Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1914-01-27
IT VIOLATES The TREATY
HAYPAuNCEFoRTE AGREEMENT
PLACES ALL NATIoNALITIEs
ON EQUALITY
MAY LIFT THE EMBARGO
ADMINISTRATION CONSIDERS AD-
MiTTING ARMS INTO MExI-
CAN REPUBLIC

Washington, Jan. 27.-That Presi-
dent Wilson is opposed to the exemp-
ton of American coastwise ships from
Panama canal tolls was flatly asserted
at the capitol today by those who
knew what took place at the confer
ence last night between the president
and senate foreign relations commit
tee.
Senators who talked with the presi-
dent said today that Mr.. Wilson fully
explained his position on the tolls
question; that his views incline to-
ward the contentious Of Great Britain
and that he would make public his at
titude in the near future. Several
senators expressed surprise that in
view of the presidents positive atti-
tude he had not urged some action
at the extra session Of congress.
What the president may recommend
was not disclosed in today's reports
of the White House conference, but
it was pointed out that one way would
be to repeal the exemption provision
Of the act, and another the passage
Of TIE 44tlansen resolution to p1=peszd
for two years the operation of the ex-
emption clause and thus demonstrate
whether the canal could be self-sus-
tanning without tolls from American
ships.
1t was said today the president
was not opposed to toll exemptions as
such, but that he was strongly of the
opinion that they would be discrimi-
nation which would not agree with the
provisions of the Hay-Paunceforte
treaty.
Lifting the embargo on arms for
Mexico was also discussed at last
nights conference. Some senators
favored it on the ground that it would
hasten hostilities to a conclusion. One
senator said today he believed the
president was inclining more and more
to that view and might lift the en-
bargo soon.
1t was the general opinion Of sena-
tors, after their talk with the president
on the Japanese situation, that Off
ciaIs in Japan were friendly to the
United States, but were being pressed
by radicals.
The dispute between the United
States and Great Britain turns on the
construction Of Article 8 Of the Hay
Paunceforte treaty, which provides
'sThe canal shall be free and open
to the vessels of commerce and Of
war of all nations observing these
rules, on terms Of entire equality. SO
that there shall be no discrimination
against any such nation or its citizens
or subjects, in respect of the condi-
tions of charges of traffic or other
wise. Such conditions and charges Of
traffic should be just and equitable"
The British contention has been that
this clause Of @entire equality was
to be taken literally But the Panama
canal act, while providing equality Of
tolls on ocean-going traffic, exempted
American coastwise vessels from this
payment.
Sir Edward Grey, British minister
Of foreign affairs, protested against
the exemption as contrary to the lang
uage Of the treaty.
Mr.. Knox, while secretary of state
under the Taft administration, replied
to Sir Edward Grey. But the attitude
Of the present administration has not
been generally known up to the time
Of the presidents conference with sem
ators last night, when, according to
the view they obtained Mr. Wilson
supports the view Of equality Of treat
ment under the treaty.