The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-16
BABIES AND THE PANAMA
CANAL ARE DISCUSSED
IN THE STAID SENATE
Tilt Between Tillman and Spooner
Arouses Venerable Solons to
Laughter.
SPEECH BY MR.. TELLER
Who Condemns the Presidents
Alleged Interference in At
fairs of the Isthmus.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15.-To-day's session
of the Senate began with the passage of a
number of bills on the calendar and closed
in like manner. The intervening time was
given over TO a speech by Mr.. Teller on
the Panama canal question, Mr.. Teller con-
tending that the course of the President in
connection with the recent revolt of Pan
anna had been contrary to precedent and in
c-ontravention of International law.
|. Mr.. Platt, of Connecticut, asked Mr.. Tel
Ter whether under any circumstances the
United States had a right to protect transit
across the isthmus, but Mr.. Teller declared
that the question was academic and said
he would not argue the case on that gen.
eral ground. He was willing to discuss
the question of the right to interfere as the
President had done in the recent instance
and he was ready to contend that that in
reference was in contravention of inter-
national law.
When Mr.. Teller referred TO Mr.. Till
mans characteristic of the situation on
the isthmus the latter interrupted to say
that he had been misunderstood and desired
TO explain. He said he had meant to say
that it would have been preferable for the
United States to tell Colombia to get off
the isthmus entirely than for US to pursue
there the methods of the sneak thief and
maintain the attitude of a bully"
INTERNATIONAL DOMAIN.
In response TO a suggestion made by Mr..
Teller, Mr.. Spooner Interrupted to say that
by the treaty of 1916 Colombia was bound
30 maintain the perpetual right of the Unit
ed States to passage across the isthmus,
and he argued that that right remains, even
though Colombia does not stand behind it.
Mr.. Teller admitted that any right the
United States had under Colombia she still
had under Panama. if Panama was an es-
tablished power. He then asked for an
opinion from the Wisconsin senator con-
corning the new theory of international
eminent domain" and the latter replied that
he had not yet been able TO give his as
sent TO that doctrine" which, as he under
stood it, meant that when a weak nation
had what a strong nation needed the latter
might take it by means of arms if neces-
sary. Yet it must be remembered that
rignt-of-way of one land owner over land
owned by another person is a right recog-
nized by the world. IF" he said, there is
a doctrine Of the private way of necessity
are We 20 say that there is not an inter
national way of necessity where the inter-
est of the world is concerned"
BABIES AND LAUGHTER.
There were interruptions at this point,
causing Mr.. Tillman to remark that lit
takes a great many doctors TO bring about
the birth of this baby"
'I1l try to take care of my own babies"
responded Mr.. Spooner, land when 1 can
not do that l will ask some member of my
own, family TO do 60"
The cOlloquy caused a general outburst OF
laughter After it had subsidized Mr.. Spooner
continued his statement, saying that he was
willing to confess that he had not reached a
conclusion in his own mind. Il am not will
ing to concede the right of international
eminent domain" he said, but L can't find
1t in my heart to deny it
Mr.. Teller took issue with the Presidents
declaration that the course pursued in Pan
anna had been in the interest of collective
civilization That, he said, was a danger
Gus doctrine, and was just such a doctrine
as Russia might appeal to If she should at
tempt to crush Japan. The doctrine was
not American. 1t was contrary to all the
best traditions of this country. 1t was the
doctrine that might makes right. He dis
cussed the government of Panama, declaring
il to be unrepublican in form, and was in
terrupted by Mr.. SpOOner, who said that ii
had been a 'mooted question as to whether
there is a republican form of government
in Colorado"
"If," responded Mr.. Teller, there is not a
republican form of government in Colorado
there is a Republican administration there
When Mr.. Teller ceased speaking the Sen
| ate passed a large number of private pension
bills and at 4:22 p. IN. adjourned until Mon
daV.