The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-12


 Cause of Comment
 While the British note caused some comment on the unusual incident of n foreign nation interfering with legis- lation in a formative stage, it was pointed out that this was the only course by which Great Britain could oppose the measure. Just as soon as the bill becomes law, under supreme court decisions 1t supersedes all treaties bear Ing on the same subject matter and then would thus leave Great Britain no ground for objection.
 The state department probably will not undertake to reply to the British argument on it's own behalf, but will regard itself as subject to the action of Congress on the bill and will allow Congress to dictate any reply to the British protest.
 Should the bill become a law over the protest of Great Britain 1t is scarce ly expected that the matter will end there as British. and particular Cana dian interests, undoubtedly would farce further diplomatic action by London and when these means were exhausted The Hague tribunal would be the court of last resort.
 Extraordinary Situation
 Great Britain's request that the en-
  lation bill be held in allowance until the British charge can present note In behalf of his government confronts Congress and the state department with an extraordinary situation.
 The reduest has been referred to the Senate inter-oceanic canals committee. It came from tue summer embassy at Kineo Me, late yesterday and was sent by Mitchell Innes, the charge. acting for Ambassador Bryce, who is in New Zealand.
 The canal bill is now in the Senate committee with prospect of being re- ported very soon and will then go to conference with the House.
 Lawmakers at both ends of the cap- itol feel that if any Panama 1egisla- tion is to be had 1t must be at this session of Congress.
 Senator Brandegee has replied to the state department that the legislation proposed Is regarded as extremely ur- gent and that the Senate committee had planned to report the canal bill to the full Senate some time next week.
 That not only Great Britain but all of the maritime powers might be ex- pected to protest against any dis crimination in favor of American ves- sells has been fully anticipated, yet. not withstanding that fact, President Taft and Secretary Stimson, the member oi his cabinet directly charged with the construction and operation of the Pan anna canal, have, after careful investf- gation, committed themselves to the assertion of the right of the United States to regulate. traffic in the man. ner provided in the pending bill
 StimsOn's Attitude
 The strongest statement of the ad- ministration's position was sthat made by Secretary Stimson in his Kansas City speech. November 14, last. dealing with the Panama canal as a work about to be completed. He declared that he had not the least doubt of the right of the United States to pay tolls on American vessels using the canal. which would be equivalent to granting them free passage. He pointed out that substan- tially every European government us- ing the Suez canal paid such subsidies and the Hay-Pauncefote treaty pro- vided that the rules of the Suez canal were to govern the operation of the Panama canal.
 President Taft has let it be known that he proposed to be guided in the matter entirely by the will of Con- gress So. if the legislation is per- fected on the present lines the legisla- tive branch of the government will be obliged to lend unqualified support to the state department. | While 1t is true that Great Britain Occupies a position of great influence md power in regard to any Isthmian anal by reason of her ancient under aking of joint control with the United
 nteA It seems that any represents !