PANAMA TOLLS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16493, 7 March 1914, Page 11

PANAMA TOLLS.

THE PRESIDENT’S SPEEIjL THE EXEMPTION QUESTION. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. WASHINGTON, March 5. President Wilson addressed Congress in person, urging that ho was unable to know how to deal with other and more delicato matters if Congress did not support him on Panama tolls. “ Wo ought,” he said, “ to reverse our action without question as to whether we were right or wrong, and so onco more deserve our reputation for generosity and tho redemption of every obligation without quibble or hesitation. Everywhere, except in tho United States, tho language of the treaty is given but one interpretation and that interpretation precludes tho exemption I am asking you to repeal.” Tho supporters of tho President’s campaign against tho toll exemption of American ships, announco that they are certain that the President’s policy will carry both houses, despite the opposition. President Wilson shares in this confidence. THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE. APPLAUDED BY THE SENATE. WASHINGTON, March 0. President Wilson’s message was applauded. A Bill to give effect to it will be introduced in tho Senate. MISTAKEN ECONOMIC POLICY. VOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL IMPERATIVE. By Telograpb—Press Association—Copyright. (Received March 6, 10.25 p.m.) o WASHINGTON, March 6. President Wilson, in a. brief message, 6aid that after full and mature judgment, he considered Hie exemption a. mistaken policy from every point of view, and a plain contravention of the Hay-Pauncefoto treaty. “We accepted the treaty,” lie said. “Wo are too big, powerful and self-respecting to adopt a too strained, refined interpretation. Tho only thing we can afford to do is voluntarily to withdraw from a position everywhere questioned and misunderstood.”