The evening times., 1900-02-09

The influence OF the President is being
demonstrated clearly in its effect upon the
ouestion OF tie ratification Of the Hay
Pauncefote canal treaty On Monday the
outburst Of opposition was so great that
Administration officials attempted TO con-
ceaI their belief that the convention will be
rejected Now they are as confident in the
other way and nothing has taken place in
the meantime to cause a change of senu-
ment except the efforts of the President
and Secretary Of State to induce Senator'S
to see the matter in the proper light
The sentiment Of the Senate so far as
it can be ascertained by surface indica-
lions, the only way OF gauging it at pres
ent. as very few Senators are prepared TO
express an opinion for the reason that they
have none. seems TO be favorable TO the
ratification of the treaty even without
amendment. Still it is a fact that there is
a strong opposition. although not cohesive
as vet. which will insist upon making such
alterations in the treaty as will ensure
genuine American control OF the canal
should one be constructed. Another
faction of opposition which is opposed TO
the treaty as a whole, sees nothing in it
but a surrender OF advantages to Great
Britain in return for nothing the United
States does not already possess.
The first class OF opponents. VINO might
more properly be styled the critics Of the
treaty. are represented by Senator Hoar,
who. while praising the convention and
.c-ngrllulatiu, Secretary Hay for his clean
diplomacy in negotiating il. expresses the
oponion that is must be slightly amend
ed in the direction of giving the United
States more absolute control Mr. HOlr
lightly says. however, that as Lord
Pauncefote, Secretary Hay, and the United
States Senate are all in Washington al
present. IL VIII be an easy matter-to make
The necessary changes by unanimous con
sent.
At least cue Republican Senator. an in
fueutial one. too. and a member OF the
Foreign Relations Committee, who on
Monday was an earnest advocate Of an
amendment giving the United States the
privilege Of fortifying the canal and re
tanning absolute control Of 1t, is now as
enthusiastically in faycr Of ratifying the
treaty as if stands.
This shows the power OF Administration
influence for none other has been eNerted
TO cause this Senator 20 change his laind
Senator Elkns is quoted today as say
ing that the treaty will probably be raJi-
fed. although he questions the advisabliN
OF the provision granting Great Britain tho
use Of the canal in time Of war. The com
mittee viii not report the treaty for som,
time. however. perhaps not until after th'
canal bill is disposed OF and much may
happen in the meantime to change tbs
situation.
One point i'm the argument made by Sen
ator Morgan al the meeting of the Com
mittce on Foreign Relations Wednesda!
seems TO have been lost sight of. In speak
ing OF The point whether or not the pro
posed convention abrogates the Clayton
Buwer treaty. Mr.. Morgan said that wa
not important. as England is now prevent
ed By the Monroe Doctrine the force AM
application Of which she has admitted
from assuming any control whatever d
this continent and that the question q
f0rjifcatiOns amounts 10 nothing. as on
Warships can easily protect the canal. i
considering the chances of the ratihCaJio
OF the treaty il must be borne in min
that a twO-thirds vote. probably 80, as III
Senate stands-is necessary. II the yOt
were taken today on the question Of rsti
hcatiOn without amendment it is extreme
" doubtful if IL would carry.