Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1914-03-24
OPPONENTS OF EXEMPTION IN
PANAMA DIG UP LAWS IN
FORCE SINCE 1885.
OLD RIVERS AND hARsoRs
ACT FAvoRs HOME SHIPPING
Surprise Sprung in Senate BY Cham
berlain, and Resolution 10 introduced
Demanding Exemption Of All Yes
sells From Payment of ToIis-Ques-
ton to Become Factor Of Debate.

Washington. March 24.-Basis for an
important phase of the argument
against the administration proposal for
repeal of the tolls exemption feature of
fore the senate today when Senator
Chamberlain. of Oregon, introduced
resolution which would pave the way
for the repeal of a provision of rivers
and harbors act OF 1896. providing for
no tolls on any river. canal or other
waterway work of the United States.
After setting aside the provision. the
Chamberlain resolution. which calls on
the secretary Of war for information re-
iating to the maintenance of rivers and
canals, declares:
Whereas, IL the free tolls clause of
the Panama canal act Is to be repealed
and tolls are to be levied on vessels en-
gagged in coastwise trade Of the United
States, the policy of the government Is
to be completely reversed, and the act
of July S. 1884, ought to be repealed and
tolls charged on all the improved wat
erways and canals Of the country so
there might be uniform system for
these utilities.
Wants Nation to BE Consistent.
Therefore. in anticipation Of the
possible repeal of the free tolls clause
of the Panama canal act and reversal
of the time honored policy of the I'm
tied States with reference to river and
canal Improvement and in order to as
certain the facts in reference to these
improvements. be 1t resolved:
THAT the secretary of war be and he
is hereby requested to furnish to tho
senate of the United States the follow
ing information:
First the amount expended by the
United States In river and harbor I'm
pYoxements since the adoption OF the
constitution.
Second, the amount expended by the
United States in construction OF canals
covering the same period Of time.
Third, the amount that the several
states have recommended to be used
in cooperation with the United States.
Fourth. the names Of the rivers
which have been improved and the
amount that has been expended on
CSSi, tAC AfnAOoAS SAslS AdSS DceA lH1~
proved and the amount that has been
expended on each. the canals that have
been constructed and improved and
the amounts expended on EACH
Fifth. the total commerce and ton
mage and it's value that passes thru
said rivers. harbors and canals.
Wants Financial Statement.
"Sixth, what charges are made for
tolls on any thereof. and what amount
of tolls would 1t be necessary to charge
for the purpose Of reimbursing the gov
ernment for the expenditures hereto
fore made and for the maintenance
and up-keep thereof.
Seventh, what classes OF vessels,
whether domestic or foreign, are per-
mitted to pass into or thru each OF
these rivers. harbors and canals, and
what discrimination is made IN do
mestic shipping.
Eighth. what amount might be
realized by the United States II a rea-
sonable charge was made on all ship
ping passing thru said rivers. harbors
and canals.
"Ninth. what, If any. treaties are Il,
force between the United States and
any foreign power which would pre-
vent the United States from charging
tolls against such foreign governments
even in cases where 1t might be deter
mined to charge toll on its own ves-
seis.
"Tenth what Is the present cost per
annum to the United States for main
tanning said rivers. harbors and ca
nails"
Senator Chamberlain's resolution as
serts in its preamble that "the Panama
canal has cost the United States more
than s4oO, 100000 and is built OF soil
which to all intents and purposes be-
longs to the United States and forms
a part OF the United States coast line
An Element in Debate.
Senator Chamberlain was prevented
from speaking today on his resolution
n repeal the tolls exemption on inland
waterways granted by the rivers and
harbors bill of 1884. Senator Thomas
objected to consideration OF the res
o,n.ion and ii went over until tomor-
row and was referred to the commerce
committee. Mr. Chamberlain. one OF
the opponents ,of the repeal OF the
panama tolls exemption. introduced
hia resolution, he explained, to make
tolls on American ships uniform IN all
waterways. 1t promises to become an
element In the Panama debate.
chairman Henry, OF the rules COM
nittee. vag waiting to bring IN a spe-
cial rule for immediate consideration
of the repeal bill, with fifteen hours OF
general debate and barring any
amendments or other intervening mo
lions exeept a motion to roeommit to
the committee on interstate commerce.
senator O.Gorman had read In the
..nate chamber today letters and tel
.grams commencing his opposition to
the repeal.
MAXWELL Light Contract Signed.