PANAMA CANAL BILL.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 166, 12 July 1912, Page 5

PANAMA CANAL BILL.

BRITISH OBJECTIONS. POSTPONEMENT DEMANDED. POLITICAL CIRCLES EXCITED. (By Cable.—Press Association.— (Received 12.30 p.m.) '"-';'' WASHINGTON, July 11. Britain demands the delay of the Panama Canal Bill until Mr. Bryce presents British objections to provisions of the measure. The Canal Bill will presently be before the inter-Ocean Canal Committee of Congress. The nature of the British objections is not disclosed, but considerable excitement was caused in political circles when the news was announced. The Panama Canal Bill discriminates against British shipping in licit it provides that the toll, which will amount to about 25/ a ton, shall not be charged to American vessels, with the proviao .that the canal shall not be used by steamers connected with railroad <-ompanie.«. This .puts British and Canadian shipping at a grave disadvantage as compared with their American rival*, and it is a broach of the •Hsy-Pauneefote Treaty by which it was stipulated that there should lie ro discrimination in favour of, or against, any nation in the dues to be paid. It was suggested a month or two ago that the toll should be levied on all vessels alike, and returned in the case of American owners, a flagrant evasion which did not appeal to the American mind. The bill providing for the fortification of the canal was passed over two years ago, so that it is not this point to which exception is taken by Britain.