statements in the
British press, the impression prevails
on the other side that Secretary Hay
scored a pronounced diplomatic victory
ment the civilized world will agree that
the interests of the United States gov
ernment have not suffered at the hands
of our distinguished secretary Of state"
Senator Platt of New York said:
What is the necessity for fortifica-
tions il you are going to have an inter-
, national agreement for absolute neu-
trality? I can see no reason for an
amendment, and do not believe there
will be any"
Representative Hepburn, chairman of
Nicaraguan canal bill, said he did not
care to discuss the treaty and it's bear
| ings on the canal until he had had an
opportunity to study it and determine
| just what it's different provisions meant.
There will be no change in the pres
| ent plans of the committee. Mr.. Hep
| burn is at work on the report on the
| bill and expects to submit it to the
house before the end of the week He
will then take the first opportunity to
! get the measure before the house.