The Washington herald., 1914-04-03

action stands as the settled policy OF
the American people. We are now
asked to reverse that policy, without
single reason being given for such
reversal l cannot see why I should
favor any such action.
No Doubt as TO Duty.
III I had any doubt about my duty
in this contingency. that doubt would
be solved by the sentiment in my State,
which is so overwhelmingly against re-
peal as to be practically unanimous 4"
Senator Fall, of New Mexico, outlined
his attitude in the following state
ment:
'T will not say that I will positively
vote against the President, but I have
almost come to the conclusion that the
repeal would be less wise than continuing
the exemption.
What / believe to be the best thing
of all would be to grant tolls exemp.
tions to coastwise ships. not only OF the
United States but OF every country Of
both North and South America
The principal objection Of Great Brit
ain to tolls exemption is not on account
OF the Canadian Pacific. as is commonly
believed. but on account of the Tehuante-
pee Railway, owned by Cowdray. This
railroad, due TO the failure of the Mex
10 put lls VI
the money, now is practically under lease
by Cowdray for fifty-one years, but at
the end of that time it will pass into
the hands of the Mexican government.
1T cost $500, 600, practically all OF
which was put up by British capitalists,
and free tolls to American coastwise
ships, which includes the ships running
from New York TO Hawaii. would make
that entire investment worthless. Pierre
ing the narrow part of Mexico just above
the Yucatan peninsula, it is only 100
miles long. and is one of the most per-
fectly equipped roads in the world.
Would Please England.
so that tolls exemption to the coast
wise trade of both Americas would
please England so far as Mexico is con-
cerned, and as far as Canada is con-
cerned. il would please Mexico, which
will eventually own that railroad. II
would please Colombia. which We have
wronged in the taking Of Panama. and
which has coasts on both oceans. and
would convince the big South American
nations that We are friendly.
1T is common knowledge that Brazil.
Argentina. and chile have formed a close
alliance, principally to protect themselves
from US. This is a step, think. which
would remove that feeling. and make the
attitude OF the rest of the world of
much less consequence"
President Wilson yesterday denounced
as SILLY invention the report carried
in anti-repeaT newspapers that he had
through Senator Owen. of
Oklahoma, an ''ultimatum to the Senate
demanding hurried action on the repeal
bill The President told callers he had
every reason to believe the Interoceanic
Canals Committee would report out the
bin within a reasonable time, and that
there would be no attempt at a filibuster
in the Senate.
Amendments Not Considered.
The President has not considered any
amendments to the fiat repeal bill. As
pointed out by The Washington Herald
yesterday. he is not disposed to yield to
Jressure on this score through fear that
amendments may commit this govern |
nent to a future course Of action with /
-egard to controversial points in the Hay |
oauncefote treaty.
Following his appearance before the |
Foreign Relations Committee on the ar !
,itration treaties yesterday. Secretary |
Bryan spent some time in the office of !
senator Hoke Smith discussing the tolls |
question with friends. He urged Senator |
Ashurst, of Arizona, who has announced |
lis opposition to the repeal. to back the |
President. Following the interview, |
Senator Ashurst said he had not changed |
lis mind.