AMERICAN AFFAIRS.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10264, 6 February 1899, Page 5

AMERICAN AFFAIRS.

THE NICARAGUA CANAL. THE FUTURE OF THE PHILIPPINES. MORTALITY AMONG TROOPS. United Press Association—By Elcotrio Telegraph—Copyright. WASHINGTON, February 4. The American Inter-state Committee of representatives adopted Mr Hepburn's Nicaragua Canal Bin in an amended form, in place of the bill recently adopted by toe Senate. Mr Hepburn's bill authorises the purchase from the Governments of Nicaragua and Costa- Rica of the requisite lands for the construction of the canal at a cost of 115,000,000 dollars. It does not mention the Clayton-Bulwer treaty. The Senate, on the motion of Mr Wason, recently decided that special enquiries should be made with regard to the mortality among American troops in the Philippines. MajorGeneral Otis, replying to enquiries, states that there have been 220 deaths amongst the troops, including 65 from typhoid, and 43 from smallpox. Rigorous vaccination is being enforced. February 5. In the Senate Mr Walcott said the Democrats were seeking to make political capital for the next Presidential election. It would be unpatriotic to leave the Philippines prey to the land-hungry nations of Europe. All of them were hostile to America except Great Britain, whom he warmly eulogised.

Mr J. W. Griggs, the American AttorneyGeneral, has decided that Admiral Dewey was justified in cutting the Hong KongManila cable in the enemy's waters, therefore the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company is not entitled to damages.