The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-12-24
TREATY FIRST;
CRITICISM LATER.
Democrats Say Ratification and
Approval of Roosevelt's Course
Are Two Different Things.
NEW REPUBLIC ESTABLISHED.
Enough Nations Already Have
Recognized Panama to Make
1t a Positive international
4k-ate4 f-t'-Powes.

The Republic Bureau.
18th ST. and Penusylvanta Ave.

Washington. Dec. 23.-Although the lead
ing Democratic Senators are not disposed
at present to discuss their position with
regard TO the Panama treaty-that being
matter to be acted upon in executive or
secret session-it can be said that enough
of them are in favor of canal to make
ratification of the pending treaty q fore
gone conclusion. Some of the Democrats
who are most insistent upon caucus agree
ment upon all important issues also are
the most anxious for the construction of
an isthmian canal. In caucus they would
urge agreement upon ratification because
defeat of the treaty might jeopardize the
canal.
When Congress meets again in January
it will be found that the Democratic lead
ers will insist upon securing the fullest
possible information from the atlministra-
ton concerning its alleged .instigation''
of or collision with the Panama revo-
luton; but, failing in this, there is little
doubt that enough Democrats would vote
for the treaty to insure its adoption.
ONLY HOPE OF CANAL
Although objecting to the manner IN
which Panama seeded from Colombia. al
most under the guns of United States men,
of-war, as alleged, the Democrats realize
that the independence of the new Republic
has been recognized by enough Govern
ments to make it positive international
power and one with which the United
States must negotiate for a. canal. if the
Panama route is to be chosen.
aF e.
ted for the Hay-Herran treaty which
would have provided Panama canal and
these feel that they are estopped now
from Directing to the Panama treaty
which would afford the same route, on
more advantageous terms than that pro-
posed in the Herran treaty
But. as to the manner in which the new
Republic was established and the alleged
participation of the Administration in the
revolution. that is another question and
one concerning which the Democrats will
unite in seeking 10 have presented to the
country the fullest possible information.
Should 1t appear that this Government
acted improperly in that regard, however.
it would not follow that the minority then
would seek to defeat the treaty, On the
contrary, there is little prospect that a
serious effort TO that end will be made.
As stated some of the Democratic leaders
who are most urgent for party agreement
would be most urgent in caucus for rati-
fication of the Panama treaty.
HALE FEARS WAR.
The Republican Senators, however. are
not entirely pleased with the Panama Sit
uation. Risk OF IAN expensive and profit
less war" is bound UP in the ratification
of the treaty in the opinion of Senator
Hale OF Maine. He said to-day to The
Republic correspondent that he would
vote for ratification, as it seems under the
circumstances the only thing to do. The
attitude of the Maine Senator is especially
interesting because 1t is known to be the
position of other prominent Republicans.
The Senator was asked to-day what he
thought of the fate of the treaty.
Il think it will be ratified he said, cal
though can, of course. speak for no other
Senator. do not like the situation and
am afraid II will involve us in an expen-
sive and profitless war. but I have seen
no way from the beginning except to rati-
fy the treaty and make the best Of it.
Our Government moved rather rapid
ly when the insurrection broke. out but
Colombia was holding us up and meant
to rob us and as scine kind Of government
had been set up in Panama we were COM
PEELED 10 come to terms with that goyern-
Inent however quickly formed ana how
ever unsubstRntial it might be. =