The Forest Republican

TOLLS REPEAL
BECOMES LAW

President's Measure Passes the Senate Gauntlet Safely

HOUSE ACCEPTS AMENDMENT

Verbal Clash That Develops Into a Near Fist Battle Enlivens Closing Hours of Debate in the Senate.

Repeal of Panama canal tolls exemption for American coastwise shipping passed the senate by a vote of 50 to 35.

The measure went back to the house, which accepted the Simmons-Norris amendment specifically reserving all rights the United States may have under the Hay-Pauncefote treaty.

The next and final step was the signature of the president.

The passage of the bill after a bitter struggle that has lasted for several months was regarded as another victory for President Wilson.

The closing hours of the debate were signalized by a near encounter between Senators Vardaman and West of Georgia and also by a sharp personal colloquy between Vardaman and his colleague, Senator John Sharp Williams.

West and Vardaman confronted each other in a threatening attitude and Senator Ashurst jumped between them with extended arms as if to prevent them coming together.

At the same time the presiding officer, Senator Swanson, considered the situation so menacing that he ordered the sergeant-at-arms to the scene to preserve order.

The trouble arose while West was replying to Vardaman. The Mississippi senator, who has opposed the repeal law, had just concluded a speech in which he arraigned senators who have aided the president in the repeal. He attacked the Carnegie foundation for spending money to bring about repeal.

Replying to this charge West, who was standing near Mr. Vardaman's seat, said:

"There have been charges here concerning the Carnegie foundation's expenditure of $30,000. Who knows but that the shipping interests have spent $100,000 in order to secure the defeat of this bill?"

"Have you been offered any?" inquired Vardaman slowly rising.

"Don't you say that to me," quickly retorted West.

"Well, you are making an intimation that somebody else has been influenced," retorted Vardaman, advancing with clenched fists.

The senate was in great commotion.

Senator Ashurst went between Vardaman and West. He is a powerful man physically and he brought his strength to keep the two men apart.