The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-04-21
NICARAGUA CANAL
IS MUCH CHANGED.
Continued From Page One.

1uHbHutu fi0iA aSe ohS-
changes in the bin Mr.. Hepburn stated it
had been definitely arranged that the
house would take up the canal bin on May
1 and Although the committee on rules
has taken no formal action yet, this ap-
pears to be the definite understanding.
Mr. Hepburn says the passage of the bill
is unquestlonable
The main dissent in the change in the
bill came from Adamson tGa.). who desired
to have the words "fortify' and defend
retained as against any doubtful or COM
promising phrase
Barhnm Explains 1t.
Barham, upon whose motion in commit
tee the changes We're effected, said:
.erhe changes are designed to overcome
objections which have been raised and
have reason to believe they will accomplish
that end and make the bill generally ac-
ceptable The words 'fortify' and defend
appeared to invite controversy and diplo-
matte complications, and in view of the
action of the administration in negotiat-
ing the y-Pauncefote treaty It appears
entirely needless to raise diplomatic is
sue with England simply on the use OF
words. In the amended form ample au-
thority is given to police ana protect the
canal against destruction by evil doefs'
and by the time the canal Is compietea. SIX
or eight years hence. there will be fuli op-
portunitv to determine whether II should
be permanently protected by fortihcatlohs
or by our navy"
shackelford Dissents.
Following the meeting Mr. Shackietora'
of Missouri fled with the mouse MS us
senting views on what had heeh uoile
While favoring' the construction OF the
canal. he objects to any recognition OF tne
CLAYTON Bulwer treaty. He proposes new
section TO the Hepburn BILL providing mat
the act shall not go into force until AFTER
the senate has taken ection on the nay
Pauncefote treaty, and not then II that
treaty IS ratified.
Objections of the Minority.
The minority report on the Nicaraguan
canal bill filed by Mr.. Shackeitord says
THE undersigned, while cohtuFflhS ~
the vigorous American policy so ably ana
tersely stated by Mr. Hepburn in behalf
of the majority Of the committee. never
theless do not concur in the recommended
ton that the bill pass in the form pre-
scented.
.eThe act of congress which authorizes
the building of the canal should contain
an explicit and direct assertion OF the
right of the United States to build own
and control said canal, absolutely free
from European dictation.
'TThe Clayton Bulwer treaty, rs so clear
" shown by Mr. Hepburn, long ago ceased
to have any binding force by reason of the
conduct of Great Britain. That being true.
we should strictly adhere to the Monroe
doctrine and stand by our traditional pol
icy that Europe will not be permitted to
intermeddle with cisatantic affairs. 1t
Is to the Monroe doctrine that we, rs
republic must look for safety We should
never under any circumstances even tao
lilly admit that Europe has the right to so
much as inteTrogate us in American ques-
tions. much loss to limit our action
After citing Mr.. Blaine in support of this
view the report adds:
This is the fundamental printip-s Of our
national Independence, and no exigency
should be sufficient to cause us to even
momentarily lose sight Of IT,"
why the Changes Were Made.
Representative Adamson said the cham
gees In the bill were suggested, as he I'M
derstood by the rules committee. In am
swer to the petition flied for the consid-
Grafton OF the Hepburn bill
Mr. Adamson presented TO the commit
tee the petition Of t25 Democratic menu
hers favorable TO the original bill at the
same time that Mr.. Hepburn presented the (
petition Of Republican members The only !
answer rete ived by Mr.. Adamson was the
statement made to him by Mr.. Hepburn
that If the bill were amended q special
rule for the consideration of the measure
could he secured To this Mr.. Adamson
dissented, stating that the petition was
for the original bill He again objected
TO the change when Mr. Hepburn made
known today that the rule for considera-
ton could be secured IL the amendments
suggested were authorized by the COM
mlttee on interstate and foreign com
merce.
Adnmson VIII Fight the mn.