The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-03-28
NOT DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLE.
WILSON STRIKES AT ROOT OF
TOLL EXEMPTION.
Shows That Free TOlls'' is i'm Law by
Virtue Of Detection From Demo-
cratic Policy.


Wilson declared today that in seek
ing the repeal of the Panama tolls !
exemption, he not only was seeking
that the nation do what it was bound
in honor to do, but was going the
way OF the majority in the Democratic
party. He pointed out that, when the
Panama canal act was passed, a ma
jOrity Of the Democrats then in the
house Of representative voted against
the tolls exemption and that only by
a coalition OF a minority Of Demo-
Gratis with number of Republicans
did the measure become law
This announcement was taken in
administration circles as the presi-
dents answer to the argument that
the Baltimore platform made the tolls
exemption Democratic doctrine. The
president is understood believe that
the matter Of the opinions Of the
Democrats OF the house as last ex-
pressed was q result Of more deliber
ate consideration OF the question than
was possible at the Baltimore con-
vention. The president made no Sc
cret to callers OF his anxiety for the
repeal measures passage. He said out
side influences were at work to pro-
long it unnecessarily. Mr.. Wilson
said he did not know, but it GER
tainly appeared to him as if there had
been hlibustering; that minorities al
ways filibustered and disclosed them
! selves in flibusters.
The president is confident that he
will have the majority OF his party
behind him when the repeal comes to
! 4 vote. He has been assured that
at least 200 Democrats and many Re-
publicans will support him. Senator
James Of Kentucky has informed the
president the vote in senate would
be at least 5S to "a in favor OF the
repeal.
There seemed little prospect tonight
Of getting the Sims repeal bill be-
fore the house until late in the week
at the earliest. Debate On the rivers
and harbors appropriation bill is
! dragging along slowly with no pros
pect OF immediate conclusion. Today
the apparent effort of members to
prOlOng discussion Of trivial matters
brought constant references by cham
pions OF the tolls exemption repeal to
filibustering tactics.
No attempt will be made to report
rule that would limit debate on
the repeal bill to Is hours until the
matter actually has been called up
and this probably can not be done
until Thursday.
| Representative Murdock. Progress
sive leader, today urged that if the
house would limit the special dis
cussion to 40 instead Of Is hours SEN
timent on the tolls issue would be SO
shifted that the vote would result
Americas way instead Of England's."
Several suggestions of gag rule"
were made, but Minority Leader
Mann declared that he did not be-
lieve the president had attempted to
interfere with house procedure.
That all Progressive party members
of the house are not opposed to re-
peal Of toll exemption was disclosed
today when Representative Charles NJ.
Thomson of Chicago issued a state
ment declaring his intention to sup
port the president.
Il view the statement recently is
sued by Mr. Murdoch to the effect that
the Progressives in congress are sub
stantially a unit against the PROPOSE
ton to repeal the toll exemption
clause in the Panama canal act" said
Representative Thomson. Il feel call
ed upon to say that 1 am unable to
agree with my Progressive colleagues
in this matter.
Il am not unmndful Of the fact
that my party platform demands free
tolls for American coastwisc shipping.
| am not able to escape the convic-
! ton that tho exemption Of American
coastwise shipping from the payment
! of tolls is in violation Of the terms
Of the Hay-Pauncefote treaty l do
not hesitate to place what l consider
matter Of national honor above
party platform"
ROOSEVELT Is SAFE.