New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-20
MILD TALK ON PANAMA.
Il GOOD NATURED DEBATE.
Mr.. Quarles in Defence of the Presi-
dents ActiOn.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 1s-The Senate required less
than a minute to-day to dispose of the motion to
refer to the Committee on Postoflces the various
resolutions looking to investigation by Congress
of the Postofice Department The question had
been previously debated for hours at q time. but
to-day no Senator manifested any disposition to
discuss it further. and it was adopted without
negative vote.
ate returned consideration OF the Panama ques-
ton. Mr.. Quarles spoke for almost two hours In
support OF the of the administration. and
followed by Mr.. Patterson, who criticised the
Presidents course in Panama. Mr.. Patterson was
subjected to many interruptions and had not nm
iEhed when the Senate adjourned.
The German Panama resolution was laid before
the Senate. and Mr.. Quarles took the door He
contended that up to the time of the recognition
of the independence Of Panama the United states
had done nothing beyond sending warsnps to the
harbors of Panama and Colon Mr.. Quarles also
contended that when the United States extended its
recognition the Panama government had the sup
port of the entire population of the isthmus. He
defended the President against the charge Of undue
haste and against the charge that he had been der
elicit in his duty in failing to open the way, under
the Spoonar act. to the construction OF the Mica
ragua canal when he did not succeed in his nego-
tiation with Colombia for a canal at Panama. lie
said the latter point that was no inter
vening time between the failure in Bogota and the
convening Of the American Congress-. Discussing
the treaty of 1916. Mr.. Quarts argued that it
sudTdHIeeu a rlgnt o. way 10 the united Oldlcs
across the isthmus whenever this country might
desire to avail itself of the privilege He declared
that the grant applied to all methods OF transit:
Mr.. Quaries conuOverIed the theory that the
treaty binds the United States to protect Colon
bia against civil strife within her own borders.
saying that Colombia is contending for nothing
less. and that some Democrats had shown dis
Mr.. Quares declared the revolt of Panama in the
interest OF the canal to be the first movement on
civilization for the last one hundred years. He
announced his advocacy of a sea level canal. say
ing he thought that such canal Should be
structed regardless of the time required IN con-
ME- Ter one OpPSsed the saha He said
a9 had the been 5o spa a bee
II not ratified, American ships In isthmian waters
eGende Dc Coda as sb b ins bad
panted," and took the Preaiident to task for his
the a 5RnG ai Saa that s
WiSeonsin from 9 the Il uned STATES tue fs''0h OF
In the course Of his remarks Mr.. Patterson said
the Chicago Strike of the last decade 'en''0neo
course Of ,b President cisgsiaqd in sending
BY the Democratic Convention OF 1886.
=. The controversy between Mr. Patterson and Mr..
Of e sooa edss
the main aisle Of The Senate taking freely to each
good will The situation was contrary to Mr.. Pet.
the point OF order that conversations were not In
sSeGrdaTGe WITH ~ the rules Q! the Senate The
Ing, said the Senator from Alabama was entirely
F hs fs sd 6 al his nn,n he said ana
however, the two Senators again standing to-
Gether In The aisle The new discussion was on
the point as to the extent TO which the President
was responsible for Assistant Secretary Darling's
order to the commander OF the Nashville directing
him to prevent the landing OF Colombian troops
on the Isthmus of Panama. Mr.. Spooner contended
that the President was not necessarily familiar
with eli the directions given by the departments
have for the Senator from Wisconsin," responded
Mr.. Patterson, and the unlimited confidence
have in him. I would call that a mere bubble"
Tho Senate began its session to-day BY passing
the House bill providing for the appointment AZ
customs appraisers at Pittsburg. A BIN providing
for the payment Of a claim OF the State Of Vermont
passed.