New-York tribune., 1901-02-02
SOME PROGRESS IN THE SENATE.
CONTROVERSY OVER A PROPOSED MICA
RAGUA CANAL AMENDMENT.

CONTROVERSY OVER PROPOSED MICA
RAGUA CANAL AMENDMENT.
Washington Feb. (speciaD.-Ihe Shipping
Subsidy bill was discussed to-day in the Senate
without interruption from other projects OF
legislation. little progress was made. two
long speeches from Mr. Rawlins and Mr. Berry
being deducted from the stock in hand which
the opposition has collected for time killing pur
poses. Two or three mild attempts AT filibuster-
ing were INDUCED in. Mr. Tillman calling for
quorum at times when there was no apparent
use for one. and announcing that If the Shipping
bill was TO be pressed he would to it that
a majority Of the Senate remained on duty 10
listen to the debate. The South Carolina sena-
tor also tried 10 make trouble by introducing
the Anti-Pooliug bill as an amendment to the
Shipping bill ana his example followed by
Mr. Clay. OF Georgia. who offered Nicaragua
Canal bill another amendment. The Demo
cratic Senators have no serious intentions how
ever, Of turning their igh; against the Subsidy
bill into a last ditch campaign. for they privately
admit that such tactics would be foolish and
losing politics. The Democratic party cannot
hope to regain power in the Senate for many
years and the minority leaders are averse TO
doing anything which might force the majority
10 abridge the little influence on legislation they
exert by introducing and passing rule for
the restriction of debate. Their opposition to the
shipping bill is not violent enough 70 make
genuine campaign of obstruction worth while.
for they realize that such a campaign might
endans II their own present privileges and
power
Mr. Clay's amendment providing for the ac-
quisitiou from Costa I;ica and Nicaragua OF a
route for the isthmlan canal. developed spirited
controversy between Mr.. Clay and Mr.. Chandler
The latter declared that many Of the amend
ments offered were for the purpose of embar-
RAISING and defeating the measure.
Mr. Clay asserted that his amendment was in
good faith and that II was Of great Importance
to provide at the present session for the con
struction OF the Nicaragua Canal.
Mr.. Frye said that the shipping bill had been
before Congress for two years ii had been put
OFF week after week, and had given way TO the
Army bill and many qthers. There was no rea-
son, therefore, why this bill should not have It's
way now. -
lir Bacon asked If the Nicaragua Canal bill
had not the same claims for consideration
Mr. Frye answered that If the treaty referring
TO the Nicaragua Canal had been ratified, as he
believed II should have BEEN then there would
/ hevA been no difHcuItv in dealing With Near
/ aqua Canal legislation He added that In the
! pending discussion the majority had the right
/ after fair debate to have the bill voted upon,
/ the majority assuming full responsibility tor
! the course of legislation
| Mir. Morgan said the Nicaragua amendment to
the Shipping bill was offered in good talth by
| the Georgia Senator But there had been no
! conf renee among the friends Of the canal bill.
| Personally he preferred 10 keep the measures
SCI arate and distinct. he did not wish the
! canal bill TO be embarrassed by the opposition
| which the shipping bill was likely tO encounter.
Mr. Stewart, OF Nevada. spoke in favor OF the
bill arguing that the tremendous advantage
Great Britain held in ocean commerce could not
he overcome by individual effort. The only way
! 10 break down the domination of the seas by
! Europe was for the United states Government
to give its shipping the same advantages as
| those enjoyed by foreign shipping interests. II
| there was IL be a monopoly OF the seas. Mr.
| Stewart wanted II 10 he an American monopoly
A motion was agreed to for a session begin
ming al IL a. m tomorrow.