The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-03-14
CANAL TOLLS IMPORTANT.
BEARS CLOSE RELATION TO
PEACE POLICY OF NATIONS.
Repeal OF Exemptions of Vital Con-
Germ to American Honor i'm Opinion
OF dent-Circumstances OF
Controversy Settlement Will Have
Effect upon all European Nations.

! IHecI upon ali European Nations.
Washington, March S.--Develop-
ments Of the American foreign policy
as an influence for commercial eX-
pansion and the cause Of universal
peace is a vital concern of the Wash
ington administration in it's efforts to
have repealed the Panama tolls
exemption clause. Aside from Pres
ident Wilson's assertion that national
honor is involved in upholding
treaty obligation, there are circum-
stances surrounding a settlement of
the controversy which are expected
by administration officials to have
broad effect on the United States dip
lomatic relations with the entire
world
Behind the protest of Great Britain,
it has become known authoritatively,
stands the united support Of Euro
pean nations whose formal objections
have been held in allegiance to await
the outcome Of Englands negotiations
with the United States. Underlying
the settlement of the tolls dispute is
an ambitious programme Of Ameri-
can diplomacy, which cOntemplateS
an early adjustment Of relations with
the nations OF the globe SO that the
Panama canal may be opened in an
era of diplomatic good feeling.
Though there exists no agreements
or obligations or understanding with
Great Britain to this effect, the ex-
tension Of England's reciprocal good
will, in the view of diplomatists, can
not but aid in bringing about eventual
triumph Of the American policy in
Mexico and a satisfactory settlement
Of delicate negotiations with Japan
and influence host of other diplo-
matte difficulties which have accum-
ulated to the United States in the
last decade and in which the friend
ship of Great Britain could be a
healthy factor
Sir Lionel Garden, British minister
to Mexico, recently saw President
| Wilson, but the subject OF the tolls
was not mentioned and the conversa-
ton included no discussion Of further
plans or policies in Mexico, though
the British minister did carry away
distinct impression Of President Will
sons unalterable opposition to HUI
! erta.
This, it is assumed, may be con-
veyed to the foreign diplomats in
l Mexico City, as we'll as to Huerta
himself in a manner that would pre-
clude any further support from Eu-
rope Of Huerta. These possibilities
are pointed out by close observers,
who suggest that diplomacy often
needs no formal understanding or
agreement, but acts frequently on the
principle that one good turn deserves
lanother.
I British participation in the Pan
ama-Pacific exposition, for instance,
is now being urged by the English
press, and q majority in the house Of
commons is supporting the movement,
which is regarded in many quarters
as an instance of such reciprocity
Worldwide participation in the ex-
position, incidentally. is hoped for
by the Washington government, not
only because of q natural desire for
the success Of an American enter
prise, but because the administration
expects to make of the exposition an
international forum for the promo
tion OF universal peace. The recent
ratification of eight arbitration
treaties and the consummution of the
principles Of investigation as a pre-
ventative of war in treaties already
being drafted with several nations are
manifestations of the purpose of the
United States to take the lead for
world peace and the abolition Of war
In an atmosphere of frank dealing
4 and international good faith it is the
wish of the United States government
to rehabilitate the entire structure Of
it's foreign relations. In this light dip
lOmatists point to President Wilson'S
reference in his last message to mat
ters Of greater delcacy and nearer
consequence, which, he said, were
involved in the proposed repeal.