New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-14
PRICE THREE CENTS.
LAW STRICTLY 0BEYED.
SO MR. SPOONER SHOWS.
Democratic attacks on Presidents
Panama Policy Repalsed.
lFROM TuE TRIBUNE BrREAU.

Washington. Jan Ex-senator 5pooner deliv-
cred brilliant speech in the Senate to-day IN
which ne completely refuted the charge Of cer-
tain Democrats that the President by regotiat-
ing canal treaty with Panama had violated the
provisions Of the Spooner amendment.
WITH remarkable tenacity OF purpose despite
inaumeraSle Interruptions. the Senator from
Wisconsin adhered 10 the thread OF his dis
course. and, beginning with the consideration OF
the Hay-Herran treaty by the Colombian Con-
gress. traced the course CT events to the revolG-
tion in Panama. compelling the admission from
his opponents that there was no disregard OF
that provision Of the Spooner act which required
the President to turn to Nicaragua if unable to
secure the Panama route within a reasonable
time.
so far from having violated the act Of Con-
gress, the President has scrupulously obeyed IT.
declared the Senator. AID he compelled an adj
mission of his proposition from Senator Tillman.
who had undertaken TO question the logic OF the
Wisconsin Senator.
Senators Tfllman, Newlards and others fire.
quently interrupted usually with an attempt to
bring Mr.. Spooner to the consideration of sub
sequent events. but the Wisconsin Senator. while
answering the objections declared that he would
take up each phase OF the subject as he came 70
it. Knowing that he will continue his arguments
later. he paused long enough to-day to declare
that the President has violated no principle OF
international law, and in response to the dec
laration of Tillman that a more discreet Presi-
dent would have awaited the meeting of Con-
gress on November before recognizing the Re-
public Of Panama. he declared vehemently thas
! no President had ever fit to consult tho
legislative branch of the government regarding q
a similar action. which was purely executive IN
its character, and none but weak Presidents
ever would do so. He cited numerous precedents
and quoted the Constitution IN support OF his
argument.
Solid as was Mr.. Spooner's logic. and serious
as was his subject. the debate not without
IT'S humorous side. The picturesque languages
| or Mr.. T1llman and the ready wit which the
| wisconsin Senator displayed in answers to his
shirt sleeve" opponent elected almost continu-
Gus laughter from the galleries and from Sem
ators on both sides of the chamber
An appeal TO the Southern Senat to Law aside
all partisan bias, and, dealing with the subject
| with his customary candor. TO say what hs
would have done, brought forth the followin q
| response from Mr. Tillman:
| IF / were President / should have said tn
Colombia: You are NANCY lot; you are block
ing the progress of civilization: off the earth
| we propose TO build that eanal'
| Senator SDooner's speech was a source OF as
| great qualification TO his colleagues as il was
/ OF discomfort 10 his opponents, and as he has
/ declared his intention of continuing his argu-
! ment. taking up more extensively the landing OF
| marines at Colon. the recognition OF Panama.
etc. an even more brilliant effort is expected in
/ the near future.