The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-17
STRICT PARTY VOTE ON
EVERY PROPOSITION
Senator Pettus offered Amendment
Which Provided That Treaty Must
Be Approved BY Congress Be-
fore Becoming Effective.

six hours in executive session To-Day IN
an effort to pass on the amendments to
the Panama canal 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 American de-
tense of the canal, the democrats
contending in support of the amendment
offered by Mr.. Bacon that the United
States should be given the initiative in
that respect and the republicans urging
that the interests of this country are suf-
fcienty safeguarded by the terms OF the
treaty as it stands. A substitute for the
provision Of the treaty placing the de-
fense of the canal primarily in the hands
of the government of Colombia resulted
in a test vote.
As a result of their frequent confer
ences since Senator Germans assumption
of the leadership the democrats cast a
solid vote In support of the amendment,
the republicans voting solidly against
1t. The vote was "a for the democratic
amendment to 46 against it.
During the day Senator Morgan offered
a number of his amendments, but none OF
them received more than ten or twelve
votes The treaty will be ratified tomor-
row by a very large majority and without
amendment. On the final ballot many of
the democratic senators will vote for 1t.
No Legislative Business.
No legislative business was transacted
by the senate in open session today Be-
fore the doors were closed Levi Ankney
of Washington was sworn IN.
Immediately after the senate met in ex-
eeutive session the order for the presenta-
tion of amendments with f1fteen-minute
speeches on them, went into effect. There
was quite large attendance of senator's
both political parties having summoned
their adherents in the senate to be pres
ent with the view of making the best
possible showing In case of division on
party lines. Consequently the roll calls
of the day were well responded to, and
the vote cast was larger tnan had been
expected.
The first vote was taken about forty
minutes after the doors were closed, and
IL came upon an amendment suggested
by Senator Pettus and providing that the
treaty should not go into effect until 1t
should be approved by congress. This
amendment was In the language OF the
amendment of similar purports which has
been recommended by the committee on
foreign relations to be made to the Cuban
reciprocity treaty. In offering 1t Mr.. Pet
tus made a brief statement giving his
reasons for the amendment. which were
found in the fact that the provisions of
the treaty of the acquisition of the canal
zone do not correspond with the pro-
visions Of the law under which the treaty
was made In the law the provision is for
the ownership of the zone, while the
treaty provides for a lease to be re-
newed perpetually. He contended under
the circumstances the treaty was without
authority, and therefore not binding with
out further legislation.
Morgan Offers Amendment.
Secretary Morgan offered in turn each
of the amendments of which he had pre-
viously given notice The first OF these,
requiring the approval of France. per
tanned 10 the first article and related cniy
10 the stale of the Panama Railroad COM
pany. This was voted down by large
majority, but as no roll was called the
majority against 1t was not recorded. His
other amendments to the article pr6vd-
ing for the reversion of the railroad laEes
outside of the zone to Colombia and con-
fining Colombia's reservation of shares in
the new Panama Canal compang in ac-
with like fate.
There was only slight discussion OF the
amendment. but Senator Morgan explain
ed most of them to some extent At one
time the senate presented somewhat va
cant appearance, which caused Mr., Nor
gan to make the point of no quorum, with
the result that large number of senators
were called into the chamber. Sixty-p.ne
answered to their names and business
he
was upon an amendment offered by Sena-
tor Morgan providing for the acquisit on
of the canal zone in perpetuity and not l,y
lease, to be renewed after ninety nine
years. provided in the treaty. 1t was vot-
ed down. The senate then took up Sena-
tor Bacons amendment for the absolute
&C ntrol by the United States. and Mr..
Eacon addressed the senate in support
of it.
Pettus Amendment Lost.
The vote on the amendment offered by
Senator Pettus resulted for and 60
against.
Following the announcement Of that
ballot, Senator Morgan offered a number
Of amendments, of which he had given
previous notice, but they were passed
ipon adversely and without roll calls.
One of these amendments was a declara-
lion to the effect that nothing contained
IN the treaty should be construed as in
validating the Spooner acts. Another pro-
sided for the submission of the treaty to
he French government as party inter-
ssted in the treaty.
Nominations Confirmed.
Washington March 16.-The senate in
executive session today confirmed the fol-
lowing nominations: Ernest Lyon, minis
Ter resident and consul general at Mon
Liberia. "A of
internal revenue; George Uhler of Penn
Iylvania. supervising inspector general
IF steam vessels. Postmasters: Texas