The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-01-27
To INVESTIGATE
PANAMA REVOLT
Stone Calls Roosevelt Tragic
and Sensational
BRIDGE ACROSS POTOMAC
Presidents Attitude in lsthmus Would
Have Been Most Gratifying to
Jefferson Davis and John
C. Calhoun.


the senate today was again divided be-
tween consideration of the Panama ques-
ton and other subject There was only
one speech on the canal and it was made
by Mr.. Stone of Missouri, who spoke to
resolution directing the senate COM
mittee on foreign relations to make an
investigation into the Panama revolt.
He eontended that the circumstances
indicated completely on the part of the
United States in the secession of Panama,
and urged that in the interest of the coun-
trys good name all the facts should be
known.
The resolutions presented yesterday
by Mr. Tilman asking for information
from the secretary of war concerning the
appointment of General Wood and other
army officers was taken up and passed
without debate.
Mr.. Stone, Missouri, addressed the sem
ate ON his resolution directing the COM
mittee ON foreign relations to make in
quiry into the facts relating to the rev.
luton in Panama. He offered a substi-
tute to his resolution In accordance with
the decision of the democratic senatorial
caucus of last Saturday, the substance
being as follows:
Wants an Investigation.
THAT the committee on foreign rela-
tions is hereby instructed to investigate
whether Bunau-Varilla and other
persons residing in the United States and
subject to our laws. aided or promoted
an insurrection in Panama against the
republic of Colombia, had given assur-
an ,fff
should have the aid and assistance of the
navy In behalf of such insurrection and
whether any official of any department
of this government did disclose or make
known to said Bunau-Varila or to any
other person the action the government
of the United States designed or pro-
posed to take in the event of an insurrec-
ton"
Mr.. Stone did not discuss the merits Of
the canal treaty but made an appeal for
searching investigation. He said he
could not shut his eyes to tile fact that
out Interference in Panama had a suspiei-
Gus and sinister appearance. lie did not
charge intentional wrong but attributed
our course there to the Presidents vol
canic nature, and his love for the tragic
lurd and sensational"
He said the President had boldly an
nounced sin the clustering dictlon of the
buccaneer' his intention to seize the is
thmus of Panama If Colombia did not
ratify the IIayHerran treaty, and added
that he had done this without disguise
or shame
Mr. Stone said he fancied the presidents
attitude would be most gratifying to John
G. Calhoun and Jefferson Davis were
they living. Panama could do nothing UNI
less independent. and 1.-THE President thus
admits his willingness to inspire revolt
and aid rebellion"
Willing to Uphold Revolt.
If the president was willing to foster
revolt he must have been willing to up-
hold 1t. Hence. he (Stone). was unable
to understand why the President should
be so sensitive over charge of completely.
Mr. Stone made 1t plain that he would
vote for the treaty in the interest of a
canal
Mr.. Stone sharply criticised M. Bunau-
Narlila and said he had been instrument
tai in bringing about the revolution He
referred to newspaper statements to the
effect that assurances were given bv
Bunau-Varllla. Amador and Duuues of
the aid to be expected from the United
states and urged an inquiry to develop
the truth of these statements.
Mr.. Stewart defended the adminlstra-
ton against what he said were the mis-
representations OF opposing senators. He
insisted that Panama never had been a
legitimate part of Colombia, and that
she would have achieved her independence
fifty years ago but for the interference
of the United States to protect the 18TH
milan transit. He declared that "never
had there been worse gang of robbers
than the men who constitute the govern
ment of Colombia.
Bills Are Passed.
The resolution went over. The senate
then passed the following bills:
Appropriating $4,000 to pay clerks in
the executive departments for extra SER
vice during the war with Spain.
Providing for the construction of a me-
mortal bridge across the Potomac from
| Washington to the Arlington estate, to
cost $5.000,000.
Also 1877 private pension bills and bills
| for relief from military disabilities.
The senate at SOS went into executive
session and at SILL adjourned