The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-02
He Introduces Two Resolutions. Pro-
vfdIng for "a Senatorial Probing OF
the IstHmian Affair.
TREATY READY TO BE SIGNED
PANAMA CONVENTION HAS ARRIVED
AT THE IsTHMUs.
SIGNATURES of Members of the Pro-
yfssonaI Government May he
Attached To-Day.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1.-The Senate was
in open session thirty minutes to-day. At
ter receiving a number of bills, resolutions
and petitions, and after spending some time
In executive session the Senate adjourned
over to-day until Friday. A majority of the
bills offered were for private pensions. and
most Of the petitions for the expulsion OF
Mr.. Smoot, representative from Utah. AS
usual, Mr.. CuIlom Rep., Illinois), called up
the Cuban reciprocity bill. but as no one
manifested a desire 10 address the Senate
upon it, the bill went over.
Mr.. Morgan introduced two resolutions.
AUTHORIZING the committee on interoceanic
canals to investigate the part alleged to
have been taken by the transcontinental
railroads in the isthmian canal matter and
also to inquire into the plans of the inter-
oceanic canal commission. The preamble to
Senator Morgan's first resolution called at
tention to assertions in public journals
Representing public opinion and exercising
leading influence in the great political par
ties Of the United States that transconti-
mental railroad companies have opposed the
public policy and laws of the United States
in respect to the ratification of the Hay
Herran treaty. 1t declared that the rail-
execution of the duty and the policy of the
United States declared in the act of
Congress approved June %. 1902. providing
for the construction of a canal connecting
the waters OF the Atlantic and Pacific
oceans. The resolution provides that the
committee on Pacific railroads is author
lied and required TO make careful inquiry
into the facts on which such charges are
fho
finding OF the committee to the Senate.
The second resolution introduced by Sem
ator Morgan provides for reference to the
committee on interoceanic canals of the
plans for government of the canal adopted
by the International Canal Commission and
for a review OF the accounts and plans of
the commission. 1t asks the committee to
decide between the plans for q canal SUBJ
mitted in reference to both the Panama
and Nicaragua routes. In the preamble
Senator Morgan directs attention to the
expenditures of the Isthmian Canal Com
mission I'D to the date of its final report to
the President. as stated in report from
the secretary of state dated Jan. 8, 1903.
Senator Morgan then includes In his reso-
luton the two plans for canals, together
with estimates for the salaries and COM
pensation of officers and employees and for
animals, vessels and other necessary equip
ment- The report shows that $4,000 remains
VI tie SUMS lOT Canal surveys.
Provision Is made in the resolution that
the committee on interoceanic canals ex-
anime and report on all matters referred to
in the report and also in the following ques-
tons:
"First-whether the plan of government
end administration OF an isthmian canal, as
set forth In the commissions plan, Is wise
and economical and worth adoption, and in
what respects, If any, II should be amended.
To report such plan for the consideration
OF the Senate WILL in the opinion of the
commission, be wise, safe and economical.
'Second--That they viii inquire and re-
port whether IL Is necessary in order to es-
tablish the axial line of location for an
isthmian canal, either on the Panama, or
the Nicaragua route to make a further sur
yey Of either or both routes and the approx
innate cost or such survey, including the
maps or surveys heretofore made by the
Panama Canal Company.
'Third-That the committee inquire and
report where any expenditures have been
made for or by the Isthmian Canal Com
mission since it made its final report to the
President on Nov. 10, 1901, and If such ex-
penditures have been made to ascertain and
report the items thereof, and when and by
whose direction the same were made"