The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-02-26
On the Panama Canal
Treaty in the
Senate
EXPLAIN VOTES
several Senators Give Their Reasons
for Voting o n Treaty-Consid-
Grafton OF the Agricultural Appro-
priatfon Bill-HOuse Devoted the
Entire Day to Consideration OF the
Naval Appropriation Bill.

Washington, February E.-The clos
ing days debate on the Panama cana
treaty opened at 11:15 today. Mt. Ba-
con, Of Georgia. took the floor to ex-
plain his vote on the treaty. He said
there has been a serious question raised
as to whether a Senator should be
guided by the wishes of his constitu-
ents or by his own judgment in voting
ON all important matters Of public in
terest. After giving the question due
elaboration he said he believed a SEN
ator should listen to the wishes OF his
state and accordingly he would vote
for the treaty. At the same time. ne
said. notwithstanding the fact that the
interests of Georgia called for the rat
iication of the treaty. the people OF the
state did not approve of the recent &C.
currences on the isthmus. After stat
ing his position, Mr.. Bacon spoke or MS
amendment to the treaty. looking TO a
peaceful settlement Of all difficulties
between the United States IL Colom-
pia by paying a sum Of money to Co
iOmDA III LuII SoAhPCAS%StOh AVA va
surrender and quit-claim Of all right OF
sovereignty over the territory embrac-
ed in the republic Of Panama.
Mr., Berry, of ArkanssA said that il
he believed defeat OF the treaty would
restore C%ololnbia's sovereignty over
Panama ne would vote against the
treaty. but he declared the defeat Of the
treaty would be ~unavailing in that re-
spect. The people of the South wanted
the canal and therefore he said, he
thought it the duty OF the representa-
tives of the South to vote for the trea-
ty. What the people OF the South
want. L want" he said in conclusion.
Mt. simmons. of North Carolina. sald
he believed the people OF Panama were
ready for a revolution. and he ID no:
believe the United States officials con-
nived at it. He refuted the charges
that this government could be held to
account for what had taken place On
the isthmus.
81 think the worst thing the United
States has done. Mr.. Simmons said,
has beer to maintain Colombian ty-
ranny on the isthmus for the last ntty
years. The question or whether Inc
President did right or wrong on tne
isthmus is not now before the senate.
The only question to consider is Wneln-
er the treaty is a meritorious one. All
of these other questions may, and L
hope will receive further consldera-
ton"
After the vote on the panama trea-
ty in the Senate today, consideration
was begun OF the agricultural approprl-
alton bill, More than two hours was
an amendment making an approprl9tlon
for experiments in stock feeding
against which a point Of order was
made by MI. Lodge and sustained: Inc
point was finally withdrawn ana the
amendment adopted.
Mr. TilIman protested against the rul-
ing on Mr.. Lodges point of order with
out submitting it to the senate, at
least he said until he could nave an
opportunity to say something aDont
m which he said. lis the onIS
business I ever made a living at. NJ
continued in defense Of the secretaLy
of agriculture and said he shou q De
given the means of carrying out THIS
work which is necessary.
Mr. TuIman offered another amend
ment To permit the importation or new
breads OF animals. In closing. ne san
Senator Teller had given the wrong
definition OF the difference a
arriauIturist" and a farmer" He said
a rarmer works with his hands and on
ag~riculturist with his mouth and that
there are too many ag~riculturtsts In tne
Senate
THE HOUSE.
Washington, February 23--Althougn
the House devoted the entire day TO
consideration of the Naval Approprla-
ton bill. under the five minutes RUE
small progress was made. Mr.. Lagare'
OF South Carolina, secured the aCop,lo1
of the amendment for the charleston
navy yard. as follows: $S4.oVo LOT ma
chine shops; SIS, 900 to complete power
house: $500. 900 for the drydock; -" GOD
for workship; So, 500 to complete equip
meut building; $50. 900 for building Tor
shin filters shop; $4,000 for foundry.
making q total OF 1856 SOC.
Mr.. Lagare in proposing the amend
ment declared that contracts for these
-innrovements were already signed n
that the contractors could recover In
the court of claims should the amend
ment not be agreed TO-.
Ar. Foss in reply said the appropr'a-
tiou for Charleston had always oeen
addes to the bill il. the Senate n the
commIttee had not seen fit to include 1t.
TT WIS apparent he added that II not
made this year, this appropriation
would have to be made next year.
Mr. Rixey, of Virginia, ~endeavored
to amend the bill by eliminating the
appropriation for a naval station at
coaUng station in Cuba. His amend
mept was defeated. 5S to 81.
ON . motion to strike out the appro-
priation for the naval station at Olon-
gapo, P. l.. Mr.. Jones. of virginia
smoke against making such large aprro-
priations for the Philippine islands. He
declared that before this naval station
was completed it would cost over TWEEN
ty million doIlars and this in the Lace
OF statements that we were to give up
the Islands as soon as the people were
educated enough for self government.
ar Jones' amendment was defeated.
An amendment proposed by Mr..
Tate. Of Georgia. to request secretary