Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1902-01-16
FEDERAL LAW MAKERS.

Washington, Jan. THE first
notes of the contest between the
Nicaragua and Panama routes were
heard in the senate. Senator Morgan
offered and secured the adoption Of
resolution which indicated his pur-
pose to have the committee on inter-
oceanic canals inquire into the rela
tons alleged to exist between the
trans-continental railroad companies
of the United States and Canada and
the Panama canal company. In eX-
PLANTATION he declared that the alleged
relations were wicked monopoly"
which already had cost the people Of
the Pacific coast millions of dollars.
| The relation involves the control by
the Panama canal company Of the
Panama railroad company and an
agreement existing between certain
railroads of the United States and the
Pacific Mail Steamship company.
Owe 800 bills and joint resolutions
were introduced. Among these was
one for a postoffice building in New
York, appropriating $2,500,00O; one
for memorial arch in honor Of the
| late President Mckinley, and one ap-
propriating $3,3O0,000 for buildings for
the Departments of state and justice.
| At the conclusion of business the
senate paid a graceful compliment to
Senator Foraker of Ohio, by adjourn
hot oirrI1 I
attend the marriage of Miss Foraker.
| The debate on the Nicaragua bill
in the house opened in lively fashion
! by Mr. Hepburn, chairman of the
interstate and foreign commerce com.
mission, which reported the bill. For
over two hours he Held the floor, re-
plying to a volley of questions con.
corning the recent offer of the Panama
canal company to sell it's property and
franchises to the United States fol
$40 100000. Interest in the debate
centered almost entirely in this new
phase Of the subject. Mr.. Hepburn
maintained that the alleged new of
fer of the Panama company was part
of a plan of delay. All his utterances
along that line were literally ap
plauded. He pointed out what he
i claimed was a suspicious circumstance
that the Panama company held out fol
sos, 100000 until it was decided before
the holiday recess TO consider the
Nicaragua Bill and then suddenly
dropped the price to $4,000, 900. Mr.
Hepburn pointed out the advantages
of the Nicaragua route for sailing yes
sells On account Of the better winds
prevailing, contending that it was 6
mistake to suppose the sailing shiI
was destined to disappear from the
ocean. Where the Panama route
was located sailing ships sometimes
lay five months in the doldrums. Wher
Mr.. Hepburn said he had hoped that
the proposed waterway would be free
of charge to American ships there was
an outburst of applause on the repub
lican side. If that might be done, he
said, il would give 81 great impetus tt
American shipping. Concluding, Mr.
Hepburn said there might be some
| interests in the United States which
believed they would be harmed by the
| rivalry OF this canal and there were
gentlemen Of honest purpose who
thought the time was not ripe for the
1 building OF a canal or that an enter
prise Of such magnitude should not be
undertaken. They were, perhaps, ter
rified by a spectre of j. scandal. But,
he continued, ST insist that the Ameri
can people have made their decree
that the canal shall be built and now
is the time to build it, Mr. Davis
which reported the bfl, followed Mr.
! Hepburn with an earnest plea for its
passage. ID. Richardson (AIa-) sup
ported the bill, arguing tIsat the
Nicaraguan was preferable in many
ways to the Panama Eoute. Mr.. Mann
CID declared the experts who haG
examined the routes had differed
widely, but ne did not believe a mis-
take could be made, in passing the
pending, bill. Mr. Adams (Pa.
thought that the Panama eumpany's
offer should receive careful eonsidera
ton. Mr. Norris (Nainsah) gave
notice that at proper time he would
offer an amendment providing that il
the Panama company's property, etc.
can be had for $4O,8OO,OOO the presi
dent be- authorized To- purchase and
complete tae canal, and appropriat
ing $50;000s100' towand the, project.