Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-19
MR.QUAnSF|L|BUSTER
Claims He is a Victim Of
Sharp Practice.
PANAMAGANALTREATY
r1oFr 81 COLOMBIA.
Believed This is to Force an Agree
ment for a. Vote on His
Statehood Bill.
PANAMAGANALTREATY

A new turn was given affairs In the SEN
ate today in connection with the Panama
canal treaty, which at this writing con-
fronts the republican managers with a
rather serious situation. Senator Quay, the
leader of the statehood fight. commenced
filfbuster this morning against the Panama
canal treaty. His manner and method IN
dicated deter mination upon his part to make
a fight of it. Senator Quay is believed to
be doing this in order to force an agree
ment for vote on his statehood bill.
When the Senate went into executive ses-
sion today, meeting an hour earlier than
usual. 1t was supposed that Senator Morgan
would continue his speech against the
treaty, and would be the sole Instructor
of the pending proceedings for ratification.
To the surprise Of the republican managers
however. Senator Quay took the moor, MS
desk loaded with a formidable pile OF docu-
ments, and began his flibustering by hav-
ing the clerk read the constitution of Co
lombia.
Victim Of Sharp Practice.
It is said that Senator Quay claimed in
conversation with his colleagues that he
felt himself the victim Of sharp practice
in the caucus last Tuesday night, when
he agreed to withhold the statehood bill
in order that the Panama treaty might be
pushed. He claimed that he entered into
that agreement upon the strength of rep
reservations made to him by republican
senators In charge. of the business od the
Senate that the option of this government
upon the Panama property was In imminent
danger of expiring. Involving possible en-
barrassment in a new deal for control of
the property. Senator Quay. 1t Is said
pointed out that the neWspape the next
day published the text of the communica-
ton Of the Secretary of State to the Pan
anna company, which would indicate that
the danger OF expiration Of the option had
been obvfatec and that there was no ne
cessity for immediate action upon the canal
treaty. -I-.-
Senator Quay's change Of front was q
complete surprise to the republican man
ayers and caused q number Of earnest con-
ferences to be held at once. In the mean
time the clerk droned out the uninteresting
details Of the Colombian constitution, and
Senator Morgan leaned back in his chair, 1t
Is said, the picture OF contentment and
qualification at the prospect Of the redoubt-
able PennsylYania senator coming to his
The first qiiaestionn the republican man
ayers desire to clear up is to what extent
the statehood forces back of Mr.. Quay will
support him in his proposed flibuster
against the Panama treaty, II indeed he Is
earnest in such q filibuster. 1t Is known
that the democrats, with possibly three ex-
cepttons-Messfs. Morgan, Pettus and Teller
are unanimous for closing the Panama
Uedi anu eIuedefOTlIl& u get Lie CdiIdl SLdII-
ed. It is said that d canvass was immedi
ately commenced to ascertain how far the
democrats in favor Of the canal may sus-
tain Mr.. Quay. The next question Is
whether the republicans In Mr.. Quays
statehood column will withdraw from the
agreement they made In Tuesday nights
caucus and join Mr., Quay in filibustering.
The Extra Session Threat.
Another interesting feature was added to
the legislative situation In the Senate when
word was passed around emanating from
the White House that the President would
call a special session of the Senate unless
the Cuban reciprocity treaty shall be rati-
fed at this session. The feeling had been
growing in the Senate that If the President
should be given his antitrust legislation
and ratification of the Panama treaty he
would not call the Senate back in special
session for Cuba. The statement was freely
Circulated about the Senate today upon the
authority OF the President that he would
insist upon ratification Of the Cuban treaty,
and that II the pressure Of other business
should prevent such action at this session
he would ask the Senate to remain after
the 4th of March and close up that treaty
The opposition to the Cuban treaty Is
open on the democratic side and exists al
though in a yelled form. in certain republi-
can quarters. 1t Is said that some demo-
Gratis who favor the Panama treaty would
join Mr.. Quay In his present hlibuster If
they thought that by SO doing they could
keep back the Cuban reciprocity treaty IL
there would be no special session on the
latter II the President makes 1t plain,
however. that he will have a special ses-
sion for Cuba these democrats will not
have an incentive to aid Mr.. Quay in fill
clustering against the Panama treaty.