The Washington times., 1904-01-12
PANAMA DEBATE
PROVOKES CLASH
Senators Indulge in a War
Of Words.
ON THE BACON RESOLUTION
Democrats Declare President Should
Have Kept Hands Of on the
Isthmus.
ON THE BACON RESOLUTION

The Panama question today created 4
hurry on the floor of the Senate. wher
a debate of some heat was precipitated
by resolution introduced by Mr.. Bacon
of Georgia. The resolution declared IL
vas this country's duty to enter into
negotiations with Colombia for an ad-
justment OF international relations
strained to the breaking point. as he
declared. by events on the isthmus. or.
falling in this effort the reference OF
the question to The Hague tribunal.
Mr.. Bacon Speaks.
When the proposed resolution had
been read. Mr.. Bacon said:
81 think from my understanding OF
the facts as they have been narrated to
us that this action by the United States
Government is required in justice 70
Colombia. Considered from another
standpoint, of good policy and expedi-
ency. this action should be taken. We
are committed to the principle of arbi-
tration when there is danger of war.
We delude ourselves If we think there
is no danger of war growing out of
Panama or OF conditions there"
The Senator sent to the clerks desk
Ind had read a newspaper dispatch
from Bogota. presenting a review of the
warlike preparations there. and the
marshaling Of troops awaiting word of
General Reyes mission here
Mr.. Bacon said public opinion In Co
lombia ought not be overlooked merely
because that country is lesser power.
He said any war would be disastrous.
1t would be a disgrace for this country
to kill thousands Of the South Amer
in
Of American men in a struggle which
would stain the isthmian canal route
with blood and prove a blot on this
country's history.
Lodge to the Rescue.
Mr.. Lodge objected to the reference
proposed by Mr.. Bacon to the Com
mittee on Foreign Relations He moved
to table the resolution. as he wanted
the matter settled by vote of the
senste rather than to be referred.
II want a vote" he commented. in
reply to Mr.. Bacon's expression OF sur
prise.
You'll get it," tartly retorted Mr..
Teller. such a request is a most un-
usual proceeding in a matter of this
sort, and when the matter has been ia
bled I VIII express some views on the
sdbject"
Mr.. Lodge discAimed any intention ,f
hurrying the matter through. and vita
held his motion in Difference to Mr.. Dan
iel's wish. The Virginia Senator said the
proposed vote should not be taken like
a drumhead court-martial"
Mr.. Teller then took the floor in criti-
cism of Mr. Lodges suggestion. When
he had concluded. Mr.. Culberson. to
have the matter go over until tomorrow.
objected. and II was so ordered,
mr. Daniel introduced similar reso-
luton on Colombia. and on his request
1t went over for a day
Mr.. Foraker then submitted some re-
marks on the author Of the newspaper
dispatch quoted and pa ssed on to a de-
tailed defense of the President for the
course the latter has pursued in Pana-
ma. He was interrupted Flv Mr. Daniel
and spirited exchange OF views en-
sued
Daniel and Foraker
Would the Senator nave had the
President stand by and not interfere?'
asked Mr.. Foraker.
Yes. l would" replied Mr.. Daniel
promptly, that's the issue
The marines were landed to prevent
war. said Mr.. Foraker
"Retween whom" asked Mr.. Daniel.
Between anyone who wanted to
fight" responded Mr. Foraker. This led
TO a laugh. 1T was to keep transit open
and not permit any confiict~along the
line.
If Colombia was prevented from
coming there with it's troops. that was
a mere incident to keeping open the
transit"
Mr.. Carmack interrupted and entered
into a sharp exchange with Mr.. Foraker
A statement of Mr. Foraker which at
traeted much attention was that the
marines sent to the isthmus were not
for the purpose Of preventing Colombia
landing troops. in Panama, but only to-
keep open transit. Some time ago the
State Department expressed the view to
Colombia that the landing OF her troops
on the isthmus would be regarded with
grave concern by this country. This
point was brought out by Mr.. Culber-
son of Texas Mr.. Hale and Mr.. Spooner
Joined in the debate.
Does the Senator consider fifty miles
the immediate neighbOrhoOd2' asked
Mr.. Daniel. continuing his questions to
MIR. Foraker.