Wilson Reassures Britain.

New York Times 100 years ago today, April 16, 1913:
Said to Have Promised Bryce Favorable Canal Tolls Action.
    LONDON, April 15.— A report sent by James Bryce, Ambassador to the United States, on the results of a recent conversation with President Wilson, foreshadows, it is understood, a favorable termination of the controversy between the two countries over the question of the Panama Canal tolls.
    The Manchester Guardian understands that President Wilson will soon make an important statement on the question.

    WASHINGTON, April 15.— While President Wilson has never expressed himself publicly on the question of Panama Canal tolls, he has informally indicated to his friends that he believes in an interpretation of the treaty which would make it improper for the United, States to exempt its vessels in the coastwise traffic from paying tolls. He is understood to take the position that the proposed exemption is in effect a subsidy, and he has always been opposed to subsidies.
    The report that the President had intimated to Ambassador Bryce that the settlement of the question would be favorable to Great Britain is credited generally in official circles, because it is thought that Mr. Wilson's personal friendship for the Ambassador would account for an intimate conversation just before Mr. Bryce's departure. Mr. Wilson has been urged not to give formal expression to his views until the tariff is disposed of, since the tolls question might, if brought up at present, divide the Democratic majority and cause embarrassment in the tariff fight.