The Washington herald., 1907-03-30

Havana. March 29.-Tle Hamburg
American Line steamer -Bluecher arrived
here this morning from Colon. having on
board Congressman Mckinley and his
party Of guests, including Speaker Can
ron.
AS the steamer entered the harbor she
was saluted by the cruiser Columbia and
the Italian war ship Fieramosca. The
Congressional party was received by Gov.
Magoon. At an entertainment on the
steamer yesterday Congressman James
s. Sherman sang coon songs. while Mr.
Cannon kept time by clapping his hands
Senator Charles Curtis delivered a mono
logue
In regard to the canal Mr.. Cannon said:
wen dig the ditch or bust"
Mr.. Mckinley said thar il would do any
American good to see the progress Of the
work and the enterprise of their country
men. Congressman Olcott declared that
the project was highly feasible. especially
with such energy as IS now being dis
played. Congressman Moore said that the
only thing necessary TO complete the
work was to stick to it, The question
now. he said. is one OF persistent effort
rather than engineering.
Many Optimistic Views.
Senator Curtis declared that the work
may cost less than the estimated sl50.00o.-
600 lie favoFs the work being done By
private contract
Andrew White says he originally favor
ed d sea-level canal, but is now converted
10 the high-level plan. AS an American
he fagf rrar45 of sbof "a F,fgfs sc fasn~, .7opa
by the American people.
Mr.. Mann said that on the whole the
conditions are gratifying. The real work
is progressing, the isthmus is healthy,
and the government can do the work best.
Hon. James A Tawney. chairman OF the
House Appropriation Committee, says
that the construction Of the canal is a far
more simple problem than the American
people have been led TO believe. The
proposition is simply one Of digging and
handling the material. A little extrava-
gance is apparent, but he believes that no
complaint viii be heard in the future on /
this account. Mr. Tawney and a commit |
tee may visit the canal again before Con- !
gress meets.
Representative Sherman says that with /
the initial arrangements perfected, moth /
ing ought TO stand IN the way of the sue /
cessful completion of the work.
Need Amusements on Isthmus,
All the party are pleased with the work |
They commend Engineer Stevens and Col /
Gorgas They were told that the work
would be completed in eight years. Col
Goethais said after looking over the job /
that the organization arranged by Engi- /
neer Stevens was perfect. and that he 1
would follow along his lines. He was /
pleased at the prospect, and. was anxious /
10 ron up his sleeves and go TO work.
Mr. Franklin, the consul general at Pan
ANA, says that the canal workers need. en-
tertainment. Their life is monotonous.
and there is no place TO spend money A
vaudeville or comic opera company would
make money in Panama. He suggested
that the government furnish free trans
portation as an fnducement for theatrical
companies 10 visit the isthmus The lack /
Of recreation drives men from the zone.
Cuban Leaders to Meet Speakers.
The Bluecher win sail for Nassau sun
day At a dinner to be given by the cap
tain that night. Mr.. Cannon. on behalf of
the passengers, viii present him with a
gold watch
Late this afternoon Gov. Magooa gave |,
a reception in their honor A band FUR
nished music, and the guests waltzed
around the reception room in great glee.
Mr.. Cannon taking part
Tonight Judge Hawley, president of
the American Cuba Sugar Company, own
ing the largest plantation on the island,
gave a dinner in honor Of the party. Mr..
Hawiey was formerly a Congressman
from Texas.
The political leaders desire to discuss Z
the situation with Mr.. Cannon. and it is {
probable that he will meet the reyolu- !
liOnary leaders tomorrow
Mr.. Cannon said that he is having a fine
time, but would be glad when he is back
IN New York next Thursday.