The Wichita daily eagle., 1900-02-08
IT MY Be AMENDED
But the Canal Treaty Is in
Little Danger of Defeat.
NO FREE PORT IN ALASKA
And It's None of Germany's
Business; or Anyone's.
NO FREE PORT IN ALASKA

Washington, Feb. THE senate COM
mtttee on foreign relations met today to
consider the Nicaragua canal treaty. The
discussion was animated. While some
opposition was manifested, it was not Of
such a character as to indicate the de-
feat Of the treaty; but that It will be
amended there seems TO be little doubt.
One Of the amendments proposed is that
the whole Of the Clayton-Bulwer treaty
shall be abrogated. It is said by mem
bers Of the committee favoring this
change that there is no need Of keeping
alive any portion of the old treaty. An
other change suggested is in regard to
the protection Of the canal The treaty
declares there shall be no Notifications
and it is said this will prevent the Unit
ed states from erecting batteries, which
are by some considered absolutely neces-
saTy in view of the instructions that
occur from time to time in South Ameri-
can countries. It IS possible that this
language viii be modified 80 that such
protection as the United States deems
necessary viii be afforded along the
route Of the canal Nearly the entire
tine OF the committee was consumed in
listening to an elaborate statement from
Senator Morgan, who is thoroughly IA
filiar with the subject of the Nicaragua
canal proposition and all treaties af-
fecting It There was little or no ex-
preston Of opinion from other senators,
save that it was a very important sub
ject ana would need careful consideration.
It is learned that the text of the Hay
Pauncefote treaty was the work Of the
state department; the British government
accepted ne 6ocumen just as it was
drawn, so the responsibility for whatever
is contained in the treaty and the form
in which It Is expressed is chargeable en-
tfrely to the department. Department Of
ficials are surprised at the amount Of
criticism that has been directed against
the treaty. but feel confident that it will
be consummated, providing it s not
amended. and especially as to the fortif-
cation clause. It is stated by the officials
that an amendment on that point would
completely defeat the treaty and it is es-
timated that the objection would be two
fold-frst, from the British government,
and, second, from the president himself.
The president is said to regard the neu-
tralizatiOn scheme as completely obviat-
ing the necessity for any Notifications
for the canal, for by the terms of that
arrangement, every one Of the maritime
powers will pledge itself to use its army
and navy. if need be. to preserve the alb
solute neutrality Of the canal and fortii-
cations win be unnecessary
State department officials maintain ST.
lence respecting the mooted proposition
TO purchase the Danish West India
Islands for a coaling station. It is be-
lieved that something has been done in a
quiet way in anticipation Of the adoption
of the isthn1ian canal project by con-
gress. The purpose was a double one:
First, to secure an advantageous option
from Denmark, and. second, to secure IN
formation as to the possibility Of ac-
ouiring the islands so as to meet the IN
quiries of the committees Of congress.
which viii have to do with the bill. Most
Of the 'feelers" IN this direction have
been thrown ont IN Europe, and there IS
good authority for the statement that not
much difficulty win be experienced by the
governments Of the United States and
Denmark in reaching an agreement salts
factory to both sides soon after the nee
essary legislation IS secured from con-
gress. Efforts made TO secure Ike facili-
ties on the Pacific side OF the isthmus
have not been attended with as much
promise. Such overtures as have been
made to the government Of Ecuador have
developed an aversion to the surrender
Of the smallest speck of territory.
San Francisco, Feb. IA resolution
was introduced IN the assembly today
protesting against the ratification Of the
proposed treaty with Great Britain rela-
tive to the Nicaragua canal.