Britain May Not Exhibit.

New York Times 100 years ago today, August 20, 1912:
Final Reply to Fair Invitation May Depend on Canal Legislation.
    LONDON, Aug. 19.— The American Embassy to-day received a reply from the British Foreign Office to Resident Taft's invitation to the British Government to participate in the Panama-Pacific Exposition.
    The Foreign Office is disposed to accept the invitation on principle, but its final decision in the matter will, it is stated, be influenced partly by the question if it is possible to arrive at a satisfactory settlement with the exposition authorities in regard to the accommodation to be provided for British exhibitors.
    No hint is given in the reply of other influences which may affect the British decision, but it is evident that a loophole has been left for a refusal of the invitation on account of possible unfavorable Panama Canal legislation.