New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-09-05
REPRESENTATIONS BY
BRITAIN, MINISTER SAYS
Sir Edward Grey Declares
American Action Violates
Hay-PaunCefote Treaty.
lBy Cable 20 The Tribune

London, Sept. 4.-British representa-
tons TO the United States regarding
the Panama Canal are disclosed in a
letter from Sir Edward Grey, British
Foreign Secretary. TO the New Castle
Chamber OF Commerce. He says that
the British government is making rep
reservations to the United States gov
eminent. He adds that there seems nc
doubt that the adoption by the Senate
OF the Panama Canal bill containing
provisions for the free use Of the canal
by American coastwise vessels az well
as United States ships in foreign trade
under certain conditions is violation
Of the -Pauncefote treaty, as the
canal will not be open on terms Of en-
tire equality to the ships OF all ma
lions.
II follows. Sir Edward adds. that If a
large part Of this trade Is allowed 10
pass free the total amount OF tolls COL
lected will be diminished 10 a large ex-
tent, and as a consequence general
trade will in the future be unduly taxed
on account of this suppression OF part
Of the earning power Of the canal and
the loss will fall upon the shoulders OF
foreign shipowners
London, Sept Panama continues TO
absorb a great share OF attention by the
British press. The opinion was current
to-day that the government r. likely 10
abstain from pressing it's arbitration pro-
posal until after the election, with the
hope that tho United States will then
amend the bill.
Washington dispatch says: 1T is be-
lieved that when Great Britain fully I'M
derstands that free tolls apply only TO the
American coastwise trade, In which Brit
ish shipping cannot participate, all rea-
sons for her desiring arbitration will dis
appear"
This belief finds no echo in the English
press The effect OF exemption Of coast
wise vessels has been fully DISCUSSED.
THE Times" which is publishing "A
series Of articles oil the canal. replying 10
letter by Lafayette Young former
United States Senator. now I'm England,
who wrote to the same effect, says
"IIe forgets that the cost Of maintain
ing the canal is TO be met by the dues
levied. If American vessels are not con-
tributing their share OF the upkeep the
amount 10 be borne by vessels OF other
nations will be so much the heavier. In
will be using the canal mainly at the cost
OF foreign steamers"
Several shippers have advanced a SINH
lar argument.
Strong regret at the spirit in which the
Panama question is being discussed on
this side OF the Atlantic is expressed to-
day by THE Westminster Gazette" the
government organ, whose editor, j. Alfred
Spender, Is considered as possibly the
next British Ambassador at Washington.
The charges OF Yankee perhdy," II
SAYS in an editorial, have had the precise
effect that might have been expected in
the American retort that Europe is strewn
with examples OF this alleged perfdy.
This only serves to generate heat where
light Is wanted.
1t is likely. continues THE Gazette"
that diplomacy will fail TO arrive at a
settlement, I'm which case the govern
ment's course clearly is to ask for arbi-
tration. II IL then pointed out that the
United States Senates ratification of an
agreement to arbitratc the question could
not be obtained until after the coming
election.
In conclusion, II says, President Taft is
so deeply committed to the principle Of
arbitration that his refusal TO submit the
question cannot be conceived.