The Washington herald., 1914-03-12
VISIONS OF WAR
in TOLLS Fight
Fear Of Conflict Said to Be
Back of Battle for
Repeal.
UNCLE SAM FRiENDLESS
Presidents Utteranees Regarding 'lso-
lated Position" Given Significance
Bill Certain to Pass.
UNCLE SAM FRiENDLESS

The Presidents personal efforts toward
securing the passage through Congress
OF the repeal OF the clause OF the Pan
anna Canal act exempting American ships
engaged In the coastwise trade from
payment Of canal tolls has served to re-
vive the reports. printed at the time he
sent his message to Congress. that In
ternational complications will ensue II
the repeal is not granted.
Members of Congress who have been
called into conference at the White
House on the subject are responsible for
| statements that the President fears trou-
BILE with other nations unless the tolls
| controversy is disposed of by the repeal
of the exemption clause.
Members Of Congress were almost
\ unanimous in believing that when the
President said he would not know how
to deal with problems Of greater deli
cacy and nearer consequence he was
| thinking OF the Mexican problem this
government has on Its hands.
| Wants One strong Friend.
That the administration wishes to be
assured of at least one strong friend
In case Of more serious trouble In
Mexico Is believed here. II has been
pointed out to this caller by the Presiden,
that the United States occupies an isolat-
ed position, without a single friend among
the nations. The disposition of the canal
tolls controversy by repeal will please
not only Great Britain. but other mari
| time nations as well.
1t has been suggested many times that
should the United States become involved
in Mexico. to the extent of using Its
armed forces to restore peace In that
country, Japan might take advantage OF
the preoccupatiOn OF the United States
to menace this country. In such al
event II is declared. the friendship oi
Japans ally. Great Britain. would b,
Invaluable. as Great Britain could then
be counted upon to dissuade Japan from
hostiiities against the United States.
Forced to support United states.
On the other hand. il is pointed out
that the interests of the British gov.
'rnment and its colonies are such as Il
compel them TO support the United State
is against her ally, Japan. Those op-
! cosing the repeal ask why the United
States should buy friendship and SUD.
Port already assured this country, both in
Mexico and against Japan.
Russia Is aggrieved because of the alb
rosation OF the treaty Of lS3s because OF
the influence Of the Jews in the United
states, while France and Italy are much
displeased with pending immigration leg
islation and the proposed amendment q
the law protecting patents on exhibits
at the Panama Pacific Exposition at SaT
Francisco. Colombia is still nursing heI
grievance over Panama. and is doing her
/ utmost to gain TO her side other South
American countries. despite the fact that
negotiations for the settlement OF heI
controversy are now in progress
\ canvass OF the House demonstrates
that the repeal bill will be passed by a
To- fsat. aArs0g Hat
pecially favorable in the Senate A can
vass of that body shows the following
! results: For repeal. SIS; against, a. and
doubtful T. These figures foreshadow
beyond doubt the passage Of the meas.
ure.