Grand Forks daily herald and the evening times., 1914-03-31
'EC01|ST|CAL
BLUNDER|Nc''
Humphreys Definition of
Wilson's Policy in the
Mexican Situation
PANAMA TOLLS
FIGHT is OUTCOME
Mann Dcnounces Democratic Scheme
and Declares That Acceptance of
British Construction on Treaty
Means Defeat in Times of War.

Washington, March 31.-Represen-
tative Humphrey Of Washington, re-
publican, denounced the democratic
position on the Panama tolls as more
contemplate than the English Ian
Euage can express" and declared that
by the "egotestical blundering" of
the administration in the Mexican
situation.
Representative Humphrey lauded
Majority Leader Underwood and
Speaker Clark, who, he said, ''tby ev
be president today" for refusing to
repudiate the democratic platform.
The administration, Humphrey de-
clared, had been imposed upon ito
carry out the International confidence
game by which Japan and England
hope to secure the use of the canal
without competition"
Mann Den0unces Scheme.
Republican Leader Mann told the
house that three questions were in
volved in the repeal Of the tolls ex-
emption: Treaty rights, moral rights
apart from treaty construction, and
the economic policy involved.
The economic question might be
changed any time. he said, but the
decision on treaty rights must be a
lasting one.
He maintained that no construction
of the Hay-Pauncefote treaty COM
PEELED the United States to charge
( the same tolls on it's own ships or
those Of Panama. as levied on those
of other nations.
Rule Not Applicable.
"A reading uf the rules TO sbe eh.
served by. nations TO receive equal
treatment, he said, ''Diainly discloseA
that they are not applicable to the
8 Unifed StAtoS Or Panama. s,ss I, isa4t
"Engiand's attempt to secure her
construction Of the treaty at this time
is not for its present effect. 1t is for
the long distance future. If we con-
strue the treaty according to the Eng
lish claims, 1t is sure to emba.rass US
whenever we have war with other
countries.
Would Bring Defeat
War is not desirable, but 1t Is In
evitable. We cannot always MAIN
tain peace. If we agree now to the
English construction, 1t is certain that
in the future when VIC have war
with Japan, or China. or some other
country. questions will arise in refer
ence to their use and our use Of the
canal. especially as to war vessels.
and in that time of stress, we will be
met with the contention by England
other country, that We have con-
strued that treaty in such a way that
we cannot protect the canal without
bringing protest from her or from
other countries which will embarass,
if not defeat us, in war
Manahan to Ask Questions.
Washington, March 31.-1n series
OF explosive questions, Representative
Manahan yesterday informed the
house of his opposition to the tolls re-
peal bill. Mr.. Manahan said:
Mr.. Speaker: Why is my time 50
limited that all I can do is to put a
few questions to the advocates of this
bill?
Why this unseemly haste in forcing
this measure through the house?
Do the advocates Of the repeal fear
full debate?
Do they fear some foreign nation?
Or are they afraid Of a protest from
the, people?
Are the people vet awake to the
meaning Of this contest?
Do they realize that 1t is the last
desperate effort Of the great railroads
to maintain conrol of. transportation
and to hold the power Of levying con-
sumers? s-
Is 1t not clear that in demanding
the repeal Of the exemption Of tolls
on our coastwise shipping England is
acting as attorney for the Canadian
Pacific railroad? NJ
Z Do not my colleagues from the
northwest realize that in pleading for
England's view of the treaty they arc
rendering valuable service to the royal
house OF Hill in Minnesota?
Arc Roads Indifferent.
ls there q member in this house or
voter In this country so simple as to
think that the railroads are Indifferent
In this matter? 1
Does not the elimination of water
composition mean millions in railroad
dividends?
NJ; Does not my colleague, MFR. Stevens,
realize that water competition reach