New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-08-13

ure in its present form, according 10
those Senators who refused TO vote
for it. Not only Great Britain, which
is directly interested as q signatory 10
the -Pauncefote treaty, but every
nation which may use the canal can
with propriety, it is asserted, bring its
objections to the attention OF the STATE
Department. Germany, France Aus
tria and other European countries may
take steps to resent the action OF the
United States, which has expressly de-
clared its intention to undertake the
construction Of the canal for the bene-
fit Of mankind.
AS measure Of retaliation, II is sug-
gested that the tolls for the Suez canal
may be reduced TO such point that
traffic through the Panama Canal may
be reduced to a minimum and that the
United States may find itself with a
costly waterway on its hands unused
as a route to the orient except by It's
own vessels,
No Stand by EXECUTIVE
The question is as yet in the hands OF
the executive branch Of the govern
nent, which has not yet taken stand
on the informal communication from
the British charge d'affaires setting
forth the objections Of Great Britain.
This was brought to the attention OF
the Senate unofficially. a paraphase
having been sent TO Senator Brande-
gee, chairman Of the Committee on
Interoceanic Canals, without comment
The British government, it was said
at the State Department to-day, has
made no further representations TO the
United States regarding the PROPOSE
ton to allow American vessels to use
the canal free OF tolls, since the note
of July last. II is now awaiting II
Is said, the enactment Of the legislation
into law and the adoption Of regula-
tons to put II into effect in order to
have q sufficient basis for more for
nal protest against what II regards as
In recognition OF the superior right
Of Great Britain to address the United
States government on this subject by
virtue Of the existence Of the Hay
Pauncefote treaty, other European ma
tons, and even Japan, have RETAINED
from approaching the State Depart
ment, Notwithstanding that their in
terest is equal to that Of Great Britain
by reason of their right to claim equal
treatment for their shipping under the
favored nation clauses in existing con-
veutions with the United States.
Another Protest Expected.
officials of this government, however.
are said to expect that soon after the
signature Of the act by the President
the British charge will be directed to
submit to the State Department a for
NAL prCtes in behalf Of his govern
ment against what II regards as dis
elimination against British shipping.
This will require an equally formal re
ply, reciting the act itself as a man
date by Congress which the executive
cannot disregard, supported by such
argument az the diplomatic bureau can
make to justify the action.
AS this will amount 10 a positive re-
fusal of the British request to treat
British shipping on an equality with
American, it is probable. In the opinion
of government authorities, that tho For
eign Office will come forward with Il
proposition 10 submit the issue 10 ar
bitration. calling attention 10 the ex-
isting British American arbitration
treaty as basis for the proposition, Il
move which would bring the matter to
a real crisis.
Should arbitration be adverse 70 the
American position 1t would be noces-
sary. 1t is said, for the State Depart
ment TO find reasonable ground for a
declination Of the British overture
without laying itself open to the charge