The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-28
President Outlines Position
Before Foreign Rela-
tiOns Committee
THREE COURSES ARE
OPEN TO CONGRESS
Wilson Holds Exemption Is in VIOLA
ton of Hay-Pauncefote Treaty.
Will Make Public State
ment Soon

Washington, January 27.-How To dis
pose of the Panama canal tolls question
was the subject uppermost in discussion
about the capital today when the attitude
of President Wilson, outlined to the SEN
ate foreign relations committee last night
became public. The Presidents position
was asserted. that the provision of the
Panama canal act granting toll exemp-
ton to American coastwise vessels is in
violation Of the -Pauncefote treaty.
which proclams tnat the canal snail be
free and open 60 all nations "on terms
of entire equality" and that Charges
of traffic should be just and equitable. ="
Before definite action Is taken i'll Con-
gress, II was said tonight administration
leaders will await a public statement
from the President on the question Presi-
dent Wilson himself after the night CON
ference with the senators. said he would
proclaim his views lat a future time
Three Courses Open
Three courses are open to Congress-
Great Britain. which persistently has
| opposed the toll exemption for American
ships, has offered To arbitrate the ques-
! ton as TO its being a violation of the
| liay-Pauncefote treaty. The majority in
Congress, 1t is believed, opposes this,
| maintaining that the United States should
settle the issue for Itself. Another course
is 10 carry into effect a resolution sub
mitted by Representative Adamson, which
would suspend for two years the opera
! ton of the provision eXempting American
| ships from the pay ment of tolls. Should
this be adopted diplomatic negotiations
could continue in the meantime. The
| third proposal Is that Congress repeal
the free toll provision.
Representative Adamson today said that
the committee on interstate and foreign
commerce undoubtedly would report the
free tolls suspension hill to the House
favorablN but that this action would be
held up pending definite word from pres-
dent Wilson. Mr.. Adamson expects the
President to communicate his views to
Congress soon In a special message lie
expressed confidence that the House
would pass the resolution,
May Urge Repeal
! Some senators today indicated that tie
PRESIDENT would urge repeal of the free
| toll provision, but those who talked 70
| the President either did not divulge ur
were not certain what course the chief
executive would pursue. There WAS SOM
sentiment in favor Of taking up the
Adamson plan. though the action of the
Senate in the matter Whatever course tile
situation may take could not be forecast.
Many republican senator's led by Sena-
tor Root hold that free tolls violate tho
treaty while several democrats who voted
for free tolls said today they were
amendabe to reoson," ana would be glad
To hear from the President
senator O'Gorman, VINO vigorously ad-
Vocated free tolls aud ul posed the argti-
ment that they would vo'ete the treaty.
would not discuss the Presidents views
UpmnprntS M IL
canal committee who voted FOR tree tolls
t. American coustwise ships talked brief
ly on the new situation.
Senator Chiffon. West Virginia, said
he had studied the treaty question eare-
fully and had come 10 the conclusion
that the canal act did not violate he
treaty. II have great respect Tor tho
opinions of the President" said Senator
Chiffon. "but : thnl I would have to hear
stronger arguments than nave been ad-
vaneed before | ,ould change my nina.
senator Walsh. Montana, n member cf
the canals corrittee. said he had favored
free tolls after a careful study of the
treaty question, but that he would be
willing to listen tn further argument,
Senator Page, Vermont republican
member of the committee. said he always
opposed the exemp.on OF American ships
from tolls. but he expressed the belief
that the majority OF the canals comnlt-
tee would take a firm stand TO uphold the
law as II stands
Correspondence Suspended
Diplomatic correspondence over the tolls
question which had been in progress since
Great Britain lodged formal protest In
July. 1872 virtually was suspended after
Ambassador Bryce delivered note last
February, Just before the expiration OF
the Taft administration reasserting the
British position. Secretary Knox made
no effort to reply for the reason that
he did not desire to embarrass his sue
cessor in the office of Secretary of State
--eN1~~o>>-~>---~~- ~~-->~-->>---~---- -
Continued ON Page FourteenD