The Washington times., 1912-09-03
WILL FIGHT DEMAND
THAT PANAMA CASE
Be TAKEN TO HAGUE
u. S. Will Not Consent to
Britain's Effort to Arbi-
trate Issue.

The United States will pay no at
tention to the protest of Great Brit
ain regarding the Panama canal tolls.
On the authority of one of the high
est officials of the State Department
1t can be stated that this Government
will not consent TO the submission to
The Hague Court of Permanent Arbi-
tration Of the question of the conform
ity of the Panama toll act with the
Hay-Pauncefote treaty. 1t makes no
difference whether Great Britain de-
mands such action or not
Dispatches from the American en-
bassy at London detailing the atti-
tude of the British government and
giving the comments Of the British
press on the, Panama affair caused
little agitation at the department.
While nc official intimation of the &C
tion OF the English government has
reached Washington, 1t was stated to-
day that the United States has expect
ed the foI eign office at London to take
this course in last vain effort to save
It's official face. In this connection 1t
can be stated that the United States
move ., -.. -,.a
Checked by 1908 Convention.
Because no official notice of the Brit
partment. Acting Secretary of Stata
Huntington Wilson declined to discuss
the affair this morning.
1t was pointed out by another Of
fetal. however, that Article 1 of the
arbitration convention with Great Brit
ian. ratified in 1908, would check any
demand similar. to that now contem-
plated by the British ministry. This
article reads:
Differences which may arise of a
legal nature or relating to the interpre-
tation of treaties between two contract
Ing Parties, and which It is not possible
to the Permanent Court of Arbitration
at The Hague, provided that they do
not affect the vital interests, the In
dependence or the honor OF the two
the interests of third parties"
The question of allowing American
coastwise vessels to pass through the
canal free of tolls would appear at
Gle of the convention. But the State
Department has prepared and is ready
to submit lengthy arguments showing
that the subject is in reality one
inasmuch as it affects the vital inter
ests of the United States through the
American merchant marine and also
concerns the interest of third parties
r rance, SeTIndny, Italy ana Japan
being as much interested in the pas
sage of the canal as Is Great Britain.
Prepared to Fight Arbitration.
The United States. armed with these
arguments, will fight against the sub
mission of the question to the Hague,
II such fight is necessary
Officials of this country are aroused
over the vitriolic attacks of the Brit
ish press on President Taft and the
present foreign policy of this Gov
ernment. The State Department, in
no uncertain terms, has let 1t be
known that these attacks are dis
graceful and totally uncalled for"
Diplomats here say that had Great
Britain treated the matter calmly and
deliberately the United States probably
would have met her halfway. and might
have consented to submit the issue to
arbitration. As matters stand now, this
Government Is to stand pat, brook no
foreign interference and, having built
the canal, will run It and rule 1t as 1t
sees At.
When President Taft arrives at the
White House from Beverly at 8 o'clock
tomorrow morning Acting Secretary of
State Wilson will Immediately 90 into
conference with him. Judging from his
past actions with respect to the canal
1t Is almost certain that the Chief
Executive will concur in the stand of
the State Department and that the
Senate will back him up