The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-03-12
WILSON PLANS
TOCHECK JAPAN
Believed to Be Reason Of Ap-
peal to Congress in
Tolls Message.
OTHERS UNFR1ENDLY
Trouble Feared by Some II
U. s. Intervenes in
Mexico.
CONGRESS VIEWS DIFFER
Britain's Attitude Problemati-
cal II Her Ally Gets
Belligcrent.
CONGRESS VIEWS DIFFER

wilson's personal efforts to effect the
passage by Congress OF the bill repeating
the clause of the Paaama Canal act ex-
empting American ships engaged In the
cosstwise trade from payment Of tolls
have served to revive the reports that
international complications will ensue II
the measure is not promptly enacted.
The impression IL growing in Washing.
ton that uneasiness over the attitude Of
Japan toward the United States is the
cause Of the Presidents concern over the
Panama Canal repeal bill. Outwardly
the Administration seems bent on gaining
ths good will OF Great Britain.
In this connection 1t Ia pointed out
that as an ally OF Japan Great Britain
exercises a large influence over the Far
Eastern Powers. In urging Congress TO
repeal the exemption clause friends OF the
Administration say the President 10
planning for the future.
Members of Congress who have been
called into conference at the White House
are responsible for the statement that
the President fears trouble with other
nations unless the tolls controversy ia
disposed Of by the repeal Of the exenp-
ton CLAUSE. The President at the time
he read his message emphaticaily indi-
Gated TO callers that there was nothing
critical in any situation confronting the
United States and that he had In mind
only the desirability Of removing the i'm
preston among foreign Governments that
the United States was seeking to evade
IT. just obligations.
Mexico said TO Ne Question.
1t has commonly been inferred despite
the White House statements that no par
ticuiar situation except the tolls con
troversy itself was in the Presidents
mind when he addressed Congress and
that the situation IN Mexico was really
S~ponsihe- for the impressive language
he used on that occasion.
Members of Congress were almost
unanimous In believing that when the
President said ne would not know how
- deal with problems OF greater deli
cacy and nearer consequences" he WAS
thinking of the Mexican problem this
Government has on its hands.
That the Administration wishes to b.
assured Of at least one strong friend
m case o. more serious trouble in Mexico
10 believed here. II has been pointed out
to his callers by the President that the
United States occupies an Isolated posi-
ton internationally.
The DISPOSITION Of the canal tolls con-
eroyersy by repeal will please not only
Great Britain but other maritime nations
rs well. All the European Powers have
an Interest In the canal almost Identical
With Great Britain. but could not, Of
course protest against the law exempt!ng
American ships from tolls. as Great
Britain Is the only one having'a treaty on
the subject. The laudatory press COM
, ment In Great Britain since the Pres,-
dents message 10 regarded here an proof
that tho Presidents course IL indicated
at least to the extent OF esta bllshing more
cordial relations with the British.
1t has been suggested many times that
should the United States become deeply
involved In Mexico to the extent Of using
its armed forces TO restore peace in that
country Japan might take advantage OF
the preoccupation of the United States to
menace this country. In such an event. 1t
10 said. the friendship OF Japans ally,
Great Britain. would be invaluable, as
Great Britain could then be &C united upon
to dissuade Japan from hostilities against
the United States.
serted. that Great Britain. has already
admitted herself helpless as far az Mexico
is concerned and that the interests of
the British Government and Its colonies
are such as to compel them to support
the United States as against her ally,
Japan. Those opposing the repeal ask
why the United States should buy friend
ship and support already assured this
country both in Mexico and against
Japan.
Complications Faced ~ u. =.
1t is admitted that the situation OF the
United States In not a pleasant one at
this time. Russia Is aggrieved by the
abrogatiun OF the treaty of 1889 because
Of the influence OF the Jews In the United
states, while France and Italy are much
displeased with pending immigration legis-
lation and the proposed amendment to
the laws protecting patents on exhibits
at the Panama Pacific Exposition In San
Francisco.
Colombia Is still nursing her grievance
ever Panama and Is doing her utmost
TO gain to her side other South American
countries, despite the fact that negotia-
tons for the settlement OF her controversy
are now In progress.
Those supporting the policy OF repeal
say that by that single act the United
states Government will at one stroke
clear the decks for the better adjustment
Of its controversies with other nations.