The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-12-07
Senator Morgan Piled With Ques.
tions During Speech.
WOULD BE PROTECTED IN WAR.
Amy Provision Along Tha, Lfuc the
Senator hou-ht Needless.
Though, England Should De-
clare War, Dir. Morgan
Said, the Canal
Should BE Built.

WASHINGTON, Dec THE Senate
was in executive session for more than
four hours today, the entire time being
devoted TO the discussion by Senator
Morgan, OF the Hay-Pauncefote treaty.
for the abrogation OF the portion of the
Clayton-Buiwer treaty which relates 10
the Nicaragua canal
The Senator made it very plain that
his main concern is for the passage of the
canal bilI but as a majority OF Senators
would insist upon action upon the treaty
as a condition precedent he was willing
to discuss the treaty. He minated
privately to other Senators however.
that he would not consent to the fixing
of a time for vote upon the treaty until
there could be Il time tlxed for like action
on the canal bill
He said it was competent for the
United States to proceed with the build
ing of the canal regardless of the treaty
or Of Great Britain's wishes in the matter.
FcRTIF,YING fNEXPEDIE,NT
Discussing the question OF the fortif-
cation of the canal, Senator Morgan arr.
Gued strenuously against il, both as
iueXPedient and unnecessary. He cnn-
tended that Great Britain was not the
only power whose interests would be af-
fscted By a provision for fGrtificatiu1 ard
said that Nicaragua and Costa fcica had
a right 10 be considered in that connec-
tian. Furthermore. in case OF war. every
body knew that the canal would be pro-
tscted TO the fullest extent. SO that any
provision whatever beating upon this
pSin1 WAS needless.
lie admitted, however. that he mad no
doubt that if the United States should
proceed with the construction OF the
cannl without first taking steps to secure
the neutrality of the canal, Great BriFain
would be grieyousIy offended and that
he thought it not impossible TINT the Of
sense would be considered sufficiently
grave TO lead TO hostilitiss between the
two countries.
do you mean asked Senator Bevar-
dge THAT. Notwithstanding the present.
friendly relations between the countries.
England might declare war il we should
construct the canal with our own means
and in our own way?
Senator Morgan replied that hei con-
sidered that resul. among the probabili-
ties.
But he continued II should not be
deferred by that circumstan
NO OBSTACLE
The American people. he said, had
mapped out the canal and they We're not
going to allow any OBSTACLE. no matter
how serious to stand in the way. He be.
lieved that the Administration that would
undertake 10 build the canal. knowing that
10 do so meant war would be endorsed by
the people at large by a bigger majorit;
than that which Mckinley received owe,
Bryan in the last election.
Senator Morgan was Piled with many
questions.
Mr. Mason asked whether it was true
that if the Hay-Paurcefote negotiations
prevented the use of the canal by Great
Britain in time of war. the converse prop
ositlou that it also prohibited such Use
by the United States was not also trus2
To this lfr. Morgan did not make direcss
reply, saying n would take up that point
later He expressed the view that tn.
Ciaytoa- -BuIwer treaty is unconstitutional