THE PANAMA CANAL BILL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10401, 15 July 1912, Page 5

THE PANAMA CANAL BILL.

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph-Copyright. Kbw York, July 13 A canvass £cf the Senate reveals that a majority favours freedom from tolls on American users of the Panama Canal Considerable difference of opinion exists in Congress. Some characterise British interference as meddlesome ; others declare it is warranted. The consensus of newspaper opinion favours the British attitude. The New York World holds that the Bill violates the Hey Pannoefote treaty. . The Times says the United States seeks to convert an enterprise of world proportions to selfish advantage by discrimination. England's intervention is is oar own interests more truly then the interests of those for*whom speaks. The Hersld says that ;bcapacity and indecision mark the smire course cf the administration of the Congress. The Tribune eaya it is difficult to see wherein the Bill conflicts with the Hay-Pannoefoto treaty. Mr Knox, in a letter to the Senate, outlined she British protest that exemption of Ames Scan shipping would be an infraction of the treaty. Refunding tolls, while complying with the letter, would contravene the spirit of the treaty. Britainadmits that the United States ii at liberty to subsidies shipping, but there is a great distinction between a genera! subsidy and a subsidy calculated upon the use made of the canal by subsidised steamers. Britain believes It impossible to frame regulations exempting. bonafide coastwise traffic Other than American shipping would benefit, entailing the Infraction of the treaty. It ia understood Mr Ktmx does not regard the protest as a matter for diplomatic treatment, but will merely acknowledge it, leaving the matter in the bauds of Congress. It Is understood those backing the Bill claim the right of reimbursing toils European 'Governments using the Suez Canal already ps? similar Bubsidies. It is stated that Mr Root strongly opposes the exemption of coasting vessels. . Senator Burton, of *tjha Foreign Relations Committee, considers the exemption contrary to the treaty. Received July 15, 11 a.m. Washington, July 14. The Senate’s vote, making the Panama Canal Bill an unfinished business, a refusal of Britain’s request that further consideration should be deferred. The New Yora Times considers this step means retaliation, especially by Oanaaa. Americans use Canadian canals to a greater extent; than Canadians nse American canals.