The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-24
United States Proposed $lOO,- OOO While Colombia De-
 manded S65O,OOO
SECRETARY HAYS WORK
 IS HIGHLY COMPL|MEhTED
pr. Herrsn, the Colombian Charge d'Affaires, Finally Agreed to Ae-
 eept s25o,ooo Annually, and the Deal Was Closed.

washington, January 23.-Today's meet ing of the cabinet was one of the most important held in several weeks. Subjects of great moment were discussed fully the session continuing for two hours. All the members of the cabinet were present, Secretary Hay leaving his home for the first time in several days to attend the meeting He presented a draft of the Panama canal treaty signed last evening. and both the President and his associates in the cabinet expressed satisfaction with the results achieved through the long and difficult ne negotiations.
 The treaty IS Identical with that drawn by this government several months ago and at that time submitted to the Co., lombian government. with the single ex- ception of the amount of annuity to be paid Colombia for the right of way Of the canal This government proposed an annuity of s10o,oO0, while Colombia de- manded s65o0oo. The Colombian govern ments demand was based, 1t Is stated. upon the ascertained returns of the Pan- anna Railroad company in port duties, etc, which Colombia did not desire to have reduced. During the several months of negotiations Colombia agreed to all points in the treaty proposed by the Unit cd States with the exception of the an- nuity. That has been the point of differ ence for many weeks, and at one time 1t threatened to break off negotiations en- tirely.
 Denied Early Agreement.
 Secretary Hay communicated directly with the Colombian government, intimat- fro hat mt he od as soon as the United States desired to enter on the construction. of the canal, if it were to be constructed by the Panama route, For several days active efforts have been, making to secure an agreement. but not until yesterday were they suc- cessfui. The Coiombian~ an~Eoxernment then, through Dr. Herran, charge d'affaires here. agreed to accept an annuity of s250,000. This was entirely satisfactory to the President and Secretary Hay, and while 1t Is larger amount than was of fered at first, it is believed by administra- tion officers that the senate will unani- mously accept the figures named In the treaty. particularly after 1t Is clear that 8 lesser amount would deprive Colombia of an income which she is now actually receiving.
 All points, other than this one of money compensation remain as they stood in the original draft of the treaty. and are completely satisfactory to the United States government. The matters of police and judicial control Is settled by a scheme of joint action although 1t especially is assured that no citizen of the United States will be tried by any other than his cWn courts. Control of the waters of the ports of Colon and Panama Is vested in the United States just as far as may be necessary for the complete operation of tfe canal, and it is assured that our ex- taI 5ftriu ,ioned as to waters and streams pertain ing to the canal. The port duty on ves- sells passing the canal are to go to the United States by way of offset for the annuity payments.
 Hurried to the Senate.
 It was not Secretary Hays intention to transmit the signed treaty to the senate today, but after the. President and cabi- net discussed 1t the conclusion was reached that 1t would be advisable to send it to the senate at the earliest pos- sible moment.
 The formal letter of transmittaI, there fore, was prepared at once and late this afternoon the treaty was sent to the sen- ate. The President and members of the cabinet are confident that the treaty will be ratified at reasonably early date without encountering serious opposition
 The Venezuelan situation was discussed at length but 1t can be said by authority that no change in the attitude of the United States Is In contemplation at this time. The government will continue it's policy of sitting light" The lombard ment by the German warshps of Fort San Carlos is regretted sincerely by of- ficials of the administration because of their apprehension that 1t may compli- cate seriously the pending negotiations between Minister Bowen. as the repre- sentative of Venezuela. and the represen- tatives of the powers. However while the administration regards the lombard ment as unwarranted, the United States has no intention of taking official cogni- zance of 1t.
 Antitrust Legislation.
 Some consideration was given to the proposed antitrust legislation now pend- ing in congress- Regret is expressed that the impression prevailed in some quarters that the bill reported to the house from the judiciary committee was Ian admin istration measure" It Is made clear 1t is not an administration measure and does not represent entirely the views of the administration on what antitrust legislation should be enacted by this con- gress It can be said to be the hope of President Roosevelt and his cabinet that antitrust legislation along the lines in- dicated by Attorney-General Knox in the bills which he submitted to the house judiciary committee may be enacted at this session.
 Questions of policy regarding appoint ments in the south also were discussed by the cabinet. The administration has been considering the advisability of the Issuance of an order regarding fitness of candidates for office and the President talked the matter over with his advisors today It was decided however. not to promulgate any official pronunciamento of that sort
 Rejoicing In Colombia.
 Colon. Colombia. January 23-The news received here today that the canal treaty between the United States and Colombi'. had been signed caused much jubilation throughout the isthmus. and hopes are expressed that the United States will soon begin work on the canal.