The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1903-12-22
N TIE SENATE
Scene of Important Debate On 18th
milan Canal Question.
THREE NOTABLE SPEECHES

MIR. Hoar Criticised Administration
and Was Taken 10 Task Severely BY
Mr.. Foraker-Mr. German Says It
Was Created As Campaign Issue.
Washington. Dec. lS.-The senate
was the scene OF most important
debate on the isthmian canal question
as effected by the presidents recogni-
ton Of Independence of tho Republic
of Panama. This discussion began
with a speech by Mr. Iloar on his reso-
luton OF inquiry and lasted several
hours. In addition to Mir. Hoars ad-
dress. there were speeches by Mr. Cor
man and Mr. Foraker An three were
notable uttcrance and Of historical III
tcrest
Mr.. Hoar conGned his remarks TO
his resolution. and they were carefully
written out and read from manuscript
lie held that this country has not yet
received FUN Official information con
corning the isthmian revolution. and
criticized in sharp terms the conduct
OF this country as shown by what has
been given out. He compared the
conduct of the United States on the
isthmus To- a policeman who would
manacle and hold a person about to
be- attacked for robbery. and who
would then insist ON having the spoils
OF the THEFT delivered to himself
There was no reservation in Mr.
Germans utterances. lie practically
alleged that the situation in Panama
had been created TO make a campaign
issue. and charged Assistant Secre-
tary of State LOOMS with a violation
OF the proprieties in discussing the
question at a banquet in New York.
lie also said that unless further light
was thrown on the subject he would
oppose the Panama treaty. He also
referred 90 the impetuOus action OF
the executive and declared that the
senate should prevent the jeopardiz-
ing of the business interests OF the
country
Mr. German said that Democratic
senators generally are as favorable TO
the construction OF the canal as are
the Republicans.
Taking up the question at issue.
he said that the facts were all
that were desired. and he proceeded
10 refer 10 the extension OF the execu-
tive influence. saying iAat this inliu'
ence had been extended until the
senate had become practically The
agent OF the executive" He criticized
the selection boy the president OF com
mlssioners from the senate 10 nego-
tiate treaties as a reprehensible prac-
tice and declared that the Associated
Press secures its suggestions as 10
information about events from the al
lie also criticized execu-
tive interference in state politics, say
ing. The president with doubtful pro-
priety telcgraphs his instructions to
state conventions as 10 their actions"
But none OF thes transgressions
could be compared. he declared. 10 the
action of the executive in connection
with the affair in Panama. 1T IS.
he said. "the most fragrant act Of
transgression that has ever taken
place in the history Of the country.
and 10 should be resisted without re-
gard TO party"
Mr.. German minated. in conclu-
sion. that the situation on the isthmus
had been invited for political purposes,
and on this point said: a war party.
IL NAV be- said, is in this country
never defeated Can Il be in the mind
OF any man that desperate political
chance. growing out OF the depressed
conditions makes IL necessary for pc
liiical success That the flag and the
armies Of the country may be exhib-
tied In some foreign land TO strength
en- the party and secure party power?
If such a thought has entered the mind
Of any man. here is the body to stay
IT,"
Mr. Foraker took Mr. Hoar to task
severely for his remarks rejecting on
the administration and his indscre-
ton in speaking in open session con
corning executive matters. He defend
ed the administration for its attitude
toward the Panama revolt A heated
rolloquy took place between Mr. For
aker and air. Hoar during an effort OF
The Massachusetts senator TO explain
more fully his position in the matter.
Mr. Foraker said he had felt no
great surprise when the attack on the
president had been made on the Demo
cratic side of the chamber. but that
he had been shocked when the senator
from Massachusetts made the charac-
ter OF speech be did and said he
thought the country would be equally
surprised.
Mr.. Foraker declared that an at
tack had been made not on the presi-
lent alone, but upon the country, and
hat when the eyes OF the world were
IN the United States. It would have
been the better part Of patriotism
md conservatism, he said, TO have
isked for the desired information In
Executive session: it could have been
obtained inst as we'll al every Dur
pose OF the senator from Massachu !
,etts would have been subseryed II
he matter had been discussed behind
,losed doors.