The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1912-07-18

GREAT BRITAIN OPPOSES FREE
USE or PANAMA BY AMER
ICAN VESSELS.
ENGLAND ASKS DELAY
Other Maritime Powers Expected to
Join In Protest
Bill Is Up
Now.

washington, ID. G.. - Great Brit
AIMS request that the enactment of
the Panama canal administration bill
be held in allegiance until Mr.. Innes.
the British charge, can present a note
In ehalf of his government, presents
to congress and the state department
an extraordinary situation.
The request for delay has been CON-
municated to the senate in~ter-oceanic
canals committee. 1t came from the
summer embassy at Kineo, Me-, late
yesterday, and was sent by Mitchell
lnnes, the charge, acting for Ambassa-
dor Bryce, who is in New Zealand.
While the reasons for the request
are not stated there is no doubt that
the British government is concerned
In the clause to grant free passage
through the canal to American vessels
In coastwise trade and that relating to
the passage of railroad-owned ships.
The Canadian railways are deeply con-
cerned in both and it is thought that
some OF the representations will be
made in their behalf. The canal bill
is now in the senate committee with
prospect of being soon reported, and
will then go to conference with the
house. Congressman at both ends of
the capitol feel that if any Panama
legislation is to be had it must be at
this session of congress.
Senator Brandegee has replied to
the state department that the legisla-
ton proposed is regarded as extreme
ly urgent and the senate committee
had planned to report the canal bill
to the full senate some time next
week. That reply has been com.
municated by wire to Mr.. lines and
probably will have the effect of hast
ening the delivery of the British note.
One of the provisions in the bill as
1t now stands would make it impos-
sible for Canadian railroad ships to
pass through the canal if they are
engaged in coastwise trade. Then the
question of free tolls to certain
classes of American ships involves
the old question of the Hay-Paunce.
fote treaty. ii is believed that the
British government will hold that
ships of all nations must be on an
equal basis. The opinion among many
American statesmen is that to grant
free tolls to American ships is not a
violation of the terms of the Hay
Pauncefote treaty.
That not only Grant Britain, but all
of the maritime powers might be ex-
pected to protest against any discrimi-
nation in favor of American vessels
has been fully anticipated. yet, not
withstanding that fact. President Taft
and Secretary Stimson, the member
of his cabinet directly charged with
the construction and operation of the
Panama canal, have after careful in
vestigation, committed themselves to
the assertion of the right of the Unit
ed States to regulate traffic in the
manner provided in the pending bill.
Great Britain's request IS likely to
have little effect in delaying the pas
sage of the canal bill, according to
leading members of the senate. Mem
bers of the senate ~inter-oceanic canals
committee declared there would be no
backing down" by the senate from
it's position in favor of free passage
of American ships.
The committee never has been
agreed upon hat point, however, and
there is a wide divergence of opinion
in the senate as to the rights of the
United States under existing treaties