NEARING THE END

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2152, 19 May 1914, Page 4

NEARING THE END

A cablegram which we publish in ; another cohunn states that tho great debate in the United States Senate on> the Bill to repeal the clause in tho Panama Canal Act of 1913 which exempts American shipping from the payment of tolls will be brought to an end on Monday next. The Bill has had a mcmorablo history, and the discussions in both HoiJses havu been followed with the keenest interest. On March 31 the House of Representatives declared in favour of the Bill by 247 votes to 162, which gives a majority of 85 in favour of equal treatment to the vessels of all countries. The result was a remarkable triumph for Pbesi&eht Wilson, who made a most impressive appeal to Congress to repeal the exemption clause, and thus erase a blot on the country's honour. He took his. stand , on the.high ground of fair-dealing in international relations, and the scrupulous observance of treaty obligations. In his memorable Message to Congress on March 6 he declared that no communication lift had addressed to Congress had carried with it "more grave and far-reaching implications to the interests of the country," and in earnest words, lyj uvged ! thf "justice and wisdom and large policy" of the proposed repeal. He i described the exemption ns a mis' J taken oroiiomic policy from every point of view, and a plain contravention of the treaty with Great, Britain concerning the canal concluded on November. 1!!, 1001. In concluding his striking and high-minded' Messngo, the President used those significant words: "1 ask this rsf you in support of the foreign policy of the Administration. 1 shall .'not know how to i\rn\ witli other matters of even greater delicacy, and nearer consequence if ynii do not grnuL if, to mo in ungrudging m-tv,-I sure.' .

tiji'QUglKiufc the whole of the controvosay oa tho tolls (juesUoa tbe

President, has taken an unflinchingly courageous'course, fie has !i;i.d to face the uncompromising opposition of some of the strongest men in_ hia own political camp, and the serious possibility o£ a split in the Democratic party; but ho holds that a great principle is <it stake, arid he is prepared to do what ho believes t<> be right and take the consequences. Even his most vigorous opponents, : such as Speaker Clark, have frankly ' admitted his sincerity and coiiragc. His unwavering confidence in the power of the higher statesmanship has become a new force in American polities, and his straightforward And unconventional- methods of getting things done have so far met with remarkable success. The fate of the Bill providing for the repeal of the tolls exemption will not be finally decided till next week, but the general opinion seems to be. that the Senate will follow the example of the House in giving .effect to the President's wishes in" this matter. If the Rill is- placed on the Statute Book the achievement will be in a large measure a personal victory for Ma. Wilson*, for though probably a- majority of American politicians have ■all along recognised that the exemption clause in the Panama Ac-fc ought, to be repealed, it is his strength of will end moral driving power that ■ have compelled Congress to take the necessary action to put the wrong right.