The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-03-15
PANAMA CANAL TREATY.
Speeches by Senator's Spooner and
Depew-Minority Amendments.

WASHINGTON, March 1.-THE official
stenographers and all the employees OF the
official reporters Office of the Senate were
sworn to secrecy to-day, and when the
doors were closed for an executive session
one of the reporters was invited into the
chamber to make a detailed report of the
proceedings, with the understanding that
it should be published after the vote on
Tuesday next.
Senator Spooner began his speech on the
Panama canal treaty in reply to Senator
Morgan as soon as the doors were closed
Mr. Spooner spoke of the magnitude of the
work in constructing a canal across the
isthmus, which he expressed the opinion
the United States would soon enter upon
and with, he said he believed, the approval
of a vast majority of the people of the
United States. Much OF his speech was
devoted to sustaining the point of view pre-
sented by Attorney General Knox in his
report upon the title which the Panama
Canal Company is capable of making to the
canal property and franchises. He ex-
pressed the view that there could be no
doubt that this company has legiti-
mately into possession of the canal conces-
sion, and he said that, having so acquired
the property, ii had an undoubted right to
transfer il in turn to the United States or
to any other purchaser. Towards the close
OF his address Senator Spooner was ques-
toned by number of Democratic senator's
particularly by Senator Morgan. In reply
to these questions, and also of his own ac-
cord, Senator Spooner said there were some
features of the treaty which he would pre-
fer to have otherwise, but that the terms
were the best 1t had been possible to secure,
and. In view of the popular desire Tor an
interoceanic canal, he believed that expe,
diency demanded that the treaty should
be accepted as il had been sent to the Sem
ate by the President.
Mr.. Spooner closed at five minutes past 5
oil AL Rxra hon
He was followed by Senator Depew, who
read a written speech, supporting the treaty
as In the interest OF the people of the en-
tire country.
Senator Bacon offered the following
amendment TO the treaty, being substi-
tute for Article %, TO which the Demo-
cratic senators take exception:
THE government OF the United States
shall have and exercise the exclusive right
to provide and enforce such means and
measures as 1t may deem advisable and
necessary for the regulation and manage
ment of the canal, and for the safety and
protection thereof, and of the ships that
make use of the said canal, and the rail-
ways and other works within said zone, in
Guiding all persons and cargoes and freights
and other property connected with the con-
struction, maintenance and operation CO
said canal and the use thereof; and for the
accomplishment of these ends, and for the
enforcement and maintenance of peace and
order within said zone, and for the protec-
ton OF said property and OF the lives and
-
railway and other works, or engaged in the
use thereof. the United States shall employ
such force may by 1T be deemed neces-
sary, and to this end shall have the right
at all times and In its discretion to use its
police and its land and naval forces for
these purposes.
Senator Morgan also submitted number
of amendments in addition TO those which
he had previously presented AT $40 the
Senate adjourned until Monday.
Senator Morgan also submitted a num-
Der of amendments in addition to those he
has offered heretofore. Among the more
important of Senator Morgan's proposed
amendments, including those offered to-
day. are the following:
Article is amended so as TO give the
United States a perpetual right to the canal
tract and the right TO fortify the same.
Article as amended accords TO the United
States the right TO fortify the group of
amendment 10 Article II provides that the
United States shall have control of the adj
mission OF persons to permanent residence
in the canal zone. A further amendment
provides that the government of Colombia
engages to protect, defend and fully TO in
cumbrances and valid claims against the
property to be conveyed TO the United
States under the treaty. Article % is
amended so as TO provide that should ID be-
come necessary 10 employ armed forces for
the safety or protection of the canal the
republic of Colombia is TO furnish the So me
when requested by the United States, but
the United States is to have the right at all
times TO enter the canal zone and TO occupy
the same with its land and naval forces"
other amendments strike out the time
limits for completing the canal, provide
| that nothing In the treaty shall be con-
strusd - modifying the spooner act. and