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Show FORTIFYJANAL Washington, Fob. 25. After nearly fho bouts' debate, tho House of Rep-sescntatlvcs Rep-sescntatlvcs shortly before 10 o'clock tonight voted overwhelmingly In favor of fortifying the Panama canal and appropriated $3,000,000 to begin tho work, the total cost of which Is estimated esti-mated at 112,000,000. The action of tho House practically settles the question oi fortifications for tho sentiment lu the Senate Is said to bo more than two to ono In favor of protecting tho Isthmian waterway. The real test camo on nn amendment amend-ment proposed by Representative Tawney of Minnesota, chairman of tho committee on appropriations. Tho amendment provided that no part of (he money set aside for fortifications should bo UBcd until tho president had attempted to negotlato treaties with all of the leading maritime nntlons. guaranteeing tho neutrality and International Inter-national protection of tho canal. Roprescntaotlve Sherly of Kentucky attacked this amendment nnd warned members that It had been introduced for the solo purpose of defeating the appropriations. Tho Tawney amendment amend-ment was voted down by 130 to 63. motion by Representative Kelfer offOhlo to strike out all provision for tho fortifications of the canal was lost by a vote of 186 to 61. |