The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-24
Senate Will Vote for Sea Level
 Canal at Panama
. HOUSE MAY VOTE FOR LOCKS
President Holds a Lengthy Conference With Senate Leaders on Canal and Other Measures Now Pend
 Ing-Seeks Information.

Washington. May 2S.-A growing senti- ment in the Senate in favor of making the proposed canal appropriation applic able only to the construction of sea level canal across the Isthmus of Pan ana in accordance with the majority report of the Senate committee on inter oceanic canals, is proving embarrassing to the administration which is committed to the lock type. President Roosevelt today discussed the subject with Senate leaders who called at the White House, and apparently Is much concerned as to the outcome As the result of the Pres ident's inquiry, an attempt was made today to ascertain how the Senate stands on the question of canal type. There were too many absentees to make an effective poll, but 1t was learned that senators who had been counted upon to support the administration programme will vote for a sea level canal. Thus far no canal bill has been effected and the contest is likely to be precipitated 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 sea level water way. Advocates of the lock type, In order to win their point will not have to pass a lock canal bill, but will have to defeat 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 decided by Congress the President will not hesitate to proceed with the plans for a lock canal. recommended by the minority of the board of consulting engineers.
 Houses at Odds.
 Officials charged with the direction of canal affairs believe that the House is in accord with the administration pro- gramme for look canal, for the reason that 1t would cost much less and take far less time to build than would be re- quired of the sea level canal. With the two houses at odds, It appears that the administration plan will be successful as President was informed by Senate lead CTS today that Congress would not be held long in session to contest the question. In view of the fact that there are no political questions it is not believed that against pronounced opposition from the House or even a determined fight in the Senate. majority of the latter body in favor of the sea level project easily could be maintained.
 Another subject on which the President sought information from Senate leaders was statehood. He inquired whether there was any common ground for agree 1nent by the supporters of the Foraker amendment submitting the question of statehood to the people of Mem Mexico
 Ill II. Al supporters of the Foraker amendment of a year ago. to submit the question at regular elections An effort is being made between the two houses to bring about an agreement in the nature of a compro- mise 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 b on the sundry civil appro- priation bill.