PANAMA TOLLS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 25, 19 June 1914, Page 4

PANAMA TOLLS.

The passing by tlic United States House of Representatives of tin: Panama, Tolls Pill is an event of considerable importance and one tliat is being received throughout the British Empire with great satisfaction. Previously, the States had arranged to give special privileges to its own shipping, in passing through the great waterway, a proceeding- that was in direct contravention of the terms of the Ilay-Paunei'fole treaty. The honor of the States was involved in the matter, as was recognised by President Wilson, who, from the very outset, made it clear that the pledge given by his country should be kept. Speaking to Congress in person, he spake in these terms:— "The large thing to do is the only thing we can all'ord to do, that is, a voluntary withdrawal from a position everywhere questioned and misunderstood. We ought to reverse our action without raising the question whether we were right or wrong, and so . once more deserve our reputation for generosity and the redemption of every obligation without quibble or hesitation. [ ask this of you in support of the foreign policy of the Administration. I shall not know how to deal with other matters of ever greater delicacy and

nearer conaequenco if you do not grant it to me in ungrudging measure." It says much for the honor and good sense of the American legislators, who have hitherto not been given good characters, that they have followed the good advice of their President in a matter which represents a substantial pecuniary loss to their people. But in the higher sense, it will provo no loss; it will be an inestimable gain. It is one of the greatest moral victories ever won by a nation, and for giving it the lead, Dr Wilson will always stand in the forefront of its great men—and America has produced at Presidents some truly great and noble men.