New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-04-04
TAFT INSPECTS CANAL.
TRIP ACROSS ISTHMUS.
Secretary LoJcered Into Test Pit at
Gatun-Panama Conference.

Colon, April 3-Secretary Taft reached Colon
from the other side of the isthmus at IL O'Clock
this morning. After luncheon he met a deputa-
ton of house owners of Colon and other citi-
zens. who protested against the alleged unjust
hardships imposed by the sanitary authorities
and asked relief from the unjust and intol-
cradle conditions imposed in carrying out the
sanitary improvements here"
The Secretary conferred with the members of
the deputation from until o'clock this after
noon. He said emphatically that the contention
of the petitioners that the United States was
responsible. under the treaty with the Republic
of Panama. for sanitary improvements to pri-
vate property was untenable. He listened TO
many instances of alleged hardship. inquired as
to the cost of the improvements required. and
was Informed concerning the length and nature
of the railroad leases and other matters. He
requested the petitioners to submit each case
on it's own merits. and promised to give the
matter his close attention.
Secretary Taft has made thorough examina-
tiOn of conditions on the isthmus in the course
of the trip. At the Culebra cut and the Gatun
dam the operations OF the steam shovels and
the progress of this work were explained by the
superintendent of excavation Mr. Little. After
Culebra the work at Empire was thoroughly IN
spected. and from Empire the Secretary went
general manager of the Panama Railroad. The
party had luncheon at the Isthmian Canal Com
mission Hotel. which has taken the place of the
tented mess hall where President Roosevelt was
entertained when he visited the sthmus.
After luncheon Secretary Taft tramped over
the site of the future lock and visited each test
pit. He watched Representative T. E. Burton
he was lowered into the largest hole that
goes to the bottom of the lock. When Mr.. Bur
ton came to the surface Secretary Taft sur
prised every present by taking of his coat
and stepping into the bucket. He was lowered
TO the bottom of the test pit in the centre OF
the middle lock. F. B. Maltby. first assistant
engineer on the canal and William Grieg. who
is in charge OF the Pacific Division, accompanied
the Secretary his descent.
After coming to the surface. the Secretary $
party took a steam launch the old French
canal to Mindi. whence they came in a special
train 10 Cristoba where the drydocks and the
dredges were inspected
The Secretary left here for Havana tonight
on the cruiser Mayhower.
Panama. April 3-Secretary Taft conferred az
the Presidential yesterday with President ANA
dor and the Secretary Of State. Senior Artas.
from Q in the morning until 2:3O in the after
noon. The points discussed were the commits
sary department: the importation Of liquors.
tobacco and specially taxed articles; the Hotel
Tivol. at Ancon: the landing OF merchandise
for consumption within the republic by way OF
Cristobal and La Boca; the canal employees and
the pavement of streets.
Mr. Taft agreed that the commissary depart
ment should import only articles of first neces-
sity required for feeding the employees. and
that no liquors should be irlported.
The United States. the Secretary pointed out,
desired that It's employees should enjoy the bene
f,s OF a first class hotel and also that Americans
wishing 20 visit the isthmus should be enabled
10 see how the American taxpayers money was
being spent. The Canal Commissioners assured
President Amador that his executive order Of
November 1904 which fully protected Panama S
rights in preventing smuggling and landing
goods by way Of the Canal Zone. would be
Obeyed
Mr.. Taft was informed at the conference with
President Amador and Secretary Arias that a
certain amount OF IN feeling existed among the
Panamans because of the great difference made
by the commissioners between Panamans and
American. foreign and even jamaican employees.
not only regarding salaries but in general treat
ment The statement surprised the Secretary,
who though he not ready 20 answer the
point said that his informants might rest as
sured that stop would be put TO any injustice.
The questions OF the importation of tobacco and
the pavement cl SNttetS nav & o1 SSN DcVii SOi'-
President Amador and Secretary Arias were
greatly pleased at the cordiaiity shown by Mr..
Taft at the conference
The'Secretary said yesterday that he was sat
isfed with the progress of the canal. and
that John F. Stevens. the chief engineer, had
performed a great work, and was doing every
thing in his power to transfer tho organization
in its full efficiency 10 his successor. Lieutenant
Colonel Goethals There is every prospect that
the organization which Mfr. Stevens established
will be continued under Lieutenant Colonel
GoethaIs." said Secretary Taft. He added that
the monthly excavation reports of the Culebra
cut we're not mere estimates as had been sup
posed but result of cross-sectiOning by the
engineers who must begin their work the mid
die Of the month in order 70 be able to COM
plete their measurements within two days after
the close OF the month.