Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-05-01
Its Discussion Begun in the House
by Mr.. Hepburn.
POINTS OUT The NATIONAL DEMAND
Alaska Code Bill Passed by the
Senate.
ARMY BILL d Z B A e D

Under the order made ny the House last
week today and tomorrow were set aside
for the consideration of the Nicaragua
canal bill. Before the special order was
called up the Speaker announced the resig-
nation of Mr. Shafroth (Col) from the COM
1nittee on irrigation, and the appointment
of Mr. King O-tah) to the vacancy; also
the appointment of Mr.. Capron Or. II as
member of the board to visit the Military
Academy, vice Mr.. OImstead Pa), re-
signed.
Mr. Hepburn Oowa). chairman of the
Committee on interstate commerce, in
charge of the Nicaragua canal bill. then
sought to reach an agreement about the
length Of general debate and the division
of time.
Mr. Hepburn suggested that general de-
bate should be closed today.
Mr.. Cannon Qll.). chairman of the COM
nlittee on appropriations, thought that half
of the time should be controlled by those
who were against any canal bill at this ses-
sion.
Mr. Hepburn thought that Mr.. Shackle-
ford MOI. who made the minority report,
should control the opposition. as he had a
substitute proposition to offer.
To this Mr.. Cannon would not assent. as
he said that Mr.. Shackleford was under
certain conditions in favor of bill at this
session. Those who were opposed to any
bill at this session. he contended. should
control one-half of the time.
committee, said he was opposed to the pas
sage of the bill at this session and he in
sisted upon an opportunity to be heard.
Mr.. Shac kleford declared that no member
dared. on the floor, to say he was opposed
to the building Of a canal at any time and
under all circumstances.
Some temper was displayed by Mr. Can
non and Mr.. Hepburn and the House finally
went into committee Of the whole to con-
slider the bill. Mr.. Cooper (Wis) in the
chair without any agreement as to the
length OF general debate or the division OF
time. but with the underst landing that
night session for debate should be held to-
night. The bin was then read
Mr.. Hepburn then offered the amend
word protect for defend and the words
provision for defense instead of .'fortiti-
cations for defense"
Mr. Hepburn's Remarks.
Mr. Hepburn then made the opening argu-
ment In support Of the bill. The subject
now before the House. he said. had been
engaging the attention of the country for
f1fty-four years. 1t was now almost ex-
actly that number of years since the pro-
ject Of an interoceanic canal was first
preached. Since then volumes had been
written and thousands of speeches had
been made. but this was the first day bill
to carry such a project into effect had re-
Ceived the attention Of the House of Repre-
sentatives. There had always been some
way to defeat action, always some party in
interest that did not want the particular
project proposed or a. that particular time.
He recalled how. five years ago, a petition,
signed by 800 members. for the considera-
ton of canal bill had been sidetracked.
and how twice since then the appropriations
committee had shunted off the main prop
osition with appropriations for investiga-
tons
And now again today" he continued
eve see some of these gentlemen. notably
he trprti " TU-tNp before
feated action. standing here protesting that
this Is not the suspicious moment"
Mr.. Hepburn reviewed the whole history
OF the canal project. the various eNamlna-
tons and surveys of the route by the vari-
Gus commissions appointed. including the
Walker commission of last year, which has
not yet made It's report. All the reports
were practically unanimous In favor of the
Nicaraguan route.
Speaking Of the Clayton Bulwer treaty.
and the objection raised to the project on
the ground that 1t was still in force, Mr..
Hepburn declared. amid general outburst
of applause. that the interests OF the Amer
lean people In the canal had become so great
that they would refuse to be bound longer
by barrier imposed by another generation
half century ago.
Existing Franchises.
Regarding existing franchises. Mr.. Hep
burn said there had been a wonderful traffic
in franchises by Costa Rica and Nicaragua
Whenever the treasures were low those
countries sold franchises. In all. twenty
seven had been granted during the last
nifty years The owners of these franchises
always had something TO sell. This bill rec
ognized and dealt with none of them.
As to the Panama canal. Mr.. Hepburn ex-
pressed the opinion that it would never be
feasible for the United States. In addition
TO the physical obstacles to its completion
he doubted whether the United States could
ever obtain control Of it.
want, said he and think the Amer
lean people want, an American canal. which
can. II necessary, discriminate in favor of
our own people. giving our commerce the
advantage over the commerce of other coun-
tries (AppIause) We are entering upon
the most intense contest in the history of
time. and ii is the intention of the American
people that they shall have their full share
of the worlds commerce
Il want.the canal when COMPLETED rrdar
our control l do not want our hands tied
before We enter the contest
If We pass this bill and the Senate then
ratif1es the Hay-Pauncefote treaty the nrO-
visions of which conflict with it." interrupt-
precedeIce?"
II do not know" replied Mr. Hepburn.
IF they absolutely conflict the law would
be superior to that treaty"
No. no." cried gentlemen from various
parts Of the hall.
IF We decide to protect the canal the
Hay-Pauncefote treaty would give England
the same rights" persisted Mr.. Clark
Il 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 overwhelming
vote declares the policy of the American
people 10 be for American canal I'M
trammeled by entangling alliances. no one
In the United States will dare to say nav.
CApplauseJ- do not think there is any dis
position by the administra ton to thwart
the Will of the American people," GAP
plause)
DO you think the same legislative BODY
would pass this bill and ratify the Hay-
Pauncefote treaty?' asked Mr. Mann QII1
Certainly not"
IF it is not the intention to press the
day-Pauncefote treaty, why is il not with
Grawn? asked Mr.. Clark
We must not stop now for fear of some
thing in the future" replied Mr. Hepburn.
II you VIII put that word 'fortify' back
IN the bill it will have the unanimous vote
OF this side. said Mr.. Clark
10 not think the changes the commit
zee consented to make in the interests of
harmony. as We supposed. make any rad
IGal difference in the BILL" responded MT
81 10 o. you think the Clayton-Bulwer treaty
can De abrgSated by an act of Congress ~
asked Mr.. Dolliver Qowa).
4 do; il would be better were the abro-
eauon TO be arranged through the state
department. but / entertain no doubt n.
our pow er TO abrOgate il by lepisIaf ITO, IL.