Evening journal., 1921-09-08
A PAGE raoM PAGE oN PANAMA roLLs.

yTyHE nation astounded when the true meaning OF
the league covenant was revealed 10 IT, and the peo-
pie Of the extent to which President VIII
willing to go in surrendering the independence
and sovereignty Of the United States in order to
plish the object dearest to his hear-to be known
The author OF effective league Of nations OF which
this country should be member and the chief support
Reputation by majority Of 100000 was the verdict OF
the voters when they had chance to express themselves
the question
But his surrender Of national interests to accomplish
personal ends more fragrant in his negotiation
Of the eaguetreaiy than in the International exchanges
that preceded Mr. Wilson's appeal to Congress March
1914 repeal the law that granted American coast
wise ships free passage through the Panama Canal
That transaction has always been yelled in mystery.
ne President urging the grant OF his request only
The ground that a shall not know how TO deal with
other matters Of greater decacy and nearer
quence you do not grant it TO in ungrudgng meas
ure' Walter H. Page ambassador to London at that
time, and the publication OF his letters that is now
taking place reveals the matters Of even greater deli
'escy that inspired Mr.. Wilson to the course he took
And the revelation quite sordd any story OF the
Presidents abdications Of American rights at Paris
In the summer OF 1913 the personal war between Mr.
Wilson and President Huerta OF Mexico was at its height
II appears from the Page letters that the British mad
very deep interest in Mexican Affairs and the American
refuaai to recognize Huerta did not meet with British
approval
Instead Of letting Great Britain know that the United
States needed suggestions from Europe in the settle
ment Of affairs the Western Hemisphere President
Wilson sought 10 strike bargain with the British by
which he would be given free hand in his private quar-
rel with Huera.
Mr. Page conducted the discussions in London for the
President, and reported that everything the United
States asked had been granted but added this significant
paragraph 10 his letter:
II you can see your way clear It would helm the hb-
government (Which needs help) and would be much
appreciated, before February TO- when parliament
meets you could say public word friendly TO ou
keeping the HayPauncefote treaty-on the tolls
The Democratic platform OF 1919 had stood for fre,
Usage fos American s.. and there was no rssestior
from Mr. Wilson that he considered such staud was no
kee1ing the Hay-Paun efote treaty"
But, immed ely upon the intmation from Londol
that a reversal Of that policy would bring him immunt
from Interference in his bullying OF Huera there was al
about-face
The Foreign Relations Committee OF the Senate wa
hurriedly called 70 the White House. the announcement
was made Of the administrations change OF front fe,
days later Mr. Wilson appeared before Congress in per
and begged for support OF his fee-os repeal Sue
was his hold on the Democratic leaders Of both house
that they blindly did What he asked
Fortunately another party and other leaders are nor
in control at Washington
There is disposition to evade OF violate the terms
the Hsy-Pauncefote treaty. but President Harding do