New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-04-22
Abroqation Resolution Offered
as Speedy Way to Dispose
of Tolls Problem.
0'G0RMAN IN ITS FAVOR
Colleagues Believe President
Will Not Sanction It-De-
nounced by Re-
publicans.


Washington. April 21.--The Senate re-
ceived with some perpleXity of mind to-
day resolution introduced by Senator
Chamberlain providing for the abroga-
tion Of the Clayton Bulwer and Hay
Pauncefote treaties With Great Britain
as the most direct way Of disposing Of
the canal tolls problem.
Some Democratic Senator's. among
whom is Senator O'Gorman. approve this
method OF bringing the controversy to
an end and of preventing the filing OF
protests concerning the administration
of the Panama Canal in the future The
Senator from New York even went TO the
extent Of saying that the resolution
would be adopted by an overwhelming
vote. a prediction that was not sup
ported generally by his colleagues. VINO
were inclined to believe that the resolu-
ton would not pass. and that if it did
it would not meet with the approval Of
the President.
Secretary Bryan stated that 10 was
customary before a resolution of this
kind was introduced 10 consult the state
Department. and added that this had not
been done IN the case Of the suggested
abrogation OF the British treaty. lie
left inquirers TO draw their own infer
ences from his assertions.
Assurance has been given that the sub
ioct at least will be brought TO the at
teution OF the Senate. Democratic mem
bcrs OF the Committee on Foreign Rela-
tons are disposed 10 act on the resolu-
ton one way or the other and 70 make
a report 10 the Senate. either adverse or
favorable. so that Il may have an op-
portunity 80 pass on the question. Pres
ent Indications are that the report VIII
be adverse. as a majority Of the mem
beers ~ the committee take the view that
the treaties arc in the nature of con
tract with Great Britain. ana cannot be
terminated by tire will of one govern
mont
Il think the resolution Will be- approved
bv majority 81 the Senate said SEN
ator OGorman. u adhere 70 tue opinion
expressed IN my first speech on the sub
icct. that the Panama Canal question IS
domestic matter. 10 would Doe well 10
have the matter settled conclusively now
by abrogating the treaties and preventing
Great Britain from harassing this gov
eminent in the future. Great Britain has
repeatedly violated the provisions Of both
treaties. Besides IL 10 be- maintained
that they give Great Britain a voice Ia
tile administration OF the affairs OF the
canal. those who negotiated them OK
ceeded their authority. and. having eN-
in Inn 81 q a.
they have drawn are invalid.
Senator BIlstow. also one OF the most
ardent advocates OF the no tolls provis-
ion Of the canal btu. took much the same
view
of don't believe. he said. the Hay
Pauucefote treaty bears the construction
given 10 Il by Mr. Root. DO not believe
that it was intended that ID should be So
construed. But If that construction is
correct the treaty should he abrogated at
once because 10 self-respecting nation
would abdlcate its sovereignty over its do
nestle affairs. a. Mr. Root contended we
did by the -Pauncefote treaty.
Senator Hoke Smith and other Demo
cratic leaders are as emphatic in their
disaproval Of the proposed abrogation Of
the treaties as Senator O'Gorman Is i'm
favormg TO- They characterized the
Chamberlain resolution as preposterous
ana took issue with senator O'Gorman as
to the possibility that it would be adopted
by tha Senate
Republican Senators were outspoken n
their dcnunciation of the proposed step.
They said that the abrogation of the
Hay-P auncefote treaty which Is a per
petual treaty until terminated by consent
Of both parties. would be a blow at arbi-
tration and the promotion Of nterna-
tional peace The reputation Of the United
States for bad faith in the observance OF
treaty obligations. they contcnted. would
be- such that 10 self-respecting nation
would be- willing 10 enter into relations
VI this character with il in the future.
liz the House three Panama Canal
measures were introduced to-day 10y Rep
resentative Moore. Of Pennsylvania. one
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