The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-03-20
SENATE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Trying to Pass the Amendments t.
the Panama Canal Treaty.

Washington, March 16.-Ihe senate
spent six solid hours in executive ses-
sion today, in it's effort to pass on the
amendments to the ana
treaty, in preparation for the final
vote on the treaty tomorrow. The
greater part Of the day was devoted
to debate on the matter of insuring
American defense of the canal, the
democrats contending that the United
States should be given the initiative in
that respect and the republicans urg-
ing that the interests of this country
are sufficiently safe guarded by the
terms of the treaty. as it stands.
A substitute for the provision of the
treaty, placing the defense of the
canal primarily in the hands of the
government of Colombia resulted in a
test vote. AS a result of the frequent
conference since Senator Germans as
sumption of leadership. the democrats
least a solid vote in support of the
amendment. the republicans voting as
Isolidly against it. The vote was "a
for the democratic amendment. to 46
agains. it.
During the day Senator Morgan Of
fered a number of his amendments, but
none of them received more than 10 or
II votes. The treaty will be ratified
tomorrow by a very large majority and
without amendment. On the final bal
lot many of the democrat senators will
vote for it.
Immediately after the senate went
into executive session, the order for
the presentation of amendments with
Is minutes speeches on them went into
effect. There was quite a large atten-
dance Of senators both political parties
having summoned their adherents in
the senate to be present with the view
of making the best showing in case Of
division on party lines. Consequently
the roll calls of the day were we'll re-
sponded to and the vote cast was
larger than had been expected.
The first vote was taken about forty
minutes after the doors were closed,
and it came upOn an amendment Sug-
gested by Senator Pettus, providing
that the treaty hould not go into eff
feet until it should be approved by
congress. h amendment was voted
down 60 to 9 all of the republicans and
some of the democrats enrolling them
selves against it. The amendment was
in the language of the amendment of
mended by the committee on foreign
relations to be made to h Cuban re-
ciprocity treaty. Following the an
nouncement of that ballot, Senator
Morgan offered a number of amend
ments which he had given previous
notice. but they were passed upon adj
~versely and without roll calls. One of
these amendments vas a declaration
to the effect that nothing contained in
the treaty should be construed as in
validating the Spooner Act. Another
Iprovided for the submission of the
treaty to the French government as a
party interested in the treaty.
hi second roll call Of the day was
upon an amendment offered by Senator
Morgan, providing for the acquisition
Iof the canal zone III perpetuity n not
by lease to be renewed after ninety
nine years as provided in the treaty. 1t
was voted down.
The senate then took up Senator
Racon's amendment for the absolute
control by the United States and Mr..
Bacon addressed the senate in support
of it. Mr.. Bacon was followed by other
democratic senators. all favoring the
Bacon amendment. They were Messrs.
Teller. Clay, Mallory, Morgan, Black
burn and Carmack. For the republi-
leans, Senators Plat. of Connecticut,
Allison. Cullom, Spooner and Lodge
opposed the amendment. The demo
Gratis expressed the opinion that before
tits completion the canal would cost not
less than $500. 900, 900 and declared that
$50 vast a sum should not be spent by
this country without providing for the
absolute and unconditional right te
police, control and defend the canal.
The republican senator's defended the
treaty as it stands, c~ontending that II
saffords ample protection to American
Interests. In case of emergency they
ISaid the United States could go to the
defense of the canal without waiting
for a call from Colombia.
The Bacon amendment when put tC
la vote was lost. 46 to "a. a strict party
vote.
Senator Teller thereupon offered ar
amendment retaining the language OF
Article XIII as it stands, except the
words with the consent of Colon
Ibia" in the provision permitting the in
I~tervention of the United States in case
COLOMBIA should prove unequal to the
task of defending the canal. but il
likewise was voted down 46 to "A.
The senate then adjourned until to-
morrow at II o'clock with the under
standing that the other democratic
caucus amendments to Article "
lShould be disposed of first.
Striking Miners Will Return tt
WORK.