The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-01-24
GOING AHEAD WITH
PANAMA CANAL
TREATY
Amount of Annuity to Be
Paid Colombia Is Fixed at
S25O,OOO, Thus Removing
the Last Obstacle-Treaty
IsSent to the Senate.

WASHINGTON, D. c., Jan. 23.-At
today's meeting of the cabinet Secre-
tary Hay presented a draft of the
Panama canal treaty signed last even
ing, n both the president and his
associates in the cabinet expressed
satisfaction with the results achieved
through the long and difficult negotia-
tons.
The treaty is identical with that
drawn by this government several
months ago, and at that time submit
ted to the Colombian government, with
the single exception of the amount of
annuity to be paid Colombia for the
right of way of the canal. This go1-
eminent proposed an annuity of $780,
600, while Colombia demanded $780,
600. The Colombian governments de-
mand was based, it is said, upon the
ascertained returns from the Panama
Railroad company in port dues, ETC.,
which Colombia did o desire to have
reduced. During the negotiations
Colombia agreed to all noints in the
treaty proposed by the United States
with the exception of the annuity.
That has been the point Of difference
for many weeks.
Acceptable Annuity.
The Colombian government, through
Mr. Herran, the charge d'affaires here,
agreed to accept an annuity of $780,
600. This vas entirely satisfactory to
the president n Secretary Hay, and
while it is a larger amount than was
filtered a first, it is believed by adj
ministration officials that the senate
undoubtedly will accept the figure
clear tina a lesser amount would de-
prive Colombia of income which she is
now actually receiving.
The United States will have control
of the canal practically in perpetuity
as required by the Spooner act: this
result having been attained by the
adoption of a plan for a lease for 100
years, renewable at the. pleasure Of
the United States, n Colombia nav
ing nothing to say about the extern
sion. The matters Of police and ju-
rldlclal control are to be settled by a
scheme of joint action, although it es-
peclaIly is assured that no citizen of
the United States will be tried by any
other than his own courts.
Control of Waters.
Control of the waters Of the ports Of
Colon and Panama is vested in the
United States so far as may be neces-
sary for the complete operation of the
canal, and it is assured that our extra
territorial jurisdiction will be unoues-
TONED as to waters and streams per-
tanning to the canal. All port dues on
vessels passing the canal are to go to
the United States by way of offset for
the annuity payments.
The treaty was sent to the house.
The president n members of the
cabinet are confident that it will be
ratified at a reasonably early date
without serious opposition.
In the senate, the treaty was referred
to he committee on foreign relations.
The United States agrees to make a
cash payment of SO, 900, coo in gold
10 the Colombian government, and aft
er the expiration Of nine years to pay
a rental of $250,0OO a year.
Lease Practically Perpetual.
The lease of the strip of land to be
used for the canal and for canal our
poses is practically made perpetual.
the provision on this point being that
the first lease shall be for 100 years.
and renewable thereafter in terms of
loo years at the pleasure of the United
States. The strip is to be ten kiIo-
meters, or about six miles in width
and over this territory the United
States is given police and sanitary
jurisdiction although it is #explicitly
specified that Colombia does not sur
render sovereignty over it.
The United States is to have the
privilege of free importation of vessels
and material to be used in the con-
struction of the canal. 1t also is given
II right to improve, use and protect
at both the Atlantic and Pa
c1lic ends Of the canal. The grant is
made exclusive TO the United States.
and no taxes or rentals are to be
charged in addition to the gross sums
OF $1O,00O,000 cash and $500 annual