PANAMA EXPOSITION

Te Puke Times, Volume II, Issue II, 5 August 1913, Page 3

PANAMA EXPOSITION

BRITAIN STANDS OUT ALARM IN AMERICA London, Augusts The American newspapers generally decline to accept the British explanation that the refusal to exhibit at; the Panama Exposition is due to commercial and not to diplomatic reasons. The "Sun " states that there is an uncomfortable suspicion that the explanation is designed; to save the necessity for calling attention to: thj existence of strong resentment on the tolls question. It was not surprising that England was disinclined to participate in a celebration which was virtually a slap in t' < 1 face. England did not lack patience, aud had used no jingo talk, but when after five months of the new Administration ho attempt had been made to deal with the question of Panama tolls, England naturally felt that she had not been treated rightly. The 'Observer's' New York correspondent says that behind the perturbation of England's attitude the fear prevails that other nations may follow her example, and . that the exhibition will not bccomea world's fair. It is Explained in London thi.t Britain's "refusal to participate is due to the Board of Trade failing to hidu'eo sufficient, manufacturers to'incur the expense of preparing for exhibiting. It is the current' opinion that there are too many , " world's fairs. The refusal has nothing to do with the canal tolls. Germany has also declined, ■ not being satisfied with America's guarantees respecting the protection of trade secrets, Tho-D.iiJy.Telegraph" states thai o.i'; o•' 23 countries, only 'two -ifitions and Japai; -ihv j S3 f:.r accepted the invitetio:i to participate in the Exposition. , It is stated in Washington that Mr Bryan is trying to induce Lo'ubi, and Berlin to reconsider their decisions. Several Eiglish papers point out that the British refusal is based on purely commercial grounds,