New-York tribune., 1906-05-20
LOCK CANAL LIKELY.
Chances of Legislation to Change
Present Plans Small.
TFrom The Tribune bureau.


washington. May 19-Every indication points
TO the failure Of Congress to egsate at this ses-
sion regarding the Panama Canal. and this will
insure the construction of the canal on the lock
plan. recommended by the commission and ap-
proved by the President. OF course. there will
be made an appropriation by Congress for the
continuation Of the work. and in the absence Of
other legislation the President. acting under the
Spooner amendment. will order the vigorous
prosecution of the work the lock canal.
Should Congress adopt the report Of the Sen
ate on Interoceanic Canals and pass sea level
bill it would throw every thing into chaos and
probably postpone the construction OF the canal
for a quarter of a century. according to the
statements made by the President to those who
have consulted with him recently the subject.
There is, however HttleI likelihood that Congress
will do this. It is matter Of grave doubt
whether the Senate could be persuaded to adopt
the recommendations OF it's committee the
subject. Certainly they could not be adopted
without prolonged discussion. something every
member Of the upper house seems anxious to
avoid. But even if the Senate passed sea
level bill the House would not accept II. and it
would be buried in conference.
There is a strong disposition, now that the
rate bill is disposed of. to pass such remaining
legislation as IS absolutely necessary, together
adjourn. It is regarded as probable that be-
cause of this disposition the Steering Commit
tee OF the Senate wifi decide that the subject Of
the canal had better not be broached at this ses-
sion
Just at present there is lull on the isthmus
as Chief Engineer Stevens has found it neces-
sary to await the decision Of Congress before
finally determining the location OF certain
diversion channels. beginning the improvements
at La Boca, the Pacific terminus. etc. But if
Congress adJourns, is expected without Leg
isIattng on the subject, Mr.. Stevens will be
authorized to proceed without further delay, and
the indications are that by the time Congress is
again ready to consider the subject work On the
lock canal plans Will have proceeded so far that
II Will be tmpracttcable from an economical il
not from an engineering, point Of view to reverse
the decision Of the commission
OF course. the failure OF Congress to enact any
legislation viii mean the retention of the pres
ent commission OF seven members. three con-
stituting an executive committee and the other
four advisory board
One of the most perplexing questions with re-
gard to the construction Of the canal is that re-
Gently submitted to Congress bv the Secretary of
War asking IL II be the pleasure Of the Con-
gress that the commission purchase machinery
ana supplies where they can be bought cheapest
or II II shall cOnfine its purchases to the United
states and pay the duty in addition to the cost
Of the materials and machinery required It is
now regarded as probable that Congress will
avoid this troublesome question also by main.
tanning silence on the subject
IL IS appreciated that any attempt to reach
decision on this question would precipitate a
tarin debate which 1t Is most desired 70 avoid
There Is possibility that some OF the extreyno
protectionists will seek to amend the measure
carrying an appropriation for the canal as To
make the funds available only for Durcboses
from Americans. but 1t is generally honad tn =
the attempt will not be made