New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-02
Bill To Be Kept in Senate
from Tomorrow Until
Final Vote.
EXPECTED MAJORITY
ESTIMATED UP TO 20
Colt Declares Exemption Law
Places Country in lndefensible
Position Before World.
From The Tribune Bureau.


Nashington. June THE end Of the
long fight over canal tolls came definitely
into sight to-day. Senator OGorman, the
leader OF the opposition to the repeal
bill. announced that he would ask that
the measure be kept before the Senate
beginning Wednesday until the final vote
10 taken. 1t is expected that the tote
will Ne reached by the end Of the week.
The indications were to-day that the
measure would nc passed by an ample
majority. estimated at from twelve 10
twenty votes Administration leaders pre-
dlcted that there would be fifty-two
votes I'm its favor. The Simmons amend
mcnt. stating that the passage Of the
bill is not 10 be interpreted as a waiver
OF rights by the United States under the
Hay Pauncefote treaty. will he adopted
with slight notifications making II more
specific.
The main point at issue. as the con-
troversy appeared TO stand to-day Is
whether an amendment providing that
the matter be submitted TO arbitration
shall lie adopted in the Senate. Many
Senators who will vote for the repeal
favor such a course. and it is not i'm
probable that this question will DC re-
ferrcd back 10 the House when the bill
goes 10 conference.
Colt Pleads for the Bill.
Senator Colt. OF Rhode Island. made
a strong plea to-day for the passage OF
the bill Senator Myers defended the re-
neal bill and Senator Catron spoke in
opposition TO IT, Senator Colt said:
II am In favor OF the repeal OF the
free tolls provision OF the Panama Canal
act because | believe that law places us
in an indefensible position before the ma
tions OF the world in regard TO our
treaty obligations. l believe that the
law violates the meaning and intent or
the Hay Pauncefote treaty
The vital question in dispute under
the -Pauncefote treaty is the ques-
ton Of equality OF treatment OF all YES
sells passing through the canal and by
this free tolls provision We have arbi-
trarily and without submitting the ques-
ton to arbitration made inequality OF
treatment the law Of the land In A
great international controversy, in which
the whole world takes the deepest in
terest. We have entered judgment IN our
own favor without the consent OF the
other party and without giving the other
party an opportunity 10 he heard.
Champion Of Arbitration.
I'VE have taken this action notWith-
standing the fact that where treaty
owing TO the inherent imperfection OF
language. is capable of two interpreta-
tons, and honest differences arise be-
tween the contracting parties as TO which
is the proper Interpretation, the United
states. in the interest of peace and 5000
will among nations has been the foremost
advocate and champion OF the principle
that these differences should be sub
mitted TO arbitration.
What we have done is 10 settle the
vital question in the controversy undeI
the Hay-Pauncefote treaty in our o"r
favor by legislation instead Of submitting
the question to arbitration.
I'VE stand before the world to-day III
the case Of this great international treaty
of refusing TO arbitrate and OF suDstl'
tuting legislation. believe this position
is indefensibe'