The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1901-12-14
CANAL MEASURE
COMPELS FAVOR
House Committee Will
Urge Action on Hep
burn Bill.
Congressman Unite in Plan
to Secure Rapid Leg
islation.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13.-The House
Committee on Interstate and Foreign
Commerce at its first meeting to-day
voted to favorably report the Hepburn
bill providing for the construction of
the Nicaragua canal. Representative
Fletcher of Minnesota was the only mem
Der voting against reporting the bill.
Before the vote was taken several
amendments were proposed. Ore by
Adamson of Georgia was agreed to, pro-
viding that the expenditure of $40 ,0O0, 900
as provided by the bill shall be made on
warrants signed by the President of the
United States. Other amendments fix
ing a minimum and maximum depth for
the canal were voted down, the desire
being to retain the original form of the
Hepburn bill as nearly as possible. Chair
man Hepburn was directed to urge the
measure 70 consideration and vote in
the House at the earliest practicable
time
Hepburn said after the meeting that he
would push the bill in the House a one
of the first measures to be taken up after
the holidays. The unanimlty Of the COM
mlttee to-day was gratifying to the
friends Of the canal measure. Adamson,
a Democrat, Of Georgia, moved to report
the bill. and the entire Democratic mem
Chairman Hepburn on the floor of the
House with a view TO securing united
action when the measure comes up.
Text OF the Measure.
The Hepburn bill, as finally agreed
lows:
Be it enacted, etc.:
Section l. That the President Of the United
states be and is hereby authorized to acquire
from the States of Costa Rica and Nicaragua
for and in behalf of the United States control
OF such portion OF territory now belonging to
Costa Rica and Nicaragua as may be desirable
and necessary on which to excavate construct
and protect a canal of such depth and capacity
as will be sufficient for the movements of ships
OF the greatest tonnage and draught now in
use. from a point near Greytown, on the Car
ibbean Sea, via Lake Nicaragua. to Brito on
the PACING Ocean. and such sum may be
necessary TO secure such control is hereby ap-
prOpriated out of any money in the treasury
not otherwise appropriated.
Section 2. That when the President has Sc
cured full control over the territory in section
referred TO he shall direct the Secretary
waterway from point on the shore of the
Caribbean Sea, near Greytown, by way of Lake
Nicaragua, to point near Brito, on the Pa
capacity and depth that it may be used by
vessels of the largest, tonnage and greatest
all necessary locks and other appliances to
meet the necessities Of vessels passing from
Greytown to Brito, and the Secretary Of War
shall also construct such safe and commodious
harbors at the termini of said canal and such
provisions for defense may be necessary for
harbors.
Privileges for States.
Section g. That the President shall cause
such surveys as may be necessary for said
canal and harbors, and in the constructing Of
the same may employ such persons he may
deem necessary.
Section +. That in the excavation and con-
struetion Of said canal the San Juan River
and Lake Nicaragua, or some parts of each,
as may be made available, shall be used.
Section D. That in any negotiations with the
states of Costa Rica Nicaragua the Presi-
dent may have the President is authorized to
guarantee TO said states the use of said canal
and harbors. upon such terms may be
agreed upon. for all vessels owned by said
states citizens thereof.
Section q. That the sum of SO, 600, 600 is
hereby appropriated out Of any money in the
treasury not otherwise appropriated toward
the project herein contemplated and the Sec
rotary Of War is further hereby authorized to
enter into contract or contracts for materials
and work that may be deemed Necessary for the
proper excavation, construction. defense and
completion Of said canal, harbors and defenses
be paid for s appropriations may, from
time to time be hereafter made. to be drawn
on warrants signed by the President not to ex-
coed in the aggregate one hundred and eighty
million dollars.