The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1902-02-14
WHY THE PANAMA ROUTE !?
ADMIRAL WALKER TEsTITIEs.
Says Panama Csasl Wouid Have
Fewer Curves-Hemith CondisiOas
couid He improved-Wst~r supply
AmpIe--Harbors Maintained ut -
Nominal Costa. 10 the Title

Washington, Feb. l0.-Admiral Wal
ker has concluded his testimony be-
fore the senate committee on inter
oceanic canals.
The examination was with reference
to the reasons why the canal commits
sion changed its recommendations
from the Nicaragua 10 the Panama
route. The reasons given by the wit
ness for his change, summed UP, is
that the Panama route is much shorter
and has fewer curves. and that those
curves which do exist are not SO sharp
as the curves in the Nicaragua route.
He also said he believed that with
proper quarantine regulations the
health condition OF the region along
the Panama route could be much i'm
proved. He did not consider the pres.
emit condition. from a health point OF
yeiw. as bad.
The questions bringing out these
points were asked largely by Senator
Hanna. who also made inquiries con
corning the water supply for the Pan
anna canal and the difficulties in the
way OF constructing dam at Bohio-
With reference TO the dam Admiral
Walker said he had no doubt that the
engineering difficulties could be over
come and he also expressed the opin-
ion that the water supply would be
ample. He stated. In reply to quest
ktf OIL s.r 49, =
curves In the Panama waterway would
be quite sharp. but he was of the opin-
Ion that steam vessels would be able
to round IL. He also said that the
harbor At Panama could be maintained
at a nominal cost.
Senator Morgan questioned the wit
ness at length with reference 10 the
investigation Of the
power OF the new Panama Canal com
pany to transfer the property and give
, clear title. In reply TO ALI the ques-
ions on this line. Admiral Walker
laid he had been satisfied In a general
way that the new Panama Canal com
ANY would be capable Of passing the
property to the United States wlth
acceptable title. but that he Was not
lawyer and that he felt satisfied. in
ase the recommendation Of the com
mission to adopt the Panama route
hould be favorably acted Upon by con
ress. the president would be- assured
y competent legal advice OF tho gen.
ineness Of the title before accepting
he transfer We only recommended
he Panama route as practicable and
,aslble." he said. by which we mean
lat we considered the engineering
roposition as practicable and the dip
matte negotiations as feasible.
He said he had no negotiations with
!. Lampre. secretary general OF the
sv Panama company. beyond roeelF-
* the proposition for the sale Of
.at company from him. as had been
iblished lie had. however. made
any Inquiries OF VI. l.ampre concern
* his company's title and had been
Isured by that gentleman that II was
,od.
In reply 10 a question from Senator
organ as to whether tho government
the United States had Instituted
" negotiations with the government
Columbia relating to the transfer
the property. Admiral Walker said
at he would have to refer the sen.
or to the state department: that ir
had such information. he would not
at liberty to divulge II. He ax-
essed the opinion. however. that tho
lumbian government would be
und by any obligation assumed by
2 Panama company. because that
vernment Is stakeholder in the
mama company.
The admiral was questioned con.
ming the French lottery Of the in
est of the Panama canal. but he re-
ed that he knew nothing about IL.
sept what he had heard in Paris.
had understood that such a lottery
! been authorized. but he knew moth
! Of the limitations placed upon IT
the French law.