Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1914-03-18
ASKS WILSON
TOPRODUCE
PROTESTS
Senator Jones Scores Presidents
Canal Policy as Dishonora-
BILE for Nation.

WASHINGTON, March iS.-De-
claring that repeal of the clause ex-
empting United States coastwise ship
ping from payment of Panama Canal
tolls following Great Britain's pro-
test, would be a part of the price this
nation must pay to get the help Of
foreign power in the adjustment of
the unfortunate Mexican situation,
Senator Wesley T. Jones, of Wash
ington, in the Senate to-day called up
his resolution asking President Will
son for full information as to all foc-
eign protests against the enactment
Of the Democratic platform pledge on
tolls.
why is it necessary for us to re-
peal a law of great domestic concern
in order that some unknown foreign
policy may be brought to successful
issue?" he asked. rs noninterference
in Mexico by foreign powers to be
bought at this price? Have we be-
come so inert, so weak, so servile, that
the Monroe Doctrine must be sus-
tanned and invigorated by the very
powers against which It was in
voked?"
Senator Jones declared that al
agreement for an alliance with Eng
land has been reached, and that as a
part of it Great Britain is to seek
reparation for its losses on Confeder-
ate bonds.
Burden Forever on Our Ships.
Should the exemption clause be re-
peated, the Senator asserted, the
burden of tolls must rest forever on
our coastwise ships, unless we see fit
TO relieve all vessels from tolls. What
argument does he (the PresidenD pre-
sent? What reason does he offer?
Absolutely none He says the 'ex
emption constitutes a mistaken eco
nomic policy from every point OF
view He gives no reason, he cites
no facts upon which to base this as
sertion, contrary to his public declara-
ton in the last campaign,
This exemption contravenes no
treaty obligations either in letter or
in spirit, and therefore, no question
of national honor is involved. 1t is
solely an economic one, and the in
terests of our own people are alone to
be considered. Let me assert as pos
itively as language will permit that
those who favor this exemption are
as Jealous of the national honor as
those who oppose it,"
A Disastrous Policy.
Senator Jones declared that to fol-
low the dictation of another nation
would lead to disastrous consequences
and said if it were followed the United
States would waive its right to forti-
fly the canal, to prevent an enemy's
Warships passing through it, to keep
our own warships in the canal, to bar
undesirable citizens from our shores,
or to decide upon the naturalization OF
undesirabes
The message of the President" said
Senator Jones, lis not only remark
dnlt AOI It's ldAh VI A"NNss NNeAA ~ 80
reason and for the sublime assurance
of the schoolmaster that the boys Will
do what he wants, but it is more re-
markable in its conclusion"
He then discussed the closing SEN
tence of President Wilson's address,
in which he said:
81 shall not know how to deal with
other matters of even greater delicacy
and consequence if you do not grant 1t
to me in ungrudgng measure.
Honorable Conclusion Difficult.
Il want to draw from these words"
said the Senator, "a conclusion hon
orable to my country, but it is diff
cult to do So"
Senator Jones contradicted Presi-
dent Wilson's statement that the
meaning of the Hay Pauncefote
treaty lis not debated outside the
United States" He said that England
had construed similar language for 90
years as the advocates Of exemption
now interpret it, and that England
changed her attitude only when her
commercial interests dictated
change.