The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-02-02

Washington, January 29.-The sem
ate teday adopted the resolution IL
treduced by Mr.. Culberson for the
Democratic caucus which calls upon
n President to state whether h
Senate has been supplied with all
the facts bearing upon the contro-
versy over Panama. There was no
division, SO that the voc on the Teso-
lItien was unanimous: but there was
4 roll call on the amendment sug-
gested by Mr.. Cullom, for the Repub-
lican side Of the chamber, calling for
the information only IN case the
President should not consider it in
compatible with the public interest to
supply it, and it was adopted by the
decisive vote of 80 to 20, all the Re
publican Senators present voting for
the amendment n all the Demo-
Gratis except Mr.. McHenry, (who
voted with the Republicans) casting
their votes against it. There were
during the debate frequent assur-
ances that Notwithstanding the modi-
fcation, all the papers bearing upon
the question would be sent to the
Senate. Speeches on the resolution
were made by Mr.. Cockrell and Mr..
McLaHrin and both were favorable
to the resolution and opposed to the
Cullom amendment.
The Senate then, at the request Of
Mr.. Bacon, took up the resolution in
troduced by that Senator advising the
President hat the Senate suggests a
treaty with Colombia looking to a
satisfactory adjustment Of all claims
On the part of that country against
the United States growing out Of the
Panama revolution. Mr.. Bacon ad-
dressed the SeCate in support of the
resolution, saying that its purpose is
that OF securing an amicable settle
ment Of the dispute with Colombia,
which might avert hostiEtes. He
centended that the measure ~ in d.
rect accord with the policy Of this
government to avoid conflict when
ever 1t is possible to do so, arc
quoted many authorities in support
of this statement.
Much of Mr.. Bacon's discourse was
devoted to presenting the question
Of arbitration for the settlement OF
international disputes and he quoted
many eminent Americans Of the pas.
in, support of that policy. Es reach
ed the conclusion that the people o.
the United States were Thoroughly
committed to a policy OF concession
TO avoid war in all proper cases ana
he centended that in the present IN
stance, fhe United States could NOT
afford to violate the well eslabilsneo
rule.
He said we should first proceed by
conciHatory advances towards Colom-
bia and in case our proffer Shoulo
not be favorably received. then me
entire matter should be submitted
to arbitration. He said even Il we
assumed that all of the representa-
1885, - xzao TJnifQl States weaTn true
and all those of Colombia false, still
there was an issue, and the proper
way to settle 1t was the way or peace
and Cancellation. He did not contend
that our right to recognize Panan
should be arbitrated, but he DID nold
that a question for arbitraC1on was
presented in the differences that have
arisen over the construction OF the
treaty of 1916. All he wanted was
that we should approach the Col3m-
bian government in a proper spIr'-
and not treat hat country III a
naughty and defiant manner.
Speaking of the proposition to
tender the good offices of the Un1te1
States looking to a settlement OF the
controversy between COLOMBIA ana
Mr.. Bacon said that TINS
mode of proceeding would be made
-oaate, because 1t would not take into
account Colombia's differences with
the United States. In this nne
ton ne reiterated his conviction that
the Panama revolution was an ac-
.corfpiished fact n added his FUR
Their conviction that the canal WouId
be built at This being
true. he argued that there is no
more important duty than to remove
whatever source of friction there
may be-"
He had heard IT stated that Co
1crnbia would be perfectly conciliated
II the United States would devote
ten million dollars for the purpose |
building a railroad, connecting Bo-
gotta with the canal, and if such were
the ease he did not believe the Unit
ed States could do better than to
meet the suggestion in a favorable
way.
Mr.. PIatt, of Connecticut, suggest
ed that If It was to De the under
stasd policy OF the United States to
buy its peace with all countries
which made claims against this DUN
try or have controversies with 1T. we
shouId have an abundance OF oppor-
tunity for the expenditure OF our
money.
The Senate adjourned until Mon
day.
Rifle Range at Pensacola.