The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-04-01

OutSut lOI dulUlSslOU.
Mr.. Mann's speech.
Representative Mann. the Republican
leader. told the House that three questions
were involved in the repeal OF the Pan
anna Canal tolls Complementary rights
moral rights apart from treaty construc-
ton and the economic policy
Mr. Mann waved aside the latter two
subjects and q scussed Mt length the stu
alton in regard to our treaty relations.
He maintained that no construction OF
the Hay -Pauncefote treaty compelled the
United States to charge the same tolls
on Its own ships and those OF the Pan
aman republic as were levied on those of
other maritime nations.
"a reading of the rules to be observed
by nations to receive equal treatment"
said Mr.. Mann. plainly discloses that
they are not applicable to the United
States or Panama Great Britain's at
tempt TO secure her construction OF the
treaty IL not for It's present effect It IL
for the long distant future
"1f We construe the treaty according TO
English claims II Il sure 70 rise and en-
barrass us whenever We have war with
other countries. war IL not desirable,
hut u II Inevitable. We cannot always
maintain peace.
81 want to treat England fairly. but
believe that under the construction Of the
treaty we have the right to do as We please
in this matter and that II IL nm unf-iendly
act OF England now mt this late date to
insist upon any other construction"
Mr.. Mann was followed by several
other speakers and the debate drifted on
until the event for which every body was
waiting occurred. Champ Clark numbered
out into the well OF the House. manu.
&C ipt In hand. In jiffy all the opro-
nents OF the legislation were on their feet
cheering like mad.
The demonstration continued until nearly
every delegate was up. II was u personal
tribute to the Speaker. regardless OF his
stand on the tolls question. and Indicated
that many Democrats who would vote
against him admired and applauded his
Independence and courage.
The Speaker was followed with the
closest attention and there were repeated
demonstrations In his favor. Mr.. Clarks
sp sech will be found in another column.
Letter From Richard Olney.
The most convincing argument pre-
scented 10 the House for the repeal OF the
tolls clause was In the form OF a letter
from Richard Olncy. Grover Cleveland's
Secretary of state. to Representative Pc
ters.
1t was the Administrations trump card
and was played just before the vote
Mr.. Olncy has Contendcd that the free
tolls did not violate any treaty right and
had been quoted by the Presidents op-
ponents. Here is his letter in part
The situation Is peculiar. Here Is n
treaty unquestionably obscure and sus-
ccptible OF two opposite interpretations
as conclusively shown by the conflicting
views of two Presidents OF the United
States and by the irreconciliable differ
ences OF opinion among eminent lawyers
without regard to their political affilia-
tons.
Recognizing this situation and though
he might have proposed arbitration the
President in effect declares that the merits
of the issue are immaterial and that tho
repeal OF the act which raises the issue is
absolutely essential to our good standing
with the great Powers of the world and
to the proper conduct Of our foreign rc!s-
tons
HE makes this declaration as Presi-
dent and us that branch Of the national
especially charged with our
foreign relations, and takes the respon
slbility of assuring Congress and the
that. as compared with the re-
suits to be gained by repeal. all other
matters involved are Of slight account.
Must Accept the Declaration.
Now. this declaration OF the President
must he accepted as made in good faith.
WIN aDsOiutt WIN
nowledge OF foreign relations that Con-
gross cannot pretend to.
what else therefore In there to do but
follow the Presidents lead upon a matter
upon which he is entitled to lead both by
reason of superior acquaintance with the
subject and because our form OF govern
m.nt requires him to lead?
ct must he borne In mind that for
Congress not to support such an urgent
nppeal as the President has made in this
Instance is not merely TO defeat a meas
ure which may be and which he deems
to he required both by the honor and the
well being Of the nation.
1T ~ to dscredlt him for the future
il Is to weaken and prejudice him in his
subsequent intercourse with foreign ma
tions: It is TO give them notice that he Is
rather a fgurehead than "A real factor In
the national government. and their deal
ings with him are hardly TO be regarded
as very serious affairs"