THE PANAMA ACT.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1978, 7 February 1914, Page 5

THE PANAMA ACT.

—, —~s—.—AND THE PROPOSED REPEAL QF EXEMFfION CLAUSE, Ey feUsraph-Press AssociaMon-CbflrslKM Washington, January 5, President Wilson announced that ho would use overy legitimate influence at his disposal to -repeal ihs&rovi.s-ion of the Panama, Act exemptliUg American coastwise vessels from the payment of tolls. The President made it elear that ho unalterably opposed exemption, and emphasised tho fact that ho Would endeavour to have tho clauso repealed during the present- session of Congress. HAY-PAUNOEFOTE TREATY/ . &R., WILSON FRIENDLY. . <Ree, February 6, 11.10 p.m.) ■_ Washington, Februarv 5. President Wilson believes that- the Hay-Pauncefo'to Treaty guarantees equality of treatment to all nations, inspecting the Usago of the Qanai, and therefore the United- States is bound ni honour to charge American vessels the $ame tolls as those of foreign nations, . It is understood that the House of Representatives will adopt the President's view, but difficulty is likely to ariso amongst the Senators. Senator O'Gorvnan asserted that ho intended to light against Dr. Wilson's view, but other Senators pointed out that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee recently recommended a general 'arbitration treaty with Britain, thus indicating that tho Senate is ready to rescind its action upon tho toll's question. Dr. Wilson's 'decision followed npoa a year of study of tho whole question. It is understood that Great Britain did not press the question, sinco she was privately assured of Dr. Wilson's friendly attitudo some months ago.