New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-05-24
TAFT'S PLAN A SUCCESS.
Canal Commission SaUeS 81 800 ON
Purchase of Pig Lead.
IFRoM rEE TRIBUNE BUREAU


Washington May 23-Fifteen hundred dollars
represents the net saving to the government
thus far result of Secretary Tafts declsioH
that the Panama Canal Commission must OuS
materials and supplies wherever they can 10
purchased most economically. This amount was
saved a single purchase of pig lead recenIlS
bought from a Philadelphia concern. which TOOK
the precauton to inquire if the lead could Do
purchased in England and delivered to the COM
mission without payment of duty. on asceF-
tanning that this could be done the company
submitted bid of four cents pound on the
100000 pounds required to be delivered f. o. D.
PHILADELPHIA The next lowest bid was for do
nestle lead at AZ cents pound, and the award
made to the lower bidder. efecting saw
ing of 81 500 on the transaction. The duty on
pig lead is rs cents pound
Considerable interest is attracted to two lots
of bids which will be opened by the commission
tomorrow. One of these calls for 10000 tons or
bituminous coal, and it is generally assumed
that the contract will be secured by handlers Oh
the domestic product although it is hoped that
the ability of foreign coal to compete may result
in lower prices than would be the case otherwise.
Another class of bids to be opened tomorrow
covers a large assortment of iron. iron pipe
brass castings and fittings, and similar manu-
features and it is generally expected that
American bidders will secure the contract by
allowing the commission the same discount as
Is generally allowed to foreign nations and con-
tractors.
In view of the varied reports regarding the
prices charged the commission for steel rails
authoritative statement the subject is OF
interest Thus far the commission has purchased
5000 tons of first quality steel rails. These were
bought in two lots from the Pennsylvania Steel
Company the prices being. in effect, So and
- frs lot wa
bought (. o. b., New York, for SO ton, and
the second lot the same quantity, for SIG 40,
f. o. b.. Baltimore.
AS the railway diGferentials equal 80 cents a
ton. the last price was equivalent to $26 IS.
f. o. b., New-York. and in fact. the bid stipu-
lated that price for delivery in that city.
Bids are now being received for one of the
largest and most expensive contracts likely to
be let by the commission They are to be
opened at noon on June TO- This contract pro-
vides for the excavation of a harbor and en-
trance at Colon. The work will include a
channel Of from 80 to 40 feet deep and 500 feet
wide from Limon Bay to Cristobal Point. in the
inner harbor, and extensive excavations in the
inner harbor which will have the effect Of
widening it, along the axis OF the existing canal
to approximately 1000 feet. Various interest
ing economic problems are likely to arise in con-
necton with this contract. such as the appca-
ton of the eight hour law, the liability of the
contractors plant, etc.
Senator Hopkins, of Illinois. does not believe
that the American protective policy is in jeop-
ardy through the administrations plan of pur
chasing canal supplies in the cheapest market.
THE Panama Canal is a great international
project" said Senator Hopkins at the White
House this morning. Il do not think more than
per cent of the supplies will be purchased in
foreign markets. The other 95 per cent will be
bought right here at home AS for Congress
sional consideration of this foreign market pol
icy, do not think for an instant that there will
be any. The members of Congress all know very
well that the protective policy of the Republican
party is not involved In this question in any way
whatsoever. The Panama zone is to all intents
and purposes foreign land, and must meet
conditions there we would in another remote
place on the globe"
Then you do not believe, Senator that pro-
lection should follow the fag?" asked one of the
Senator's hearers
Protection and the flag have nothing what
ever to do with the case" replied the Senator
"Tt is only question Of digging the canal
quickly and as cheaply possible, that it
may become at the earliest possible date great
highway for the world to What is the use
therefore, in raising little bubbles the
ner In which the result shall be accomplished?
The President is intent getting the work
done as soon as possible, and the people of the
country approve of his course"