Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-26
THE DEMOCRATIC PLANS
Are to Work Tooth and Nail Against
the Canal Treaty.

nv ~ work IoOtn ana NaiI Against
the Canal Treaty.
washington, Dec. 25.-Efforts of GER
tain Democratic senators to defeat the
Panama treaty are being considered by
Republican leaders in both House and
Senate. A plan is now under advise
ment to secure legislation that will re-
suit In the construction of the Panama
canal should Democratic opposition to
the treaty be effective. 1t is proposed
to pass a resolution directing the Pres
ident of the United States to accept the
canal concession from Panama.
The House leaders have already serv-
ed notice on the Senate that the latter
may expect such a resolution to come
over from the House should it become
apparent that the House should it be-
come apparent that the Senate has not
the power to ratify the treaty, believ-
ing ample precedent has been establish
ed for such a course. Such a resolu-
ton would require the assent of the
Senate, but a majority vote instead of
a tWo-thirds vote would pass it.
When the Senate refused to ratify
the treaty with Hawaii for the annex
alton Of that republic to the United
States, a resolution was passed through
Congress annexing it. The House at
that time waited to give the Senate a
chance to do it's duty and when the
Senate failed the House stepped into
the breach and accomplished by resolu-
ton what had been proposed in the
treaty Texas was brought into the
Union in the same way. Negotiations
partaking something of the nature of
a treaty were included in the army ap-
bill.
1t is not proposed Of course to annex
Panama to the United States. but
there would be no difficulty in franz
ing the legislation which would give
this government complete control of.
the sanal strip.
1t is not considered likely, however,
that the Panama treaty will fail in the
Senate. There is a very decided revolt
in the Democratic ranks against Sem
ator Germans policy of the senators
from the southern States want to vote
for it, as their constituents are vitality.
interested in the construction of an
isthmian canal.
The action of Louisiana Legislature
Is regarded here as exceedingly signi-
ficant. 1t passed instructions to the
United States senators from that State
to vote for the ratification of the PAN
anna treaty. These instructions are
to any caucus resolution Of
the Democrats in the Senate. No eau
Gus can bind senators to vote against
"a inc or nf Cto+
The action of Louisiana
adds strength to the Democratic revolt
against the German policy and it is
now predicted that the latter cannot
secure q two-thirds vote in the Demo-
cratic caucus necessary to make bind
ing the solid Democratic vote against
the treaty.
If the Republicans vote solidly for the
treaty-and it is believed they will, de-
spite Senator Hoar's remarks the other
lay-only three Democratic votes will be
needed to make the necessary two-thirds
'or ratification in the Senate. Mr.. Hoar
las announced that he expects. to vote
or the treaty. With the two Louisiana
senator's instructed to vote for ratifica-
ion, only one more Democratic vote is
needed. Should Mr.. German fail to Sc
cure Democratic caucus action at least
Is or IA Democratic senators will cast
heir vote in favor of the treaty and it
will be ratified.
The treasury department, assuming that
he Panama treaty will be ratified is
considering ways and means for making
he payments to the canal company and
o Panama in a way that will not tighten
he money market.
The government has on deposit in tho
rational banks about $175, OOOO 900, but it is
he intention of the government not to
ouch the money so deposited if it can be
wooded. The department is boarding
money in advance of the Panama pay
nents by Withholding expenditures wher-
yer possible. Uncle Sam is standing off
lis creditors to accumulate some cash.
The President is taking interest in the
situation and has personally asked the
,arty leaders in Congress to keep appro-
,riations for the next fiscal year down
o the bone. He desires that only the
ecessary appropriations for current needs
hall be made, and that no new projects
,e authorized which will drain the fed
raj cash.
The Panama bonds will probably not be
loated until after the election. Before
hey are put on the market Congress will
re asked to pass legislation making the
lew bonds subject to tax of only half a
ent, such as is levied on the govern
nents 2s. A bill to that effect is now
ending in Congress.
"Perfect Quiet; No News"
Washington, Dec. 25.-Secretary |
Ioody, today, received the following |
rief cablegram from Rear Admiral |
II, r., IJota1 Dooo,oo.