New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-02-10
CANAL ZONE CONDITIONS
WHAT j, MAGOON s., FOUND.
Sanitation Success-Supreme Court
Capable-Need of lSilUer Coinage.

Washington, Feb. a-Charles E Magoon,
Governor of the Panama Canal Zone, was before
the Senate Committee Oh Interoceanic Canals
to-day and gave his testimony in connection
with the investigation of the canal zone He
outlined conditions the isthmus as they were
when he assigned TO duty there last spring.
lie said he found an excellent organization for
the government of the zone. but that the men
were much overworked and anxious over the
possible effects OF the reorganization. No re-
rnovals were made. The sanitary force was also
well organized and it had done and is now do
ing he said excellent work. The government
had been especially fortunate in securing In that
force a number OF army men who had been en-
gagged in the sanitation of Cuba
He gave details regarding the ravsges OF
yellow fever last season, and said that "hiie
most OF the victims were white men, some "e'e
colored. The natives were not, however, en-
iirely immune. He said he had accepted the
doctrine that mosquitoes are the agents In
spreading yellow fever, but that no preventive
methods had been neglected.
do YOU believe" asked Senator Morgan, that
with all the mosquitoes killed all the diseases
would disappear"
No" replied the witness, "but we are trying
nevertheless 20 get rid Of the mosauitoes-'o
kin them off"
"a pretty big undertaking" suggested the
Alabama Senator, and Governor Magoon as
scented. adding that IL is difficult TO make any
tropical climate healthful for men from the tenn
perate zone. He said the authorities are also
proceeding the theory that malaria Is spredo
fv MOSQUITOES. Senator Morgan questioned the
witness closely concerning the origin OF the yell
low fever in Panama, himself insisting that the
fewer IS native there Governor Magoon con-
tended that fever conditions there are better
than formerly.
Governor Magoon said the chief Justice Of the
canal zone was not a citizen of the United
States and that the selection was based on the
precedents established in the Philippine Islands
and Porto Rico. He saw no reason why SUCH
sn appointment could not properly be made.
Senator Knox questioned the Governor as to the
truth OF Poultney Bigelow's charges as TO the
.ncapacity OF the court, and Governor Magoon
replied that the chief justice had been for years
chief Justice Of the Panama Supreme Court and
ss an able lawyer. He also characterized Judges
Collins and Gudger good lawyers. Gudger
speaks Spanish and Collins French He had
heard many compliments for the court and no
complaints.
Under examination by Senator Morgan the
question was raised whether the courts. as
situted by the Isthmian Canal Commission,
could deny to an American citizen his inherent
capital offence. Judge Magocn said that pre-
scented a serious question. In a general discus
sion of the subject Senator Knox said he should
not like 10 decide what the ruling of the United
States Supreme Court would be in this matter.
Jury trials are not had in the canal zone nor
IN the Philippines, and in the latter the Supreme
Court had upheld the system as applied to the
trial Of a native Filipino. Senator Knox said
he could not say what the decision would be If
an American, going to possessions OF the United
States, were tried and convicted in like manner
Governor Magoon said that the apparent 40
per cent profit made by this government
through the purchase and use Of Panaman
stamps surcharged Canal Zone" would not pay
the cost Of the postal service in the zone. He
testified that legislation would be necessary TO
adjust many of the land titles IN the zone
About half Of The lands are claimed by private
parties one explanation given by Governor
MagoOn Of the interest the United States had
In establishing the Panama currency was that
The use of American money doubled the price
of everything, for the reason that the people
wanted as many silver dollars worth 100 cents
as they had received pesos worth 80 cents for
Discussing the necessity for the coinage svs-
TEN end the agreement by which the United
states is 10 maintain the parity and the
associated banks win supply silver "a the
commission, Governor Magoon said that the nau,
currency became so popular that it was almost
n
morgan asked II the United States should MOI
establish a sub-treasury on the isthnus to ag-
$500 $3.50, ne necessary silver. Governor Magoon
replied that that could be done hu+ tbos o.
rapidly as the silver was shipped 10 the treasury,
shd PAID out II would disappear and never come
hach' mat the people liked the money hacauSo
u was stable. and it drove out all other circu
lating mediums - 0iieu-
mat is about the most logical free silver
plan exploited since Mr. CleveIon5r 80 , stteI
Sehator Morgan He had meant to saw STr
BIyan; but after pause he completed his oh
stINatlon as he began. and repeated since NJ
cleveland disappear red" The exartna+io, NJ NJ
SoNernor Magoon will be resumed on Mondav.