Evening star., 1901-01-18
Decision Of Republicans Regarding
the Canal Bill.
WAITING ON THE ACTION OF ENGLAND
Adoption of Resolution Presented
by Mr.. Lodge.
OTHER QUESTIONS DISCUSSED


to set day, at least for the present. for
taking up the Nicaragua canal bill. The
deision was reached after an hour and a
half spent in caucus and was unanimous.
The caucus was called largely because of
Senator Morgan's opportunities in behalf
of the bill. and an earnest effort was made
TO find a satisfactory solution of the prob
lem. There was general exchange of
views and many speeches We're made but
after all had been said, the senators con-
cluded that as long as Great Britain's at
titude toward the amendments to the Hay
Pauncefote treaty is underlined, 1t would
not be wise eXpedent to agitate the
question of the construction Of the proposed
canal. Senator Allison, chairman Of the
caucus, was authorized to make this state
ment to Senator Morgan and other friends
of the canal bill, and to the public gener-
ally. In giving it out, he had laid stress
upon the fact that this conclusion was
'for he present" He also stated that the
question of what attention should be given
to the ship subsidy and to the appropri-
alton bills was not discussed. THAT mat.
ter is in the hands of the Senate he said.
The decision of the caucus was embodied
in Il resolution presented by Senator Lodge,
who stated that the conclusion. there
set forth. was the result OF the best de-
liberations of the committee on order OF
business. He expressed his own firm con-
viction that at least for the present 1t
would he out of place to press the canal
question. while the treaty is still subject
of negotiation and England's attitude is
not completely defined.
Would Vote to Take 1t Up.
Not withstandinG the formal decision to
leave the canal question in allegiance for
the time, several senators gave notice that
in there should be a motion to take
up the canal bill they would not be bound
by the resolution adopted, but would vote
for motion TO consider In this express
sion Of independence Senator Platt of New
York was the leader. He said he consd
cred the proposed canal of prime import
ance and would not refrain from voting
to take it up whenever motion to that
effect is made.
Senators Simon. Foster and Bard fol-
lowed with similar declarations, They did
not, however express determination to
themselves initiate a movement in behalf
of the canal bill, and it was suggested that
Senator Morgan could be prevailed upon
to allow the present status to remain.
Other Questions Discussed.
No decision was reached upon other aues-
tions because no formal action was con-
sidered necessary. There was, however
considerable discussion of other questions
Among these We're the ship subsidy BILL
nation of Mr.. Harlan attorney general
of Porto Rico, the ratification of the treaty
with Spain for the acquisition of some of
the Philippine Islands not included In the
original Paris treaty and the appropria-
ton bills.
Senator Hanna expressed his desire to
have the ship subsidy bill passed upon dur
ing the present session. and said that with
the army bill out of the way he should ask
that the decision arrived at early in the
session to press the subsidy bill be adhered
to.
There were several responses, and all
were in accord with Mr.. Hanna's request
He was reminded, however, of the neces-
sity of giving first attention to the appro'
priation bills, and he said that he fully
understood that and he only meant to ask
that the subsidy bill should receive atten-
ton when the appropriation bills We're not
up for consideration.
There was general assent to this prop
osition, but 1t was suggested that there
were other subjects which should be passed
upon before adjournment, but which 1t was
not believed would require great deal OF
time.
The Revenue Reduction Bill.
Senator Aldrich explained in this con-
nection the necessity of getting the war rev.
enue reduction bill through during the session,
and he stated that he hoped to be able to
report it from the committee on finance
curing the carry EdTl VI HtAt "cch. wi :
Aldrich also said that he hoped TO secure a
una nimous agreement from the committee,
and that If successful he hoped the Senate
would not require a great deal OF time for
the consideration Of the measure. He stat
ed that in order to get the bill through
promptly 1t was necessary that there should
be no effort to amend 1t by putting on tar
if amendments. To attempt anything in
that line would, he said open up the en-
tire tariff question, and that the only safe
course was to leave the bill as it now is
an Internal revenue measure only.
There was general assent to this propo-
sition and assurance was given that the
caucus would sustain him in that position.
Senator Foraker stated that he would
again seek TO get up the Harlan nomlna-
ton at the first opportunity, and he asked
that republican senators remain in sufhcient
numbers to guarantee quorum. because or
Senator Pettigrew's notice that he should
REQUIRE a roll call on the vote to confirm
The Importance OF getting the Spanish
treaty through was presented by Senator
Lodge, who said that the ratification OF the
treaty was necessary to Clean up our deal
ings with Spain.
Senator Proctor also asked time for con-
sideration of the oleomargarine bill.
Senator Hale replied to this request that
the bill had not yet been reported from
Senator Proctor's committee
To this the Vermont senator replied the
committee probably would be prepared TO
report next week.
Detention of Sigmund Hertz.
sigmund Hertz, arrested yesterday at
Queenstown upon his arrival there from