Weekly journal-miner. [volume] (Prescott, Ariz.) 1908-1929, 1914-04-29
FREE TOLLS ARE
OPPOSED BY
CHAMBER
BODY VOTES DOWN RES
OLUTION WHICH 1T CON-
SIDERS POLITICAL IN
CHARACTER

A resolution favoring free tolls
for American coastwise ships through
the Panama canal was lost by elev-
ell votes at the meeting of the
Chamber OF Commerce last night.
The discussion of the matter was
precipitated by R. 7. Van Ettisch,
of the Los Angeles Examiner, who
urged the Chamber to favor free
tolls because of the benefits the
shippers and consumers will receive
if the law is not repealed.
Mr.. Van Ettisch explained that
the toll Of SIPS a ton added to the
freight rate will make the rate high
or to the shipper and consumer.
Joseph Morgan introduced reso-
lutions favoring free tolls as fol-
lows:
WHEREAS. the Prescott Cham
Der of Commerce was formed and
is maintained to advance the COM
mercial interests of Prescott and
vicinity; and.
WHEREAS, this organization be-
lievcs that the repeal of the free
tolls clause of the Panama Canal
act which exempts American ships
engaged i'll coastwisc commerce not
owned by transcontinental railroads
from paying toll TO pass through
the canal, will rob the shippers and
consumers of the benefits they ex-
pected to receive through the build
ing of the canal; and.
WHEREAS. ono of the primary
objects in building the canal was
TO develop water competition with
the transcontinental railroads and
thus bring about rate reductions
that would benefit consumer and
shipper; and.
WHEREAS. the exacting of a
toll on coastwise traffic will in
crease the water rates to the extent
OF the tolls and thus influence rates
of rail carriage 10 the benefit OF
rail carriers and NOT to the shipper
and consumer; therefore be it.
"RESOLVED. that The Prescott
Chamber OF Commerce places it
self on record in favor OF the free
passage of United States ships and
commerce through he Panama ca
nal which was built by the United
States with United States resources
aud thst copies of these resolutions
be forwarded at once to our repre-
scntativcs in Congress"
Mr.. Morgan discussed the matter
from every angle and made a force
ful presentation of the free tolls
talk in favor Of free tolls and
talk in favor Of the free tollsand
facetiously remarked AS long as
have been a member of the Cham
Der of Commerce, it is the first time
I have seen the Democrats opposed
to anything free. They have been
for free trade, free silver and fri
jolcs."
Among othere who gave their
views were J. I. Gardner, Judge J.
J. Hawkins, Ralph J. Tascher. Viii
liam H, Doyle and H. w. Heap.
The sentiment OF the Chamber was
divided on the question and many
were OF the opinion that the matter,
being political, should not be adopt
ed by the Chamber. However, Mr..
Van Ettisch was thanked for bring
ing about one Of the liveliest and
most interesting meetings The Cham
Der has held.
Practically all Of the Chambers of
Commerce and kindred organize
tons on the Pacific Coast have
adopted strong free tolls resolu-
tons and the NIaricopa Commercial
Club OF Phoenix also passed a rcso-
luton against repeal.
There is large number of free
tolls advocates in Prescott, as was
indicated at last nights meeting and
it is Mr.. Van Ettisch's intention to
see them and urge them to send
letters and kilograms 20 Senators
Ashurst and Smith TO vote for free
tolls for American ships in coast
wise commerce through the Ameri- |
can canal.
FLAG HOISTED.