Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-09
SENTIMENT IN SENATE.
Republicans Generally Approve Ad-
ministration's Action.

~, a,,ir,ant prevailing in the Senate
today among republicans pointed Clearly ~
the fact that long step has neeh 'aNeh ~
tho events at Panama, giving assurance
THAT the United States will undertake "
build a canal there
Within republican ranks there Is no e'i-
dence of any difference of opinion on this
suhiect All of the leaders are unanimous III
their private conversation in stating tha'
they believe 1t IS only a matter OF sifoi
time when a treaty will be made with fah
anna and will be ratified by the ohiteo
s.atas Senate While on the subject of the
inauguration of the new government a.
Panama the senator's generally are with
holding opinions except to approve III
general way of what the administration has
d,ne They are convinced that the estab-
ushment Of a government at the isthmus so
simplifies the canal project that when the
debate comes up again this winter there
will be very much less to say against that
nroiect than was the case when the treaty
with Colombia was under consideration.
One of the strongest points made by SEN
etor Morgan when that treaty was before
the Senate was his prediction that we
would never be able to secure a satisfactory
arrangement with Colombia. He offered IN
the Senate very large number OF amehu-
ments to the treaty as originally placed De-
fore the Senate, and insisted That these
amendments were absolutely necessary III
this government were to successfully pur-
sue the project OF building canal at
Panama.
The effect of these amendments was to
guarantee the United States against ruture
trouble with Colombia. They were to give
il absolute control over the strip of land to
be taken for the canal. to provide for police
power and in every way to prevent future
claims from Colombia against the United
States and irritating demands on the part
of that country.
The events at Panama have absolutely
wiped out all of that line of objection, and
the republican senators see very plainly
that there are only two possible points or
criticism that can be brought up when the
debate begins. One of these viii be largely
sentimental and will relate to the quick
manner Of creating new republic and the
short time that elapsed before Its recogni-
ton by the United States. But so far as
any important consideration is concerned
no idea Is entertained by republicans that
this transaction can be criticised except in
an academic way. and in no way to affect
the future of the new republic of Panama
The second point which will be brought
mp against the Panama canal Will be the
claim that the Nicaraguan route is for
many reasons superior, from engineer
ing standpoint and for purposes of utility
after II has been constructed. That line of
argument the advocates of the Panama
route consider can contain nothing new.
and that a repetition of what was said In
the extra session last spring can have no
effect on the Senate.
For these reasons 1t is not believed by
republicans who will almost as a unit be
that debate on this subject can be pro-
tracted. They are ready to assume all re-
sponsibiIfty and II the minority sees At to
make any opposition TO the proceedings
IA regardpd "A ni<ply thew at