The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-02-02
Hostile Criticism of
Panama Policy Inspired
by Politicians.
WILLACCEPT THE RECORD
Charge That America Was
Party to Revolution Un-
warranted, He Thinks.

At the conclusion Of routine business
in the Senate this afternoon. Mr. Fair
banks took the floor to discuss the
Panama treaty question
Mr.. Clarke of Arkansas, ono OF the
Democrats who has prepared a speech
in favor Of the Panama treaty. asked
recognition OF the Chair before the
morning business had been concluded
Mr.. Tillman interpOsed by calling at
tention TO his pending resolution on the
CruIn case. and Mr.. Fairbanks referred
TO the notice he gave late yesterday af-
ternoon that he desired to speak today.
An arrangement was suggested by aIr.
Tillman that his resolution go over
without prejudice until Mr.. Fairbanks
and Afr. Clarke had concluded. when he
would ask unanimous consent for its
consideration. This understanding was
satisfactory to the Senate
Mr.. Fairbanks. in a prelude 10 his
speech, said he would like 70 refer to
some Of Mr.. Morgans criticisms yester-
day. but would not do so because OF the
rule eonfining discussion OF treaty sf-
fairs to executive sessions.
Did not Impugn Motives.
While the Indiana Senator did not
impugn motives. ne could not help be-
lieving. he said, that some OF the re-
cent hostile criticism had been inspired
by the exigencies OF the political situa-
tion. He declared the issue sh ,1ld be
considered entirely upon the high level
OF national duty and national honor"
Attempted Hold Up"
The. Senator charged that the Colom-
bian government had attempted TO
'-hold up the United States Govern
ment and the Panama Canal Company.
This tended TO infiame the nirds OF
the people OF Panama he said and
stir within them the spirit OF resent
ment and revolution
In the Vaccinations at Bogota." he
said. they saw the possible ruin Of their
long-deferred hope What more natural
than that the people OF the isthmus
should seek 10 throw OF their allegiance
TO the parent government? What else
was there left for them TO do2 They took
counsel of their own future welfare;
they laid carefully their plans; there
was no division of sentiment
United States Not a Party.
As TO the charge that the United
States Government was a party 10 the
revolution. the Senator said he would
accept the record as it had been sub
mitted to Congress by the President, un-
less It was impeached by something
more conclusive than vague suspicion,
unsupported assertion, and wild conjec-
ture."
I'm the orderly administration Of the
affairs OF the Government ne eontin-
ued lit is necessary that each - three
departments should repOse trust and
confidence in the acts OF the others,
performed within their proper sphere OF
action We must proceed upon the as
sumption that the executive department.
within its constitutional prerogatives.
is acuated by proper motives. and that it
is as regardful OF the good name Of the
the country as either the legislz tive or
the judicial departments"
Presidents Alternative.
The Senator declared that the altarna-
tive given the President TO negotiate for
the construction of a Nicaragua Canal
was wisely provided TO enable this Gov
ernment to deal more favorably for the
control OF the Panama Canal privileges.
and not because Congress considered
the two routes substantially available.
or that IL was matter OF little differ
ence which was adopted
When the Colombian congress re-
jected the treaty. that did not neces-
sarily close the door 10 further effort
/ to carry out the manifest win of Con-
gress in the construction of the Panama
( Canal he asserted The President has
not violated either the letter or the
/ spirit of the S1ooner act in not i'm
[ me diately dropping Panama and going
! to Nicarag qua when the congress at Bo-
gotta rejected the treaty. he was clear
/ ~ within his province in acting as ne
did'
At the conclusion OF Mr.. Fairbanks
remarks. Mr.. Clarke Of Arkansas was
recognized and spCf.e on the treaty.