New-York tribune., 1903-02-12
RATIFi ALASKAN TREATY.
FEW SENATOR'S OBJECT.
CLeoer Strategy Empioyed-Othe'
Treaties TO FOii07c.
Try TELEGRAPH TO THE rrrBUNE.l

Try TELEGRAPa TO TFIBUNEl
Washington Feb 11.-Practically without op-
position. Was predicted in The Tribune last
Saturday. the Senate ratified the Alaskan bound
airy treaty to-day Senator Mason. who is re-
ported to he once more cultivating the element
OF Illinois voters uho gave him his first start
on his metecric political seized the occa-
sion to give a few extra twists to the caCdal
aipendage OF the British Hon. but even he re-
Trained from Glihustering. Senator Teller en-
tered a mild protest and then subsided. and the
convention was ratified by viva voce vote.
While ~ material opposition 10 the treaty ex-
listed in the Senate. clever manipulation was
used TO secure the prompt ratification effected
to-day Without committing themselves. mem
hers of the Foreign Relations Committee per
rlitted The impression to so that the
Panama Canal treaty would be considered first,
and as il Was known that Senator Morgan
would speak at length on that agreement GER
tain Senators who might have been disposed
10 debate the provisions Of the Alaskan con-
venton left the Senate. At o'clock Senator
Iepew. who was making vigorous speech
against the Omnibus Statehood bill yielded to
Senator Lodge and the latter moved execu-
tive session. Almost Immediately the Alaskan
treaty called up with the result above
stated.
PROVISIONS OF TIE TREATY.
Under the provisions of the treaty the Pres-
dent viii promptly appoint three eminent jursts
10 meet with three 10 be appointed by King Ed
ward. and already speculation as TO the favored
aFpointees is rife. In addition to the three
jurists a secretary. designated in the
ton as an agent. viii also be appointed. The
convention provides that copies Of arguments
briefs. with such documentary evidence as it
may be deemed necessary to attach thereto,
shall be exchanged within two months from the
date Of ratification. and within two months
thereafter counter cases" must he exchanged.
The joint tribunal viii hold its first meeting in
London as soon as practicable after the issu-
anCe of the respective commissions.
one paragraph Of the treaty not heretofore
made public is the following extract from the
Anglo Russian Treaty Of 1925:
IT is moreover, agreed that no establishment
shall be formed by either Of the two parties
within the limits which the two preceding ar
ticles assign 10 the possessions of the other.
fonseq uenty, British subjects shall not form
any esta hlisbment- either upon the coast or upon
the mainland strip. comprised within the limits
Of the Russian possessions. as they are desig-
mated in the two preceding articles. and in like
wise TO establishment shall he formed by Rus
sian subjects beyond the said limits.
HOPE TO AVOID EXTRA SESSION
The ratification of the Alaskan treaty is not
only regarded as diplomatic triumph for Sec
retary Hay, but is source Of great satisfaction
u the leaders Of the Senate as it means one
more essential piece Of legislation accomplished
in the face of the Statehood blockade. As was
told in The Tribune yesterday. the compromise
Statehood bill. providing for the admission of
TWO States. has been agreed on and drafted, but
the Democrats now threaten to filibuster on any
measure providing for less than three States
and il is feared that the remainder Of the work
Of the session will have 10 be accomplished by
adroitly steering around the Statehood obstruc-
lion.
The acceptance Of the conference report on the
Department Of Commerce bill to-day puts the
finishing touch On the antitrust programme in
the upper chamber. and the only important
measures remaining are the Colombian and Gu
ban treaties the Philippine Coinage and Tariff
bills the Aldrich elastic currency bill and the
appropriations, al Of which the leaders hope
70 get through before March 1. As little opposi-
ton TO the Philippine Tariff bill is expected it
viii probably be among the first taken from
the calendar Grave apprehension is felt with
regard 10 the Philippine Coinage bill, although
the leaders workinfg hard to overcome
Democratic opposition TO it.
Tomorrow at the conclusion Of the routine
business. the Senate will go into executive ses-
sion 10 consider the Colombian treaty, but it
is feared that several sessions viii be required
- effect its ratification. It is Senator Cuom's
intention TO follow the Colombian treaty with
the Cuban reciprocity treaty.
The Senate also to-day came near ratifying
a new commercial treaty with Greece, which
vas reported from the Foreign Relations Com
rniJtee by Senator Cullom The treaty was read
by the clerk, and then Senator Cullom asked
that the resolution Of ratification be adopted
hut Senator Hoar objected. He said he de-
sired opportunity TO examine the provision
concerning consular trials. He explained that
he had no objection 10 the general purport Of
the treaty. but said that the provision was
read II seemed to him to be loosely drawn, and
he wanted opportunity to read it carefully
before giving his assent TO it. The principal
purpose Of the treaty is the regulation of com
rerce between Greece and the United States.
Il contains tul provision for the control of the
consular service along the lines laid down in
the recently negotiated treaty with Spain.