The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1902-12-26
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From our regular correspondent.

tratlon proposals forwarded by Secretary
Hay have been received, and although
there are some conditions imposed which
will complicate and prolong the prelin-
inaries, it is believed that both Great
Britain and Germany are acting in good
faith and will be reasonable when the
actual negotiations are begun. Prompted
by previous experiences in collecting
debts from South American Countries,
both nations are endeavoring to secure
some guarantee of the payment of such
award as may be made by the arbitrator.
1t has been frankly stated by the admin
istration that it will be impossible for the
United States to make such guarantee.
To do so would, in the opinion of the
President and his advisors, establish a
precedent which must eventually lead to
all Europe looking to the United States as
the financial hacker of the various South
American nations. On the other hand,
the administration stands ready with
assurances of the utmost protection it is
in its power to give, to any private con-
Germ which will furnish the guarantee
demanded. 1t is known that represent
tative of the Seligmans came to Washing
ton last week to confer with the President
and Secretary Hay with view to secur-
ing governmental endoi basement to loan
which would satisfy the claims of the
allies, but the attempt resulted in failure.
At a more recent conference between Sec
rotary Hay, Ambassador Herbert and
Senator Depew, the latter representing
the Seligmans, Mr.. Hay pointed to the
long list of instances where the United
States had enforced justice to its citizens
by foreign countries and it is hoped that
satisfactory settlement will be the out.
come of the discussion.
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| The blockade of Venezuelan ports
according to previous notice, became
effective on Saturday at 3 p. nj. Should
the Caracas, which sailed from New York
before the blockade was declared, arrive
at La Guayra or other blockaded ports
after that time the allies will be entirely
within their right in refusing her admis
sion, Notwithstanding sensational reports
ON article 40 Of the United States Nava
code which expressly stipulates that unde
such circumstances the only obligation OF
the part of the blockading forces is t.
inform the approaching vessel Of thu
existence of blockade, and this custom
has been followed by the United States il
several instances.
*x*
Congress adjourned on Saturday t.
meet again on Jan. S. The most inter
esting feature of the closing hours of tn
, first session was the discussion of tn
, Cuban treaty which took place, not OF
the floor of either House, but in the Lob
bies and committee rooms. The terms c
the treaty are in accordance with til
predictions made in these letters, excep
that reduction of rs per cent is Above
from the Dingley rates on imports fror
Cuba. In some instances, the discount
, on American goods going into Cuba Wi
be as high as 40 per cent from the dutie
| on goods from other nations but the ger
eral average will be 3315 per cent. Cor
siderable interest and some apprehensio
has attached to the question Of rati6ca
ton. There are authorities in Congress
who say that the Senate has full power
ratify treaty negotiated by the Presider
without the sanction of the House an
there are many others who claim tha
where treaty modiies the revenue law
the concurrence Of the House is essential
! While the problem promises to becom
the subject of considerable debate in tn
Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
it is not believed that it will prove
serious obstacle. Representative Payn
told your correspondent that he was sur
the prerogatives of the House would b
respected and that he anticipated that tn
treaty would be promptly ratified. H
suggested that if the treaty was ratified b.
the Senate without a clause requiring thu
sanction of the House, course he deene,
improbable. it was quite likely that tn
President would then bring the matter t.
the attention of the House with the rec
ommendation that such legislation b.
enacted as might be necessary to make it
provisions effective.
~
The House has appropriated $500, 900 t.
be expended under the direction of III,
Attorney General in the enforcement O
antitrust laws The appropriation wa
made on the impulse of the moment ant
as an amendment to the legislative ant
judicial bill, but virtually conforms to tn,
bill offered by Representative Hepburn
soon after Congress convened. 1t is tn,
opinion OF many members of both houses
of Congress that this will be the extent o
the antitrust legislation at this session
1t is believed that the Senate will APPROX,
the amendment and it will then be argued
that it would be wiser to wait until tn,
Attorney General has demonstrated the
full scope of the present laws as we'll a:
their deficiencies before attempting IL
enact new law or amend the old ones.
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