The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-05
Senators at Once Begin Its Dis
cussion, Democrats Assailing the
Presidents Policy.
SPEECH BY MR.. M'COMAS
Who Described the Document as a
Convincing Presentation OF the
Panama Situation.
PRAISE FOR MESSAGE
Well Received in Both Houses
Viewed as an Answer TO Dem
ocratic Insinuations.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4.-Congress recon-
vened to-day after its holiday recess and
listened to the reading of a message from
President Roosevelt on the Panama ques-
tion. The message gave great satisfaction.
If there any criticism of IL il was be-
cause he had regarded il necessary to send
in such a message and that he had incorpo-
rated into it so many newspaper reports re-
specting conditions on the isthmus preced-
ing and following the revolution. Senators
declined TO discuss IL except 10 indorse the
main points and TO say that lit is a strong
paper and gives ample justification for the
part of the United States in the Panama
business. It is a message that viii take
well with the people. The people want the
canal and are disposed to treat fairly the
actions of the administration" said a West
ern Republican. The message was dis
cussed in the Senate to-day. speeches being
made for and against the Presidents pol
icy. 1t is the expectation that the Panama
canal treaty will come before the Senate
for consideration on Wednesday and its
ratification within a reasonable time is free
ly predicted by senators.
Among the members OF the House tho
message was received with satisfaction.
Said one member: 'The question has been
raised by the Democrats whether the ad-
ministration aided in promoting the Pan
anna revolution. The President gives his
word that no such aid was rendered The
people will believe President Roosevelt"
A STIRRING INVOCATION.
Rev. Edward Everett Hale the newly
elected chaplain of the Senate. clad in flow
ing black silk clerical robes. occupied the
chair of the presiding officer just preceding
the session, and on the body being called
to order offered a stirring invocation. His
prayer was plea for the wisdom OF heaven
in the affairs of the government. He re-
ferred briefly TO the Chicago disaster and
asked a blessing on the stricken city.
Touchingly also he alluded TO the death OF
the wife of Senator Hoar. Of Massachu-
setts. His invocation was preceded by a
short scriptural lesson ana concluded with
the Lords prayer.
Mr.. McConas began the discussion OF the
isthmian situation. He characterized the
Presidents message as "A clearly cogent
and abundantly convincing presentation of
the situation"
Mr.. Morgan interrupted with a question
to bring out the point as he said. that the
recognition of the new republic was sim
ply de facto.'
Mr. McComas held otherwise, maintain
ing that the recognition was Official and
would be held so by the courts
Mr.. Culberson questioned the right OF the
executive to make such recognition. but
Mr.. McComas maintained positively that
the executive had such authority and he
could bring to the attention OF the Senate
two instances in which the same power had
been exercised.
TILLMAN BROKE IN.
Mr. Tillman wanted the instances cited.
and Mr.. McComas promised later 70 pre-
sent them.
But 1 want to know" broke in Mr.. Till
man, whether the senator contends that
the executive, without instruction OF the
Congress. can employ the army and navy
TO defend his executive action by warning
away and preventing Colombia from as
serting her supremacy anywhere except on
the Panama Railroad"
In answer, Mr.. McComas referred Mr..
Tillman TO the closing statements of the
Presidents message. He said the execu-
tive not only had the right. but the ex-
elusive right, 10 take the action he had.
He again referred TO the two similar in
stances, and said that, while both resulted
in wars, they were wars which public SEN
timent indorsed.
Mr.. Bacon inquired how long the new re-
public would last, should the sustaining
power of the United States be Withdrawn.
For many years" replied Mr.. McComss.
He added that but for the restraining
power of the United States the independ-
ence Of Panama would have been estab-
lished long ago.
.'NVm the senator state the respective
populations OF Panama and Colombian?
asked Mr.. Bacon.
Panama has about 10000 and Colombia
4.50o,OOO,' was the reply
And yet the senator thinks the 100000
could maintain themselves against the four
and a half millions" again injected Mr.
Bacon.
Such things were frequent events in his
tory, was the reply. and Mr.. McComas mem
toned the successful contest OF Japan with
35,0O0,000 population against China with fO0.-
O0O. 600; also Montenegro's successful con-
test of two centuries.
MIR Stewart of Nevada. severely criti-
cised the BogOta government for its sell
fish action I'm preventing construction OF
the canal
Mr.. Morgan of Alabama, stated his pref
erence for the Nicaragua route and MAIN
tanned that the present course OF the ad-
ministration was breaking down the estab-
lished policy of the United States regard
ing neutrality. He said the President now
desired the assistance Of three Democratic