Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-05-25
MAY BLOCK CANAL
President Roosevelt Worried by the
Tactics Threatened by Senate-Dia-
tory Tactics of the Senate May Pre-
vent Any Action This Term.

| Washington, May PA growing
sentiment in. the senate in favor of
making the proposed canal appropria-
ton applicable only to the construction
of a sea level canal across the isthmus
of Panama in accordance with the ma
on interoceanic canals is proving en-
barrassing to the administration,
| which is committed to the lock type.
President Roosevelt yesterday discus
sed the subject with senate leaders who
called at the white house and appar-
emily he is much concerned as to the
outcome.
AS the result Of the presidents In
quiry an attempt was made yesterday
| to ascertain how the senate stands on
the question of canal type. There Were
too many absentees TO make an effective
poll, but it was learned that several
senators who had been counted upon
to support the administration program
will vote for a sea level canal.
May Precipitate Contest.
Thus far no canal bill has been per-
fected and the contest is likely to be
precpitated by an attempt on the part
of the advocates of the sea level type
to declare that the appropriation for
canal purposes shall be used only for
the purpose of one level water way.
Advocates of the lock type in order to
win their point will not have to pass
lock canal bill, but will have to de-
feat any effort to define the manner
in which the canal appropriation shall
be expended.
Secretary Taft has Informed the
senate that if the type of canal is not
determined by congress. the president
will not hesitate to proceed with the
plans for lock canal recommended by
the minority of the board of consult
ing engineers.
Looks for House Support.
Officials charged with the direction
of canal affairs believe that the house
is in accord with the administration
program for lock canal for the rea-
son that it would cost much less and
take far less time to build than would
be required for the sea level canal.
With the two houses at odds it appears
that the administration plan must be
successful, as the president was in
formed by senate leaders yesterday
that congress would not be held long
in session to contest the question. In
view of the fact that there are no
political questions involved, it is not
believed that against pronounced oppo-
sition from the house or even determ-
ined fight in the senate a majority in
the latter body in favor Of the sea level
project easily could be maintained.
Confers on Statehood Bill.
Another subject on which the pres
ident sought informa ton from senate
leaders was statehood. He inquired
whether there was any common ground
for agreement by the supporters of the
Foraker amendment, submitting the
question of statehood to the people of
election and the supporters of the
Foraker amendment of a year ago to
submit the question ait a regular cleo
ton An effort is being made between
the two houses to bring about an agree
ment in the nature of compromise of
these positions. Thus far no plan has
proved satisfactory to the single state
advocates, who insist they have the
strength to put the Oklahoma Indian
Territory bill on the sundry civil APP
preparation bill.
Domestic Wares Are Favored.
The senate committee on finance faW-
orably reported resolution directing
that materials for the Panama canal
shall be of domestic production and
manufacture unless the president deems
the bids for the same exorbitant.