Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1913-01-22
MUST FAVOR AMERICANS
THAT is THE BELIEF OF sENA-
TOR o'eoRMAN AND OTHER
PROMINENT soLoNs
THE HOUSE is DIVIDED
STORMY DEBATES ARE EXPECT
ED WHEN NEW YORK MANS
MEASURES COMES UP.

Washington, Jan. 22.-Adyocates
Of free passage for American ships
through the Panama canal have mar
shalled their forces in the senate to
combat favorable action upon the
Root amendment, providing for re-
peal Of the American exemption pro-
vision. The determination of Chair
man Brandege to call a meeting of
the canal commission to consider the
Root amendment, has aroused the
friends of the free passage provision
to united fight against any modifi-
cation of the law passed last August.
Senator Roots speech of yesterday
was replied to today by Senator
O'Gorman of New York, Senator
Newlands of Nevada and others who
claim the United States has fnll ru-
thority under it's treaties to give free
passage to American coastwise traf-
fic. Senator O'Gorman was mem
Der Of the subcommittee which put
into the democratic platform at Bal
timore the plank endorsing the free
toll provision and his attitude
throughout the canal fight has been
vigorously opposed to the position
taken by his colleague, Senator
Root.
The democratic forces in the house
and senate are diyitred over the ques-
ton, Notwithstanding the declara-
tions of the national platform. An
attempt in the senate to bring about
a change in the law al this session
probably will open a fight more bit
ter than that which attended the or
iginal passage of the canal law.
I'VE would indeed create pain
full impression abroad, II this mighty
nation should surrender to the con-
! troll Of any foreign power, its do
oestic policies and the control Of its
isfestic commerce.
synlat we can never do, and main
taaeShe prestige, the honor and the
glory Of this republic"
This reply by Senator O'Gorman to
Senator Root marked the opening N
the senate today of the fight against
the Root amendment for the repeal
of the free passage provision Of the
new Panama canal act
IF Great Britain had expended 9
half billion dollars IN an enterprise
affecting her people as the Panama
canal does ours, what would be lei
attitude If the United States SHOULD
make complaint against her action?'
he asked.
Senator O'Gorman was followed b!
Senator Newlands, who also asserted
that the United States held domestic
rights at Panama which foreign
mower could not dispute. He proposes
that the free passage provision re
main in the bill, but that the objec
tions Of Great Britain be met with a.
amendment whereby the unite'
states government would pay tn
tolls remitted upon American coast
wise shipping.
"All that foreign nations have Tn
right to insist upon" said Senate
Newlands," is that the charge
which American ships are freed fror
shall not be imposed upon foreig
shipping"
Senator O'Gorman replied directl
to Senator Roots declaration tha
the United States was bound by tn
solemn pledges Of its treaties to sui
NIT to arbitration the Panama contr'
verseg He declared the latest arb
tration treaty negotiated with Grea
Britain had been defeated IN th
senate while those now In force q
plicliy exempted from arhitratio
questions Involving NE national hol
of Or vital interests Of tbe Unite
States.
Senator Newlanaa declared a.