The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-04-24
Hardly Likely to Be Taken Up
Till Treaty Is Settled.
Even Those who VIII Vote for the
Bill VIII Oppose Its Considera-
session-Morgnn VIII Make n
strong Effort, However, to secure
Actfon-The strength Of the mn
in the House. shown by sigma
tures to Petitions for Its Consid-
Grafton, Dfsarms the Opposition.

Special Dispatch to the Post-Intergencer.
WASHINGTON, April 3.-The over
whelming manifestation of sentiment in
the house in favor of passing the Mica
raugua canal bill has so impressed the
president and the majority leaders, that
they have withdrawn opposition to the
consideration of the Hepburn bill this
session. This was proved today when
Representative Hepburn chairman of
tho interstate and foreign commerce
committee, asked for unanimous consent
TO have "A day set for consideration of
the bill. and no one. not even Represen-
tive Burton. of Ohio, who has been
most persistent in fighting the canal pro-
ject, objected to the selection OF May /
and for the debate on the bin.
Burton Confers With the President.
Representative Burton had long con-
ference with the president at the White
House this morning. to which fact his
subsistence may certainly be attributed.
The feeling on both sides OF the house.
as shown in petitions signed last week
by nearly 300 members, was too plain to
be ignored. The necessity of immediate
action was made more apparent TO the
president last week, when practically the
states called at the White House.
Then followed adoption in committee
Of Representative Barham's amendments.
which disarmed the objection in certain
quarters to provisions OF the bill re-
iating to fortincation OF the canal
May, Not Pass ths Senate.
At tho same time. few believe the bin
will become law at this session, be-
cause. although there IL no doubt about
its passage by the house, IL is not be-
lIeved the senate will consent to take it
up until after the Hay-Pnuncefote treaty
has been disposed of. Senator Morgan
said today he would make strong efforts
to have the canal bill taken up at once
and passed. but other senators declare
that, though they viii vote for the meas
ure ON its passage. they do not consider
this the proper time TO consider II. and
viii resist consideration. The certainty
OF what the action OF the senate will be
no doubt induced the enemies Of the
canal bill In the house today to remain
silent when Representative Hepburn
asked for unanimous consent.
VIII Try To Amend.
Effort. however. win be made on the
floor of the house TO amend the bill, and
Representative Burton may be counted
on TO show his hand. He said tonight
that he would offer an amendment pro-
viding that. In the event that the Walker
canal commission should recommend in
It's report another route than that
through Nicaragua provided for in the
bill the whole question should be re-
ferred again 20 congress by the president
II the senate does not pass the hill this
session. which Il more than probable,
Burton's amendment VIII signify Moth
ing. because the Walker commission viii
have made its report before congress VIII
be ready next session 10 consider the
bill Burton also hopes 10 succeed IN
toning down the provisions of the lfep-
burn bill relating 10 fortinenuon and 10
the protection of the canal and to effect
an amendment Of the bali IN less essential
poinfs