The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-25


 Washington. March e4.-Conrress Ia on the verge of the most vigorous leg fsIntlve struggle that has cnIivened it's proceedings In mnny years--thc con test over the administration proposal to repeal the provision of the Panama canal granting toII exemption to Amer icsn constwise ships.
 Plans for taking up the sims repeal bill were completed in the House today and democratic leaders aligned on both sides of the issue have aligned their foreos and prepared their arguments. It was generally conceded that the bill would be called up for general debate by Thurs day, and that it might be reported son'e- time tomorrow. when Representative Henry, chairman of the rules committee. proposes to submit a rule to limit Een- eral delato on the measure to 10 hours. A vote on this rule when reported wll. in measure. test the strength of tho opposing forces.
 Preliminary to the debate which Is oel'- tain to be most spirited, special attention was given tonight by senators and repre-. sentatives to tho majority report on the Sims repeal bill submitted by Represen- tative Adamson of Georgia, chairman of the committee on interstate and foreign commerce. This report, which appeared in printed form today, points particularly to the fact that in reporting the Panama canal act during the last Congress. thu committee had recommended uniform fnlf rI Inn ba mi Tar Am ican coastwise shipping was accon- plished by amendment. The committee had recognized, the report said, long be- fore any foreign government had voiced an opinion or complaint that treaty stip ulations required uniform tolls.
 Not Disturbed by Taunt
 We are not disturbed" it added. "by the taunt made for purpose. that rs- peal would be trucking and slelding to foreign demands A similar taunt could be hurled against any man or nation hon- orabie enough to comply with contracts or generous enough to promote friendly rea- tions by according respectful considera- ton to views of the opposite party. From high sources In this and other counties and from men yet alive who participated in the formation of the various treaties. men whose veracity and integrity cam not be questioned, come unequivocai statements that the language of the treaty controlling the imposition of tolls WAS not intended to permit such discrimina- tion.
 Even if 1t were $ close question, with the balance tending in our favor. ve could not afford In a matter of national honor, to contend even debate prop osition which invloves policy not in the interest of our entire people, but in the interest of a small special class in whose favor the exemption operates against tne general interest of the entire people.
 Far better to abolish the canal itself than even to permit our national honor to remain in question:"
 Considerable speculation exists as to the strength of the opposition as to the repeal in both houses of Congress. con servative proponents of the proposed le- versal of policy, while claiming an as- sured majority in both houses. admitting that the opposition is formidable. II is an unsual situation confronting the dem ocratic party in the House. where the President has arrayed against him the majority leader. Mir. Underwood, Repre-
 
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