The Washington times., 1905-06-20

A Colon dispatch saying it is believed
in the Panama canal zone that Chief
Engineer Wallace, who rs on his way
home. will shortly present his resigna-
ton to the Canal Commission. Is be-
lfeved here by some people who consider
themselves informed as to canal mat
ters to have more basis than mere SEN
satioualism.
The possibility of a new shake-up in
canal affairs has, in fact, been discussed
among railroad men and highly placed
politicians almost from the time the re-
organization was effected.
Many people, sincere IN the desire to
see a canal built and built as soon as
possible, further express belief that the
decision between the sea level and locks
plan of construction will not be made
without serious division among those IN
authority. It is an immense question.
which, while 1t must finally be settled
by Congress, is certain TO be Influenced
by the views of the commission and OF
expert authorities.
Cost of Sea Level Canal.
Nothing like an adequate idea has
ever been given on engineering author
ity of the difference in cost and time
that would be involved in q change
from the lock TO the sea-level plan Es-
Inmates vary from five years and $780,
OO0,e.1 10 fifteen years and $500. coo, Ooo
Secretary Taft said this morning that
he did not know the precise reason for
Mr. Wallace's return Mr. Wallace
cabled the Secretary few days ago
that he desired to return to the United
States on important personal business,
which he would explain when he arrived
here. He also said he desired to consult
with the Secretary before the latter left
Kilt
Permission to return was at once ac-
corded Mr.. Wallace. He is now on his
way
Friction Possible.
1t is possible that some friction may
have arisen over the question CT the ap-
pointment of assistants TO MIR. Wallace,
but If this is the case 1t has not been
communicated to the War Department
and cannot be explained until after Mr..
Wallace's arrival.
There are q number OF important
questions pending IN connection with
canal affairs upon which it is known
that the chief engineer desires to con-
suit Secretary Taft. One of the prin-
cipal of these is the question of the la
Dor supply and the Importation of Jap
anese and other Oriental labor under
contract.
The spread of yellow fever on the
isthmus may also have had something
TO do with Mr.. Wallace's desire to re-
turn to the United States, especially in
view of the fact that Mrs Wallace has
been with her husband in Panama, and
1t is quite likely that the climate has
proved too much for Der at this season
OF the year.
Difficulties of Predecessors.
The report that Chief Engineer Wal
lace is on his way To Washington to
resign his position, has occasioned some
comment also in view of the prolonged
difficulties of the first canal commits
sion. and the peace which the reorgan-
ization was supposed TO bring 10 pass
Chairman Shonts intended to sail to-
day for Panama, but has DECIDED 10
await Mr. Wallace's arrival, IN accord
aace with his request.
Mr. Shonts stated emphaucaiiy today
that he has no knowledge OF any such
purpose on Wallace's part. and that
the correspondence that has passed be-
tween them discussing plans OF work
and vacation, has contained not the
slightest intimation OF any desire on
Mr. Wallace's part to sever his connec-
ton with the great undertaking. Mr..
Shonts ridicuies the idea that there has
been any friction between them
Mr. Shonts Not Decided.
(Which 90 you intend to build. Il sea
ie".l ar lock canaI?'' Mr. Shonts was
asked.
s>.lgress will have to decide that
when the time comes. but it may be
dation. Personally l have not made up