Evening star., 1904-03-22
No HITCH IS FEARED
Closing Up Transfer of the
Canal Franchise.
MR.. DAYS TRIP ABROAD
NOT SUDDEN DECISION OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF JUyTICE.
The Administration Has No Apprehen.
sion of the outcome-Meeting Of
the Isthmian Commission.

w. A. Day, assistant attorney general,
and Charles w. Russell, special assistant
attorney general of the Department of
Justice will sail from New York tomorrow
for Paris to represent the United States
In the closing up of the transfer of the
Panama Canal Company to this govern
ment. Mr.. Russell co-operated with At
torney General Knox in representing this
country at Paris in the investigation as to
the validity of the title of the canal prop
erty in the Panama company. At the close
of the cabinet meeting today it was stated
that Mr.. Day would be sent with Mr. Russell
under plans make many weeks ago. even
before Congress ratified the Panama treaty.
1t is positively declared that no new OBJ
stacles to the transfer of the property have
arisen, and that there is nothing alarming
in the fact that an additional legal repre-
sentative of the government has been sent
to Paris 1t is not expected that all the
legal impediments in the way of the trans
fer can be removed before April 20.
Mr. Day will look after the transfer of
the shares of stock, and Mr.. Russell will
see that the votes of the stockholders are
recorded legally.
The administration has no fear of the
outcome. No attempt at a bunco game is
expected in any direction. The French gov
ernment thoroughly understands the situa-
ton and knows that this country would
not now tolerate any move that would at
tempt to prevent the canal coming TO the
United States. The fact that the canal
strip is now the property OF this coan-
try, and in possession of this country
means too much. Possession Is nine pomts
in the game and this would be made the
most of by the United State in any at
tempt to play shrewd game at the last
moment.
First Meeting of Isthmian Commission.
The first full meeting of the new Panama
canal commission was held this morning at
the commissions headquarters, In the Cor
coran building, when permanent ofsanlza-
ton was effected. Admiral Walker pre-
sided Mr.. S. E. Redfern, who has acted
as disbursng officer of the old commission,
was appointed temporary secretary of the
new commission. The personnel of the
commission follows: Admiral j. G. Walker,
chairman: Gen. Geo. W. Davis, VIM. III.
Burr Col Frank J. Hecker, E. c. Grunsky,
Benz M. Harrod and VIM. Barclay Parsons.
1t was formally announced that the com
mission would sail for Panama week
from today. March 90 Other routine busi-
ness incident to the work contemplated was
transacted, and the commission adjourned
at 1 o'clock, going directly to the White
House, where the members were the guests
of President Roosevelt for luncheon. There
was long and important talk upon the
work to be done. The commission resumed
its session at o'clock.
Little of Importance was accomplished,
the session resolving itself into an informal
discussion of various features Of the pre-
liminary work and of preparations for the
first visit of the commission to Panama
There was some discussion of proposed leg
islation pending before Congress, but no
definite action regarding 1t was taken.
1t will be necessary for the commission
to secure quarters suitable for It's work. the
Offices of Admiral Walker not being large
enough for the Offices of the several COM
missloners and for the necessary clerical
force. Thus far, however, 1t has not been
determined where the headquarters of the
commission will be, and that may not be
determined until the return OF the members
from their first trip to the isthnus.