The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1905-11-23
Differences Over
the Tvpe Of Canal.


The difference Of opinion between
the Board Of Consulting Engineers Of
the Panama Canal Commission and
she Commission and President Roose-
welt as to the style Of canal to be
constructed across the isthmus bids
gair to stiH further delay The actual
work OF digging the big ditch, es-
pecialiy as congress. which VIII finally
decide the question. can be depended
np0n 10 thrash the matter over in de-
tan az the coming session and may,
even then. not reach a conclusion in
tho premises. The New Orleans
States, discussing the present status
OF the matter has the following TO
say:
The board Of consulting engineers
appointed by President Roosevelt TO
pass upon the question Of the type OF
canal TO be constructed at Panama
win in their forthcoming report
recommend q sealevel waterway.
But this decision win not be final for
the reason that the Panama Canal
Commission has the right 10 disap-
move Of the recommendation Of the
consulting engineers President
Roosevelt also has the privilege Of
stating his views on the matter and
last but nor least, congress has the
authority 90 approve or reject the de-
c,siOn m favor Of a sea-level canal.
Therefore we may rest assured that
the subject is one that wiz receive
thorough discussion in both tue
House and the Senate
lt is known that a majority of the
american engineers on the board
stood out strongly for a lock canal on
a summit level ~ from 40 10 so feet
They commended that such a canal be-
sides meeting all the needs Of con-
merce can BE- constructed for many
million dollars less than a sealevel
canal VIII cost. and can be made
ready Tor use in period OF
from hve 20 seven wears. On the
other hand. a sea-level canal VIII add
floo0Oo.00o or more 10 the cost AMI
not less than sixteen years viii be
required 10 complete it and this may
De easily increased 20 twenty years.
hence the present generation would
derive no benfts from IN water way.
lt IS safe to say that these are
questions that win be earnestly dis
cussed BY congress and H IS impos-
Eible az this time 10 even guess what
che final decision win be. The longer
the completion OF the Panama canal
is delayed. however. the better 81 viii
be for the interests OF the transconti-
mental railway companies and these
great corporations may be depended
upon % exert their influence Ia be.
helf Of a sCalevel waterway. because
f this plan is finally decided on their
monopoly 81 the transcontnental traf
&c VIII continue for from sixteen I'd
twenty years more. There is no rea.
son 10 doubt, however. that the atten.
ton of congress win BE- called to the
tact hat some of the worlds busiest
and most proftable canals are those
constructed with locks. such for in
stance as the Manchester and the
Seuf 81. Marie canals, hence con
Eress VIII have 10 Decide whether the
benefits Of a sea-level canal. win its
great cost and the long tine required
% build ID, viii be suficiently great
% warrant the abandonment of the
pans Tor a iock canal az much less
cost and which can be opened TO the
ships az the word in Eve or six years
amer the construction has actuaily
begun. The question is such q serious
and important one as 10 justify the
belief that congress yin give 60 90 thu
most careful consideration.