The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-14
PRESIDENT WEIGHS
CANAL PROSPECTS
Confers With Cromwell Re
garding Treaty.
He SEEKS FOR INFORMATION
He SEEKS FOR INFORMATION
Considers That Ratification of Com
pact is Question of Good Faith.
Would Know whats Up"

Important developments in the 18th
mian canal negotiations are looked FOR
in consequence of two extended confer
ences at the White House Offices yester-
day, between President Roosevelt and
William Nelson Cromwell, the attorney
who has been negotiating the sale of
the New Panama Canal Company's con-
cession, property. and all privileges
connected herewith, to the United
States
Mr.. Cromwell went TO the executive
offices on the direct summons OF the
President. to talk over the canal mat
ter at length After a mornings con-
ference OF long duration the Presidenc
wished TO stop TO see other callers, and
so made an appointment with Mr.. Crom-
well TO confer again at 3 O'Clock in the
afternoon.
As a result of the exchange OF views
between the President and SIR Crom-
well, it is unde rstood, according 20 com
petent authority, that:
The President. unable to reconcile Mr..
Cromwell's sanguine and optimistic
faith that the treaty will be ratified, and
the contrary reports of increasing oppp-
sition in Colombia, as received by he
State Department, sent for the canal
company's attorney TO have him explain
what's up"
That Mr.. Cromwell was informed OF the
view that the Hay Herran treaty is not
to berregarded as an ordinary instru-
ment. to become a diplomatic football:
but having been mutually agreed to by
the agents of each country and approved
by the United States Congress. it's ratii-
cation by the Colombian congress is ex-
pected as a matter Of course.
That the Administration is firm in its
determination TO hold TO the terms OF
the treaty as approved by Congress here
and believes the United States is now
too firmly committed to the Panama
tive consideration of the Niearaguan
plan.
President Wishes to Know.
The Presidents aggressive nature as
serted itself yesterday when he deter
mined to secure at first hand the latest
and most reliable private information OBJ
tainable regarding the prospects of The
treaty's passage or defeat by the Co
lombian congress. Press reports and
dispatches coming to the State Depart
ment have indicated the probable failure
of the Hay-Herran instrument, while Mr.
Cromwell, forming his Impressions from
private advices, has maintained the
greatest confidence that favorable action |
will be taken soon after the congress
.-T
en- June 20
According to rumor Mr.. Cromwell IS
slated to receive $2,000.000 as his fee
from the canal company in case the |
treat goes through and the sale of his
clients property is thereby affected. Z
is believed the President was desirous of
inquiring from Mr.. Cromwell what eyi- !
dence the latter has that the treaty |
will be ratified or whether his confidence |
is based principally upon his profes-
sionaI interest in the negotiations.
A little insight into the opposition in |
Colombia lately has greatly strength |
ened the idea that the American trans |
railroads are engineering the |
whole plan of obstructive tactics now |
being pursued. 1t is even said on good |
authority that certain men high in the |
of the Republican party, but |
opposed to the President, are trying to |
embarrass his Administration by pre-
venting the treatys ratification, and |
that they are ready to put up any |
amount of money to accomplish it.
On leaving the White House Offices. |
Mr.. Cromwell would not make the slight |
est comment on his call. He had a large |
portfolio of offcial-Iooking papers under |
his arm AS he walked hurriedly away |
after the first conference. the only ad- |
mission he would make was that he was !
very busy and that the day is not |
done yet