THE PANAMA CANAL

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10688, 15 July 1912, Page 5

THE PANAMA CANAL

CABLE NEWS

(United Press Association — By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

QUESTION OF TOLLS THE PROTEST FROM BRITAIN

(Received Last Night, 5.5 o'clock.)

NEW YORK, July 13,

A canvas of the Senate reveals the fact that a majority of the Senators favour a freedom of tolls to American users of the Panama Canal. A considerable difference of opinion exists in the Congress. Some members characterise Britain's interference as "meddlesome." Others, however, declare that it is warranted. Tli> cousin pus of .newspaper opitaion favours the British attitude. The New York World holds that the Bill introduced in the Congress is a violation of ;ilie H'aiy-Pauncefbte Treaty. The Times says:—"The United States seeks to convert an enterprise of world proportions into a selfish advantage by discrimination. England's intervention is in our own interests more truly than in the interests of those for whom England speaks." The Herald says that incapacity ' and indecision mark the entire course of the Acclimatisation and of Congress.

The Tribune.says it is difficult to see in what respect the Bill conflicts with the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty.

The- Hon. P. C. Knox, secretary of State, in a letter to the Senate, outlined the British protest as being that the exemption of Am rican shipping would, be a.'rj Mlfractccm of tihe Treaty referring to tolls,-whilst a compliance with the letter would contravene the spirit of the Treaty. Britain admits that the United States is at liberty to subsidise its shipping, but claims that there is a great distinction between a general subsidy and a subsidy calculated upon the use made of the canal by subsidised steamers. Britain believes that it would be impossible to frame regulations exempting bona fide coast-wise traffic. Other American shipping would it,is .cllaimed, be benefited, which would entail an infraction of the Treaty. J-\ is 'undciratocd that /Mir tKnox doc.3 ! not regard the protest"as a matter for ' diplomatic treatment. He will merely acknowledge the receipt of the protest, and leave the matter in the hands of Congress. It is understood that those supporting the Bill will claim the right of reimbursing the tolls. It is pointed out that European Governments. whose shipping use the Suez Canal already pay similar subsidies. jr,t t''3 stated that the Hon. . Eliu'u Root strongly opposes the exemption of coastal vessels. Senator Barton says the Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate considers the exemption to be contrary to the Treaty. WASHINGTON, July 12.

Politicians expect a lengthy diplomatic struggle as the result of the British objections to the Panama Canal proposals. Alidad yAmork-'r.s /-r.-> ta"* ; »---r of referring the question.to The Hague Tribunal.