The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-05-07

Friends Of the American Isthmian Canal
proposition only need to watch the Admin
istration press. and several newspapers in
the interest of the Panama syndicate 10
realize the nature and extent Of the fight
which will be made in the Senate from
now until the adjournment OF Congress
to prevent action on the Hepburn
Morgan Nicaragua Canal bill. In a
New York organ Of the latter cate
CORY the statement was made yesterday
that it is not certain the Isthmisn Com
mission will strongly endorse the Near
aqua route over that at Panama; that the
Panama company has yet four years under
its old. and six years more under a new,
concession, or ten years in all in which
to complete the work; and that members Of
the Isthmian Commission say the Panama
waterway viii be easily completed within
that time, and can be finished at cost
probably less than that required TO build
the Nicaragua Canal"
There is a strong suggestion in the fore
going Of the real interest Of the Admins
tration in the Isthmian subject as well as
Of one OF the means to which It will re-
sort in order to throttle the Hepburn
Morgan bill In the first place unless
Rear Admiral Walker and his associates
on the commission are more open 10 exc
cutive coercion than we believe them to be-
their report viii not only endorse the
Nicaragua route without any qualification
whatever. but will treat the Panama
scheme as unscientihc and impracticable.
Il is well enough known that this state
rnent represents the conclusions to which
the commissioners arrived on or before
their return to the country. and after most
careful and thorough investigation. As
they are men Of independent character and
high professional standing, it is hardly
10 be supposed that they can be Magooned
into formulating opinions" which they
may or may not believe In. according TO
the views and interests OF the Admins
tration, or OF its Panama syndicate part
ners, as the same may exist or change from
time to time. But as the report viii not
be ready for publication before next
winter. it is possible for enemies OF the
American canal to make what assertions
they please. although those they are likely
TO indulge in will not receive much cred
euce. Certainly, no Senator or citizen
who has any knowledge Of the subject will
believe that any member Of the commits
sion has said or will say that the de
Lesseps ditch can be constructed for less
money than the Nicaragua Canal. or that
II could be finished in a shorter time. IN
fortunately for the people who are care
less enough TO utter such statements.
which equally reflect upon the ability and
integrity OF the Walker Commission. the
actual opinions Of its members are fully
known to enough OF our public men 10
render the Islander harmless.
There have been stupendous jobs in poll
ties In recent years. but they have been
only sprats compared with the Panama
whale which is swimming under cover Of
the fight against the Hepburn Morgan bin.
Hsnuas substitute for that measure. pre-
scented in tha House BY his man Burton. Is
sufficient evidence on the point. One has
only to read its provisions. and then 10 |
remember who compose the Panama syndi
cate in this country. 10 hnd ample reason |
for the struggle against an American canal !,
aud against any canal by the Nicaragua |
route
The Hay panneefote Treaty is pu. for |
ward q bar to an American Nicaragua /
Canal. and in The insldiOus way Of making |