New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-18
Mr.. GORMAN'S ATTACK.

Mr. German then took the floor. and there
was from the start intense interest in what he
might say He said that Democratic Senators
generally are as favorable TO the construction
OF the canal as are Republicans. He congratu-
lated the country on the possession of a Sen
ator like Mr. Hoar. who he said. follow
ing many examples Of courage. patriotism and
disinterestedness in the Senate which had oc-
CURED al times when the Executive by some in
excusabe act had been about to involve the
country in without the consent Of Con-
gress. He referred to the course OF Senator
Sumner when he antagonized President Grant
,n the San Domingo affair. Mr.. German said
that he himself had been witness to Mr.. Sum-
ner's protest, and he declared that his act
would Tive in history as well that of the
present senior Senator from Massachusetts,"
Taking up the question al issue, Mr.. German
said the facts were all that were desired. and
he proceeded to refer to the extension OF the
Executive influence. saying that this influence
had been extended until the Senate had become
practically the agent OF the Executive" He
criticised the selection 10y the President OF com
nissioners from the Senate TO negotiate treaties
as reprehensibie practice. and declared that
the press secures its suggestions as to informa-
ton about events rom the administration. He
also criticised Executive interference In State
politics. saying; "The President. with doubtful
conventions to their a .tions"
But none Of these transgressions could be
compared, he declared to the action of the Ex-
ecutive in connection with the affair in Pan
ANA 1T is he said. the most fragrant act Of
transgression that has ever taken place in the
history Of the country. and 1t should be resisted
without regard TO party"
CALL PRESIDENT SECOND NAPOLEON"
Mr. spooner who was sitting just across the
eisle from Mr.. German, suggested that two
thirds vote would be necessary to ratify the
treaty. TO which Mr.. German assented, and then
proceeded to criticise the speech made by AS
sistant Secretary Loonlis before the Quill Club
In New-York a few nights ago. He referred to
the fact that the Panama treaty was at that
time secret document. so far as official actioy
was concerned Heretofore treaties similarly
situated had been regarded as sacred by ex-
ecutive officials. and he did not believe that any
Secretary or Assistant Secretary should Of his
own motion at the suggestion OF higher
authority violate this secrecy until the in
junction of secrecy should be removed by the
Senate itself He had not SO far mentioned Mr.
1oomis by name, but he did at this point and
Eaid that Mr. LOOMS had discussed the Panama
situation al dinner at which perhaps many
were excited by wine and had "given inforrna-
tion which the Senate had not had from the
administration or from any other source. He
did not" Mr.. German continued, tell the coun-
try all the facts but he made the broad asser-
fion that the President a bold and great
man, who had the courage and the patriotism to
land marines and seize part Of the territory of
the Republic Of Colombia. which we were under
contract TO guarantees 10 that country. This, in
the light Of the facts before US. is nothing less
than usurpstion."
Mr.. German then discussed the President as
second Napoleon" which title had" he said,
"been assigned TO him by some"
"A second Napoleon indeedr he exclaimed
HAS it come TO this that the United States
must have Napoleon TO shape its destinies
and TO distort the Presidential Office from It's
proper functions?'
Here MI Aldrich interrupted Mr.. German
with question as to whether it is the purpose
OF the reconeentrated Democracy TO defeat the