THE PANAMA CANAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16003, 20 February 1914, Page 5

THE PANAMA CANAL

QUESTION OF TOLLS.

DEBATE IN THE SENATE

PRESIDENT'S FIRM ATTITUDE. Press Association—By Telegraph—-Copyright. WASHINGTON, February 18. Discussing the Panama Canal Tolls Repeal Bill, Senator Chamberlain declared that Canadian railway interests were responsible for the agitation against the tolls. Senator Bustow alleged that the President was acting under the influence of tho railway kings.

Other senators repudiated this suggestion.

Senator Bosah declared that Sir E. Grey's note objecting to the railway ownership clause meant that Great Britain also wanted to repeal the clause against railways.

The President will continue to confer with prominent members of his party. He -wishes it to- be clearly understood that the honour of the United States is involved. He holds that good faith in respect to all treatv obligations is necessary. WASHINGTON, February 19. (Received Feb. 19, at 11.50 p.m.) Senator Bristol accused President Wilson of inconsistency in tolling the suffragists that he was unable to agree to a Suffrage Bill, as the Democrats had not included it in their platform, while simultaneously requesting Congress i to reserve to itself the tolls question, despite the party's endorsement of it.

Senator Lodge denied the accusation against the President, stating that Dr Wilson was actuated by a desire to restore the United States to its former prestige.

President Wilson said he was unwilling to see the United States an outlaw amongst civilised nations.

CONSIDERATION OF FRENCH INTERESTS. (Times-Sydney Sun Special Cables.) PARIS, February 18. (Received Feb. 19, at 5.40 p.m.) A Ministerial Commission has been appointed to consider the utilisation of tin Panama Canal in French interests.