Page:The Panama Canal Controversy.djvu/11



near approach of the time when the Panama Canal is to be opened for public traffic has brought to a head the controversy between this country and the United States in regard to the tolls to be imposed on British Shipping which makes use of the new waterway. There are rumours that the President of the United States intends to propose the repeal or suspension of the clauses of the Canal Act to which Great Britain has taken exception: these rumours are as yet without confirmation, and in any case it is not possible to anticipate the judgement of the legislative bodies with whom the decision would rest. But whether such a proposal be made or not, there is certain to be much public discussion of the question in the next few months. It is one of grave importance, and it is one on which the public of this country should be in a position to form its own judgement. I have therefore thought it opportune to submit to the University to-day a statement of the points at issue between the two nations, and to express the opinion I have formed upon the materials which have so far been placed before the public. It is, of course, impossible within the time at our disposal to discuss, or even to mention, the whole of the numerous documents which are relevant to the inquiry and must necessarily be put in evidence before any tribunal which may be called upon to give judgement upon the matter. I can only attempt to refer you to