New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-03-12
TO LEASE A CANAL ROUTE.
OFFERS FROM NICARAGUA AND COSTA
RIGA REPORTED.
NO DEFINITE PROPOSITION YET RECEIVED
FROM COLOMBIA.
IBE TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.

tBT TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE-l
Washington, March IA member Of the
Senate Committee on Interoceanic Canals is re-
spensible for the statement that according TO
the latest official information at the State De-
partment the Colombian Government has made
no definite or other satisfactory proposition with
regard 10 the transfer of the title of the French
Panama Canal Company to the United States.
but that, in striking contrast to this, specific
offers have come from the governments of both
Nicaragua and Costa Rica for all the rights and
franchises needed for the construction by the
United States of the Nicaragua Canal. In point
of fact, it is said that Secretary Hay has in
formed the Senate committee that, under the
terms of the protocols he negotiated with Mica
ragua and Costa Rca, he has received from
those governments a proposition to lease to the
United States for canal purposes strip OF ter
ritory six miles wide across Nicaragua for
S60OOOO0 cash, and a lease Of the necessary
territory in Costa Rica for $1,000 600. 1t is de-
clared to be the intention of the committee to
incorporate these propositions in its favorable
report the Hepburn Nicaragua bill. and to
call attention to the fact that the Colombian
Government thus far has given proper
surances of the wish ability to guarantee
a clear title to the French Panama Canal Com
pany Unless something is done by the author
tiles at Bogota to straighten out this matter. it
undoubtedly will have an unfavorable influence
on the French proposition in the Senate.
MAY GO OVER TO ANOTHER CONGRESS
It is generally conceded, however, that when
the canal question finally reaches the Senate
in definite form. little if any progress will be
made with the bill at this session. Undoubt-
eddy the disposition is growing in responsible
circles here to proceed slowly and cautiously
In further canal legislation. Indeed it may be
hot. +Eo 4- r-efa audi
men who it is shown by the last analysis really
control and direct national legislation to post
pone action on the canal question until another
Congress comes in fresh from the people. In
support of this it is pointed out that the people
in reality have not given the canal question
much thought in detail and that, though the
last Democratic national platform declared Tor
the Nicaragua over all other routes, the last
Republican platform simply heartily Endorsed
the canal enterprise, without expressing a pref
Eress campaign the whole question can be
carefully gone into by Republican candidates
before the people. and in the light of new facts
that have been developed regarding routes cost,
time Of construction, cost of maintenance. In
ternational relations involved, etc, the voters
themselves Will ind method or designating
to the lawmakers their choice Of routes. This,
of course. viii be displeasing 10 Senator Nor
gan and the other Senators who are committed
uncompromisinSIy 10 the Nicaragua proposition,
>but that circumstance viii not deter the Senate
leaders from pursuing the course here marked
finally decide to adopt 1T party as well as
a legislative policy.
In the meantime NJ. Lamprs, secretary gen
eraI of the French Panama Canal Company.
continues his active work in Washington in be
half Of that company, He still insists that
tho offer 10 sell all It's property and rights 70 the
United states for Si00OO00u made In the
utmost good faith and with a perfect knowledge
of how 10 make a clear title. Hence NJ. LamPr3
is still confident that the offer Of the French
company will be accepted by this government,
and he also continues to assert with great post
tiveness that the Colombian Government Will
heartily cooperate with the officers Of his COM
pany in making the transfer