The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1900-02-08
THE CANAL TREATY
Considered by Senate Foreign
Relations Committee.
Opposition Expressed to the
Neutrality Clause.
State Department Confident
Hay-PaunCefote Convention
Will Be Approved.

WASHINGTON. Feb. THE senate
committee on foreign relations met to
consider the Nicaragua canal treaty. The
discussion was animated. While some
opposition was manifested, it was not of
such character as to indicate the defeat
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. 1t is said by
members of the committee favoring this
change that there is no need of keeping
alive any portion of the old treaty.
Another change suggested is in regard
to the protection of the canal. The treaty
declares there shall be no fortiiications.
and il is said that this will prevent the
United States from erecting batteries.
which are by some considered absolutely
necessary in view Of the instructions
that occur from time to time in South
American countries. 1t is possible that
this language will be modified so that
such protection as the United States
deems necessary may be afforded along
the route of the canal.
Nearly the entire time of the committee
was consumed in listening to an elaborate
statement from Senator Morgan, who is
thoroughly WIFI lnt Subgt'l VI
the Nicaragua canal proposition and all
treaties affecting it. There was little or
no expression of opinion from other SEN
ators. save that it was a very important
subject and would need careful considera-
tion.
1t is learned that the text Of the Hay
Pauncefote treaty was the work of the
state department. The British govern
ment accepted the document 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 entirely to the department.
Department officials are surprised at the
amount of criticism that has been direct
ed against the treaty, but feel confident
that il will be consummated, provided
il is not amended, especially as to the
fortification clause 1t is insisted by the
officials that an amendment on that
point would completely defeat the treaty.
and it is intimated that the objection will
be twofold-first from the British gov
ernment and second from the president
himself The president is said to regard
the naturalization scheme as completely
obviating the necessity for any fortitca-
tons for the canal, for. by the terms of
that arrangement every one of the mari
time powers will pledge itself to use its
army and navy. if need be, to preserve
the absolute neutrality of the canal, and
Notifications would be unnecessary.
Attention has been called tn the state
ment that no matter what differences of
opinion may have existed up to this time
as to the living force of the Clayton-Bul
wer treaty, all doubt upon that point has
been dissipated by the signature of the
Hay-Pauncefote convention. BY that
act the executive branch of the United
States government formally recognized
the existence of Clayton-Bulwe treaty.
1t is said to make no difference whether
or not the Hay-Pauncefote treaty is rati-
fed by the senate, the executive branch
of the government, to which alone for
eign governments may look, has gone on
record