ADVICE TO AMERICA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15551, 7 March 1914, Page 7

ADVICE TO AMERICA.

PANAMA CANAL TOLLS.

PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE.

OPPOSED TO EXEMPTION. "ONLY ONE MEANING." By Telegraph—press Association —Copyright (Received March 6, 10.25 p.m.) Washington, March 6. A message on the Panama Canal tolls was road yesterday in person to Congress by President Wilson, who urged that he would not know how to deal with other more delicate matters if Congress did not support him in this question.

'■ We ought, to reverse our action without question as to whether we were right or wrong,'' he said, "and so once more deserve our reputation for generosity and the redemption of every obligation without quibble or hesitation.

Everywhere except in the United States the language of the treaty is given but one interpretation, and that interpretation precludes the exemption, I am asking you to repeal." Supporters Confident. President Wilson's message was applauded, and a Bill to give effect to his suggestion was introduced j at once in the Senate. Supporters of the President's campaign state that they arc certain that the President's policy will be carried by both Houses, despite the ; opposition. President Wilson shares their confidence. "Questioned and Misunderstood." Mr. Wilson, in a second brief i message, says that after full aid ' mature judgment he had comc to • the conclusion that the policy of j exemption was a mistaken economic ! policy from every point of view, and a plain contravention of the HayPauncefote treaty. "We accepted the treaty, and we. are too big, i powerful, and self-respecting to | adopt a too strained and refined ! interpretation. The only thing we [ can afford to do is a voluntary with- ! drawal from a position everywhere I questiohed and misunderstood."