The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-05-02
WILL VOTE ON CANAL BILL.
HOUSE HAS WARM DEBATE UPON
NICARAGUAN MEASURE.

Mcasure-thepburn Appeals for an
American Canal - Opposition De-
clarcs the Canal shouId he Neutral.
Vote VIII He Taken To-day.
Washington, May 1.-F'or the first time
during the fifty years Of agitation OF the
project for the construction Of an inter-
oceanic canal the House of Represeuta-
tives to-day entered upon the consldera-
tion of a measure to actually authorize the
building Of a canal.
Many times propositions bearing upon
the subject have been before the House,
but this was the arst time positive action
can be predicted. Tomorrow the bill will
be voted upon before adjournment.
The debate to-day was memorable be-
cause of the Unexpectedly powerful oppo-
sition 1t developed. Mr.. Burton of ohi),
chairman Of The Rivers and Harbors Com
mittee; Mr.. Hit Of Illinois, chairman cf
the Foreign Affairs Committee, and M.
Cannon of Illinois, chairman of the APP
preparations Committee threw the weight
| Of their influence against il, not because
they are opposed to the building OF the
canal, but because they considered that
the time for authorizing its construction
was not ripe.
Mr. Burton and Mr.. Hit contended that
the bill would violate the Clayton Bulwer
treaty. which guarantees the neutrality of
the canal, and Mr.. Walker quoted Admiral
| Walker. chairman of the Isthmian Canal
! Commission, as saying that The commis-
| sion was not yet prepared to say which,
! was the best route.
| Mr Cannon contended that the authori-
zation of the construction of the canal
! over the Nicaraguan route at this tlms
would delay its building for yeats and cost
the government S50,000,o0o.
An Anomalous situation.
The debate also developed other lines of
opposition. Some Of the Democrats in
sisted that the amendments striking Que
the words defend aud fortiications"
| from the bill, are designed to make II har-
monlze with the Hay-Pauncefote treaty.
and that Il is therefore Objectionable ami
Mr. Shackleford Of Missouri, desired tho
| bill amended so that If that treaty Is rat-
fed. the bill will not go into effect. The
anomalous situation is therefore presented
OF practically every member on the fioo-
processing his friendship for the canal.
and yet OF powerful opposition arraycd
| against It on various grounds.
The bill was ably and vigorously cham
pioned by Chairman Hepburn of the In
torstate Commerce Committee. Mr.. Low
ering Of Massachusetts. MIR. Ransdell OF
Louisiana, and Mr.. Corlss of Michigan,
Mr.. Fletcher OF Minnesota, was the only
members of the Commerce Committee
who opposed the passage OF any bill at
this session.
During the debate to-day, ex-Secretary
| of State Sherman was one of the inter-
ested listeners on the floor. and Admiral
| Walker followed the proceedings from a
| seat in the reserved galleries.
Mr.. Hepburn sought to reach an agree-
ment as to the length of general debate,
end the division of time, but as some
temper was displayed by Mr.. Cannon and
Mr., Hepburn. the House finally went into
| Committee Of the Whole. to consider ths
BILL Mr. Cooper OF Wisconsin, in the
chair, without any agreement but with
the understanding that a night session for
debate should be held to-nlghta The bill
was then read.
Hepburn Higgins the Debate.
Mr.. Hepburn then offered the amend-
ments Of the committee substituting the
word protect" for defend" and tho
word provision for defense" instead OF
Notifications for defense"
Mr.. Hepburn opened the argument In
support of the bill. He pointed out thae
the subject had been agitated generally
for fifty-four years. and there always had
been some party I'm interest that did not
want the particular project at that time
| and now again I'VE see." he said, SONS
of these gentlemen who have before de-
feated action, protesting that this is not
the auspicious moment" All the reports,
he eaid, were practically unanimous I'm
favor of the Nicaraguan route
Speaking Of the Clayton-Bulwer treaty.
ana the objection raised to ths
project on the ground that It was
still in force. Mr.. Hepburn declar-
| ed amid a genral outburst of applause that
the interests OF the American people i'm
the canal had become so great that they
would refuse to be bound longer by bar
rier imposed by another generation half al
century ago.
Regarding existing franchises, Mr.. Hep
| burn said there had been a wonderfuE
traffic in franchises by Costa Rica and
| Nicaragua. Whenever their treasures
were low these countries sold franchises.
| In all tweuty-sevon had been granted dur
ing the last fifty years. The owners OF
these franchises always had something to-
sell. This bill recognized and dealt with
none of them.
As TO the Panama canal Mr.. Hepburn
| expressed the opinion that It would never
be feasible for the United States. In addi-
ton 10 the physical obstacles to Its COM
pletion, he doubted whether the United
States could ever obtain control of It.
Wants an American Canal
"I want" said ne "and I think the
American people want an American canal
which can, II necessary, discriminate In
favor Of our own people giving our cont
merce the advantage over the commerce.
of other countries. (Applause)
1--WE are entering upon the NOSE Intense
| contest I'm the history of time and II is
the intention of the American people that
they shall have their full share of the
worlds commerce" (Renewed applause y
II want the canal when completed
under our control. I do not want our
hands tied before we enter the contest"
''If we decide to protect the canal the
! Hay-Pauncefote treaty would give Eng
| land the same rights" urged Mr.. Clark
/ Of Missouri
II am afraid" responded Mr.. Hepburn.
| that such action would be unfortunate
| for the provisions Of my bill. But of tho
| House Of Representatives, by an over
| whelmng vote. declares the policy of the
| American people to be for an American
canal untrammeled by entangling alli-
| ances no one IN the United States will dare
| to say Nay (Applause) / do not think
| here Is any disposition by the administra-
1