The actual construction of a canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific across the isthmus of Panama has been brought within the limits of probability again by the signing of a treaty between Great Britain and the United States, a treaty Imown, as was the last one, as the Hay-Pauncefote treaty. It has already been ratified by the Senate and now but waits the formal signature of England. This treaty eliminates the grounds for objection which the Senate found in the last, in that it abrogates the Clayton-Bulwer treaty, and gives to the United States the entire construction, ownership, and control of the canal. By this it will possible to fortify the canal, if desired, and to close it in time of war to the ships of a hostile power. With this exception the neutrality of the canal is guaranteed.
Imports from the Philippines.
A tariff bill which provides that goods entering the United States from the Philippines shall pay the full rates set by the Dingley law is now on its way through Congress. This measure was made necessary by a recent decision by the United States Supreme Court that as soon as the Philippines ceased to be Spanish territory they became domestic terri tory and without special provision there would be no tax on commerce between the islands and the country. The word of the Court leaves no doubt, however, but that Congress has the power to levy duties on such commerce.
President Roosevelt's First Message President Roosevelt's first message that is by 00 means confined to his party. to Congress has been received with praise
It is regarded as a vigorous, straightforward, conservative document, free irom platitudes, following no set custom in its form or matter. His position relative Trusts, that they are in themselves not necessarily an evil or a menace but that they should be brought under government supervision and should be compelled to make public their financial operations and standing, is the point most commented upon.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.