Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-01-10
Vote on Hepburn Measure Was BOB
Ayes, 9 Noes.
Ill TEE AMENDMENTS DEFEATED
Shackleford's Proposition Received
1902 Votes.
LOSING THE EBAT e

by practically a unanimous vote. Only two
members out Of $40 voted against 1t.
Messrs. Fletcher (rep.), Minnesota, and
Lassiter tdem.), Virginia, were the two
voting In the negative. The opposition to
committing the government to the Mica
raguan route attempted to secure amend
ments to lodge with the President the dis
cretionary power to purchase and complete
the Panama canal IL 1t could be purchased
for 600 The test came on the first
vote, when the advocates OF an alternative
route polled 102 against 10 votes. At each
succeeding vote their strength dwindled,
until Mr.. Cannon Of Illinois, under whose
leadership the fight was made, was unable
to get the ayes and noes on motion to
recommit. All other amendments failed,
and the bill passed exactly as it came from
the committee. None Of the votes, except
that on the final passage Of the bill. was
record vote
The debate which preceded the taking of
the final vote was made memorable by
clash between Mr.. Hepburn, the author Of
the bill. and Mr.. Cannon, chairman of the
appropriations committee. On several pre-
vieus occasions they have measured swords
over canal legislation. Two years ago
similar bill was passed by a vote of "a
to &c.
The Bill as Passed.
he ulil PdSSeu SSStcidds
the President to obtain from the states of
Costa RIGA and Nicaragua, in behalf OF
the United States. control of such portion
of the territory belonging to said states as
may be desirable and necessary on which
to excavate, construct and protect a canal
suitable to the wants of modern navigation
and commerce, and appropriates such
sum as may be necessary TO secure the
control of said territory.
Section authorizes the President, after
securing control of the needed territory, to
direct the Secretary of War to construct
such canal from the Caribbean sea, at a
point near Greytown, in Nicaragua, by way
of Lake Nicaragua, to point on the Pa
cific ocean near Brito. and also to construct
proper harbors at the ternini of said canal,
and to make necessary provisions for the
defense of the canal and harborS.
Sections and authorize the President
to make such surveys as may be necss-
sary. and to employ such persons in con-
structing the canal may to him seem
wise, and directs that in-the construction
of the canal the River San Juan and Lake
Nicaragua shall be used as far as they are
available.
Section 5 authorizes the President to
guarantee to the states of Costa Rica and
Nicaragua the use of the canal and har-
bors, upon terms to be agreed upon, for all
vessels owned by said states and by cit
liens thereof
The last section makes present appro-
priation of $4,000. 600 to carry on this work,
and authorizes the Secretary OF War to
enter Into proper contracts for material
and work as may be deemed necessary
therefor, such work and material to be
paid for as appropriations may be made
from time to time. The section fixes the
aggregate cost at $3.50 100000, to be drawn
from the treasury on warrants of the Pres
tdent.
Closing the Debate.
After The Stars report closed yesterday
Mr. Shackleford (Mo) explained his amend
ment to authorize the President to deter
mine the choice Of routes as between Mica
ragua and Panama II the property and
franchises of the Panama company could
be procured for $4,000, o00 He said that it
had been agreed upon after consultation be-
tween himself and Mr.. Morris and Mr.
Parker IN. j., who had given notice that
they would offer similar amendments.
Mr.. Underwood (Ala-) opposed the amend
ment, saying the democratic platform had
declared for the Nicaragua canal.
Mr.. Morris (Minn.) supported 1t, stating
that the amendment had been drawn by
him.
There was a lively running fight for some
time over the amendment. participated in
by Messrs. Cooper (Wis.), Williams. (Miss.).
Sims (Tenn.), Mann Qll.). Morrell Pa.) and
Fleming {Ga.}.
MIR. Cannon said he should vote for the
provision because it armed the President
Win power TO make alternative CnOlCe.
The vote then was taken upon the
Shackieford amendment.
shackIeford Amendment Defeated.
1t was defeated upon rising vote-1O2 to
10. Mr.. Parker IN. J.), Mr. De Almond
and Mr. Burgess offered various amend
ments, which were voted down.
The committee then rose and reported the
bill to the House, whereupon Mr.. Cannon
moved to recommit the bill, with instruc-
TO hal II rr-itl Sva tr<x, 1,r,e
substitute to enable the President to ac-
quire the necessary rights for a canal from
Nicaragua or Colombia and to authorize
him to select the route within sixty days.
Mr. Cannon tried to secure a record vote
upon his motion, but unayaiiingly.
The amendment was defeated without di-
vision, and the vote was then taken upon
the passage of the bill by ayes and noes.
The announcement that the bill had passed
was greeted with hearty applause. At $50
O. clock the House adjourned.