The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-03-18
VOTE OF Is TO 5 FOR
PANAMA CANAL TREATY
Long Discussion in Senate Over
Agreement Comes to an End.
NOW WAITING ON COLOMBIA
Money to Be Paid When Foreign Con-
gress Approves Compaet-Appoint-
ments to Commission.

The Panama Canal treaty was last
evening ratified by the Senate by vote
OF 70 TO >. This action was non-parti-
san. though the opposition votes were
all cast by Democrats-Senators Nor
gan and Pettus OF Alabama. Marin and
Daniel OF Virginia. and Teller of Col
orado. The ratification OF the treaty
marks the close of one Of the most stub
bornly fought contests in the history OF
the Senate More hearings have been
conducted in relation TO the canal. more
speeches made for and against II. aud
more diligent Hobbies have exerted their
influences one way or the other while
the treaty was under consideration than
have dignifed any other legislation.
Speculation IS now rife as 10 the at
titude OF the Colombian congress. which
must ratify the treaty In order to nut
St into operation. Or. Herran. the Co
lombian charge d'affaires. has received
advices from Bagota. announcing that
the Colombian congress has been called
10 meet April ]. The officials say that
by Nay ] the treaty will be ratified
There VIII be much discussion in the
Colombian congress. Conditions there
are not unlike those here Some mem
bers Of the congress are Jealous OF the
progress made by the United States ane
will endeavor TO create a sentiment
against the ratification on that account
People in touch with the situation. how
ever. say that there is a good majority
Tor the treaty. and there is no question
as to the result
Campaigning for Positions.
Campaigning by friends OF those seek
Ing positions on the Canal Commission
has been renewed in earnest but IL IS
generally understood that the President
will give the matter no definite stten-
ton until he returns from his Western
trip. He will. however. have the names
or the applicants in mind. A Senator
close 70 the President said last night
that the selections have practically
been made. though the announcement
would not be made until after the rati-
hcation OF the treaty by the Colombian
congress and probably not until the
president returns from the West.
Immediately after the American min
. lister at Bogota has informed the state
Department that the treaty has been
ratified. the $40 600 600 due the New
Panama Canal Company will be vaial
At-least that is the understanding in
this city The Spooner act provides
thar this money shall be paid IN Geld
II Is expected the payment viii be made
without awaiting the exchange uf rati
fcations by the two governments. which
would mean a delay OF from four 10 Ave
weeks The $4,000. 0O0 due Colombia
as a lump cash payment viii not be paid
until the exchange OF ratincations.
Debate by the Democrats.
When the treaty was taken up in ex-
eeuiive session Of the Senate yesterday
the Money amendment. which provided
TOT disavowal OF intention on the part
of the United States Of increasing it's ter
Iltory at The expense Of any other repub-
lie. was discussed. Speeches i'm its favor
were made by Senator'S Teller. German
Money. Morgan. Bailey and Daniel. The
latter criticised The treaty in general for
more than an hour, new amendments be- /
ing Introduced H. order TO give him on
portunity TO speak at length. Senators /
Hoar. Piatt OF Connecticut. Allison ana
Spooner replied. and this carried the de- !
bate until $50, when a roll was ordered
on the treaty. vote had been taken in 4
the meantime on the Money amendment I
and 81 was defeated.
Twenty minutes were consumed in 1
calling the roll and announcing pairs =
As soon as the result was known the 1
Senate adjourned until II O'Clock today. +
Owing to an oversight the ban OF secrecy /
was not removed from the final
speeches. and IL is not likely al this late 4
day that they will ever be printed except 4
In pamphlet form. There is no fear on 4
The part OF the Senate members that the 1
supply TO be printed will fall short OF /
the demand FOR the literature.