Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1902-05-17
HELPS PANAMA ROUTE.
The Martinique Disaster May Defeat
Nicaragua Canal Project.

Nicaragua Canal Project.
Washington, May 16.-Nolcanoes are
to play a very important part in the
isthmian canal debate, which it is
expected will be on In the senate IN
about ten days. Admiral Walker pres
ident of the isthmian canal commission
which unanimously recommended the
Panama route, is now preparing map
showing the location of all volcanoes
in the canal region. The map Will
show that there are no volcanoes in the
vicinity of Panama, while many are
to be found adjacent to the proposed
Nicaragua canal When Admiral
Walker gets his map done he will sub
nit it to the senate for the information
of that body.
Mr.. Walker with most other men
who have carefully investigated the
canal question, thinks 1t would be
folly to try to build a great ship canal
thru volcanic country. He says that
q region of craters, no matter how
ancient and seemingly extinct, is a
region of marked weakness in the crust
of earth-the line of least resistance
for the subterranean forces which
must now and then find outlet. More
or less hazard must always accom-
Admiral Walker says the risk for ).
canal, with it's dams, locks and en-
bankments, which are expected to
stand turnout all time, is very great
one.
Notwithstanding the terrible object
lesson afforded by the volcanoes in
Martinique and ST. Vincent, Senate.
Morgan is not afraid He was asked
by fellow senator if he was not
now willing to abandon the Nicaragua
route for which he has fought so lone
and so earnestly, and the Alabama
senator replied:
Not bit Of it. You can't scare
me with any Of your volcano buga
boos."
Mr.. Morgan was reminded that tbt
late Governor of Martinique. M. Mout.
tet, also refused to be frightened h,
LaPelee, and paid forfeit for his con
ildence with his life and the lives of
$4,000 of his people.
WI. Morgan is one of the few men
ABOUT the senate who now pretend to
oeleVe that there is still a chance for
the Nicaragua bill becoming a law. AL
most every one else comedies that con-
sress Will never be so foolish as TO nour
SzOo,000,000 or 100000, 900 into n canal
threading its way for 1856 miles between
Voncanic craters, when a route ONLY
forty-one miles long and with no vol
canic surroundings is available.
1t is probable the canal bill will he
taken up Immediately after the Philip-
pine bill is disposed of. Failure to Sc
cure date for taking a vote on the
Philippine bill is explained as due ia
by the democrats and SUI
gar beet republicans to force the repub-
Lean leaders to agree to take up the
canal bill in advance of the Cuban reci
procity Measure. For several DAYS
there have been conferences between
the leaders of the two parties, and the
republican leaders are hopeful of get
ting a vote on the Philippine bill early
next week.
1t has developed, however, that the
opponents of Cuban reciprocity, realiz-
ing the advantages offered by the po-
itical situation, intend driving a hard
bargain. Mr.. Lodge, chairman OF the
Philippine committee, in charge of the
bill, attempted yesterday to secure an
agreement for VOTE but without sue
cess. II the republican leaders Will
agree to make the canal bill the order
If business and give it right of way
after the passage of the
Philippine bill the democrats will agree
% permit vote to be taken upon the
after at an early date. The sugar beet
'epublicans hope that If the canal bill
g given precedence over the Cuban
measure they may be able
% prolong debate upon it and force the
Cuban relief measure over to the next
session.
Senator Allison and other republican
eaders say a canal bill will be passed |
1t this session, whether it be taken up
before or after the Cuban measure. The |
plan in greatest favor is the Spooner |
pill, which authorizes the president to
arrange for the construction OF the
Panama canal, Nicaragua being held
u reserve as a second choice.
Cornelius N Bliss, national treasurer
VI the West Indies relief funds, said
friday afternoon that he had received
total of $4S,24S for the relief work.