New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-12
BUCHANAN CONFIRMED.
MINISTER TO PANAMA.
The Ne7o Republic Formally Recog-
nized by the Senate.
IRON THE TRIBUNE BUREAu1

washington, Jan. 1.-THE confirmation of
william l. Buchanan as Envoy Extraordinary
and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Republic
OF Panama. which was accomplished finally to-
oay with only sixteen Democratic votes in oppo-
sltlon' is regarded as extremely gratifying con-
shutting, as it does, a formal recosntion by the
senate of the new republic
This nomination was sent to the Senate on De
ceInoer Il and confirmed five days later, but on
the 18th Senator Morgan moved to reconsider
the action Of the Senate on the ground that the
nomination had not received sufficient considera-
tion' and since that time the question has been
Peioihs Inc motion Of Senator Lodge made to-
Jay III executive session, to lay on the table the
motion or the Senator from Alabama was
promptly carried by vote of SO to 16. and re-
moved all doubt. if any had existed. regarding
the attitude OF the Senate toward the new re-
public.
Aooed significance is given by the small num-
Der OF Democratic Senators who rallied to Sem
ator Germans call to do everything possible to
prevent formal recognition of Panama Al
though nearly twice that number OF Democra tic
senators are in the city. only sixteen were pres
ent this morning when it was understood the
question would come to a vote thus showing
now halfhearted is the support which Mr. Cor
man Is receiving in his efforts to lead his Demo-
cratic colleagues against the canal policy of the
administration
mere Is further significance in the similarity
In SO Tar as numbers go. between the total Dem
ocratlc vote and the poll of Senators on that
side OF the chamber on the question of ratifying
the treaty made recently by Senators Dubois
and Carmack- 1t will be repembered that the
poll showed only seventeen Democratic Senators
VINO We're willing to pledge themselves against
the ratlfcation of the treaty. and, while the
record or pairs may show d larger number OF
democrats opposed to Mr.. Buchanan's con-
nrlnation. their opposition was OF such a half
hearted character as to lead them to stay away
from the session. at which they knew they would
De called on to place themselves record.
Generally speaking. the situation among the
Democrats is simple. They are trying to con-
vince themselves that the administration Vio-
lated International law In its relations with Pan
anna and would be delighted to defeat the con-
sruotton Of the Panama Canal but, apart from
a few extreme radicals. they we'll appreciate
that any determined opposition to the canal
would be opposition the will OF the people and
would more likely than not prove harmful to
their personal welfare in their States.
The vote to-day party lines, with the
exception that Senator McCreary Of Kentucky,
voted with the Republicans Mr.. Buchanan now
has full power to act for this government In
all diplomatic exchanges between the United
States and the republic.
Senator Morgan took the floor when the Sem
went into executive session to-day and pro-
tested against the confirmation of Mr.. Buchanan
as minister the ground that the place To
which the President had made the appointment
was not in existence at the time the nomination
was made and could not be created without the
cooperation OF the Senate. Senator Spooner an
swered for the Republicans. He cited numerous
authorities and precedents in support of the
Presidents action Senator Allison also spoke
briefly in support OF the administration. while
Senators Bacon and Culberson favored the Dem
ocratic contention