Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-07-16
ARE UNDERSTOOD
PROVISIONS OF TREATY NOT COM
PREHEND1p AT PANAMA.
Judge Russell Refers to Stipulations
in the Agreement for the Transfer
Of the Canal Zone.

From unofficial sources it would appear
that the Panama people are in another
middle over the~collection Of customs and
the governmentsof the canal zone. A dis
patch from Panama says:
"No settlement has been reached of the
questions pending between the republic OF
Panama and the authorities Of the canal
zone The Panama government is firm in
the belief that the only correct interpreta-
ton of the canal treaty is that until the
canal shall be constructed all parts of the
isthmus are under the direct Jurisdiction
of Panama.
''The fact that the relations between the
Panama government and Maj. Gen. Davis,
governor of the canal zone. are very cor
dial leads the people of the republic to
nope that the questions at issue will be
satisfactorily settled"
The Wording Of the Treaty.
When shown this dispatch by reporter
for The Star. Judge Charles W. Russell.
special assistant attorney general of the
department of Justice. said:
The best answer to that dispatch is the
third article of the treaty between the
United States and Panama governments,
which reads: The republic of Panama
grants to the United States all the rights,
toned Uhe canal zone). - and within
the limits of all auxiliary lands and waters
Ill the said zone which the United State
would possess and exercise if 1t were the
said lands and wa ters are located. to the
entire exclusion of the exercise by the
republic OF Panama Of any such sovereign
rights, power or authority"
According to Judge Russell this should
certainly settle the question as to who has
authority over the canal zone, both. now
and for all time.
There has been no official complaint about
the action of the United States authorities
In 80 far as the customs and general govern
ment of the canal zone are concerned. All
the trouble appears to have arisen, accord
Ing to Judge Russell, from merchants and
others misunderstanding the conditions.
Goods to Be Lightered In Bond.
Just outside the city of Panama Is To-
Gated the harbor OF La Boca. which has
been the customary port Of entry for the
city of Panama. Vessels have been accus-
toned to anchoring outside of La Boca.
where the cargoes were lightered to La
Boca and loaded on cars for Panama La
Boca is in the canal zone. and 1t was fear
ed by merchants and others in Panama
that this old arrangement would not carry.
and that they would be unable to get their
goods at the tariff rate heretofore existing.
but would have to pay under the rate Of
the Dingley tariff act. But such Is not the
case.
Vessels under the present or new ar
rangements having cargoes for Panama
can anchor outside La B0ca as heretofore.
can unload their cargoes and send them in
bond to Panama, where the Panama gov
eminent custom officials will levy and col
lect the same duties, as heretofore. making
absolutely no change in the rates or rev.
enues Of the Panama government. Prac-
tically the same condition will be in effect
tIn Ito Of thn 10th Of al
where Cristobal is the port Of entry in the
canal zone controlled by the United States.