The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-29
RIGHT OF PRESIDENT TO
WITHHOLD INFORMATION
Question Discussed at Length by
the Senate, but No Decision
Reached.
VOTE TO BE TAKEN TO-DAY

WASHINGTON, Jan 2S.-The time of the
Senate to-day was devoted to debate rather
than to set speeches on the attitude of the
United States toward the Panama revolu-
ton. There a variation, however, In
that the discussion also had reference 10
the right of the President to withhold IN
formation asked for by the Senate. The
foundation of the controversy was the
Democratic caucus resolution calling on the
President to state whether he has yet sup
piled all the papers bearing upon the Pan
anna affair. The debate was opened by Mr.
Culberson and was participated in by
MeSsrS- German and Bacon on the Demo-
cratic side and Messrs. Cullom, Spooner
and Lodge on the Republican side. The
Democrats contended for the right of the
Senate to demand information bearing on
treaties before the Senate, while the Re
publican speakers spoke in defense of the
discretion of the President to withhold in
formation.
Mr.. Clay asked whether the Senate as
part of the treaty-making power, has not
right to all the information bearing upon
a treaty which the executive itself had.
Mr.. CullOm replied that it was his opin-
ion that the President has a right to re-
fuse to comply with the resolution whether
the modification was inserted or not. He
had no doubt, however, that the President
would send every scrap of the information.
Suppose he does not?" asked Mr.. Till
man.
with that situation when it comes"
Mr.. Hale advocated the amendment. He
referred to the controversy which occurred
during Mr.. Cleveland's administration over
the point as TO whether papers bearing on
presidential nominations should be sent to
the Senate. The President had refused to
comply with the wishes of the Senate and
ultimately had won his point
Mr.. Tillman contended that there is
difference between nominations and treat
les, but Mr.. Cullom contended the Presi-
dent, as the head of one branch of govern
ment, has rights which pertain to his Of
flee exclusively. He feared, he said, that
the resolution was for mere effect. Our
friends on the other side of the chamber"
he went on, seek, after a week or two of
caucussing, to get some advantage. They
hope to catch the President in an untruth,
but they won't succeed for there never was
in the White House a President who was
less likely to be found in such a predica-
ment."
Mr.. Culberson disclaimed any intention
of rejecting upon the Presidents veracity
and added that the resolution did not
Justify such an Interpretation.
Mr.. Cullom gave assurance that the in
formation sought would be forthcoming.
Mr.. German replied, saying that there is
not now and there is not likely to be a
resolution presented on this side of the
chamber which is not couched in the most
respectful language.
I'VE have too high a respect for that high
office to pursue any other course" He
stated that the discretionary clause had
been purposely omitted from this resolu-
ton, but said that the omission was no in
dication of desire TO reflect on the Pres
ident. Mr.. German said that the executive
participation in the negotiation of the
treaty is complete and that there could be
no danger in giving out full information
'All we want is the fullest possible light
on the subject" he said.
After further debate the Senate then
agreed unanimously to vote the resolu-
| ton before adjournment tomorrow and at
445 D. m adjourned