The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-02-19
DEMOCRATIC SPLIT
OYER TOLLS FEARED
Bitter Opposition to wilson's
Plan to Repeal Clause
Is Expected.
O'GORMAN LEADS FIGHT
BristOw Begins Attack on Presi-
dent for His Stand on
Canal Provision.
O'GORMAN LEADS FIGHT

"AShAN0ION, E0O. le.-Iuo tseuo
raised by President Wilson's determine
ton to have the free tolls provision in
the Panama Canal act repealed 10 rap
Idly assuming the foremost place in Con-
gress There are evidences Vhat the
President will meet with stronger and
sharper opposition within his own party
on this question than on any other that
he has raised.
That Mr.. Wilson will be subjected to
personal attack also was made clear to-
day when senator Bristow Of kansas dred
the opening gun for the Republicans who
are opposed to a repeal OF this provision.
Senator Bristow attacked the President
sharply on the ground Of inconsistency.
While senator Bristow was delivering
his speech the President was In confer
ence with Representative Underwood. the
Democratic leader of the House. trying
to win him over to the Administrator
however. left the White House still op-
posed to the repeal OF the free tolls pro-
vision. and tho President will have to
reckon with his opposition in the House.
unless some ground Of compromise II
reached.
compromises have been suggested as q
means OF reconciling the differences be-
tween the President and Mr.. Underwood
and other leaders In Congress One Of
these suggestions contemplates the extern
90. s,u,,.a ,,.ssa,. -, al, ra,,a.. r,,.
a,on,S n.,r,,, Canas,am 1851. 10
,h,ou.h ~. c,nai &C.. 80 Ell. d.. =.
,ha Xn,.r,c., noa.,.,,.. ,.s..,.
titled TO 20.
Would Not sstisfy Germany.
Great Britain's complaint against tho
IL 10 contendcd. upon "A discrimination
against Canadian vessels and in favor Of
American bottoms. such n compromise
however, would not satisfy other nations
like Germany. although the latter Cover
ment would have no basis for charges Of
n treaty violation, as Great Britain had.
Another compromise suggested is to
exempt from payment OF tolls all vessels
that touch at an American port
Up to this time. however, no progress
has been made In tho effort 70 harmonic
differences. The President still favors
the absolute repeal OF the Objectionable
provisions.
II Is not likely that Mr.. Underwood
would openly lead an attack on the Ad-
mintstration's programme. but IL In said
that an effort will be made to have the
President shoulder all responsibility for
the repeal OF a provision Endorsed by the
Democratic platform, and that Congress
Will insst upon having specific reasons
from him.
Senator Br1stow drew parallel between
the Presidents stand on suffrage and his
attitude toward the Panama Canal tolls.
Tho Democratic national platform. the
Senator said. was not NO potent with Mr.
Wilson in matters In which big railroads
were concerned as II was when the women
or the country were appealing To him.
sutherland Des>~da william.
senator hristowe attaek on tho Pres'-
cent was toiowed by lively col!oquy
senator sutherland or utah declared that
u would De very wei Tor the country II
the President departed from the Demo-
cratic PLATFORM more freouently.
senator Lodge aiso defended the Pres''
don't warmly. He said that President
dealing IL