Panama Tolls

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 188, 7 February 1914, Page 5

Panama Tolls

EXEMPTION* OF AMERICAN" COASTAL VESSELS. OPPOSED l!Y PRESIDENT WILSON. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright Washington, February 5. President Wilson announced that lie would use every legitimate influence at his disposal to secure the repeal of the provision of the Panama Act exempting American coastwise vessels from payment of lolls. The President made it clear that he was unalterably opposed to the exemption and emphasised the fact that he would endeavor to have the clause repealed (luring the present session of Congress.

TIIK TOLLS .QUESTION. PRESIDENT'S VIEWS. Washington, February B. President Wilson believes that in view of the Hay-I'auncefote guarantees for equality of' treatment of all nations respecting the usage of the canal, the United States is bound in honor to charge American vessels the same tolls as those for foreign nations. It is understood the House of Representatives will adopt the President's view, but a difficulty is likely to arise among the Senators: Sdnator Ogorman asserted he intended to light against. President Wilson's view, and other Senators pointed out .that the Senate's Foreign relations Committee recently recommended a general arbitration treaty with Britain, thus indicating that the Senate was ready to rescind its action upon the tolls question. President Wilson's decision followed ,upon a year's study of the whole question. It is understood that Britain has not pressed the question, and has since privately assurred President Wilson of her friendly attitude. This assurance was given some months ago.