The San Francisco call., 1907-01-25
Stevens Chief of
Commission for
the Present
SPECIAL DISPATCH TO THE CALL


WASHINGTON, Jan. 24.-The 18th
mian Canal Commission is to be abol-
ished. The duties now performed by
seven members will be made the work
of one man. To carry on this reform
Senator Millard chairman of ~the COM
mittee on interoceanic canals, has pre-
pared a bill which has been approved
by President Roosevelt in accordance
with his recent annual message and is
said to be fevored by the committee.
The bill discontinues the offices of the
commission in this city and creates
bureau in the War Department to
handle the canal accounts and purchase
the supplies. The appointment of one
commissioner TO control the construc-
tion of the canal is authorized by the
measure.
Formal announcement was made at
the War Department today Of the ap-
pointment of Chief Engineer John F..
Stevens as chairman of the commits
sion. Announcement also was made
that Secretary Taft would fill the four
vacancies of the commission by ap-
pointing four bureau chiefs now in the
service on the isthmus. These appoint
ments, of course, will terminate when
Congress authorizes the abolition of all
the commissioners except one, who will
be given full authority to act in all
eral.
Shonts WI tender his resignation as
president of the Panama Railroad to
take effect March 4. A bill is now
pending in the Senate to place the rail-
road under control of the canal COM
missioners. terminating its identity as
a separate organization.
The announcement that the offices of
chairman and chief engineer of the
Isthmian Canal Commission would be
combined and that John F. Stevens, the
chief engineer. would be given the ap-
pointment, the understanding being
that he would maintain a residence
upon the isthmus, was made at the
War Department today.
Secretary Taft announced his pur-
pose of filing the four vacancies ex-
listing upon the Isthmian Canal Com
mission by the appointment of bureau
chiefs now in the employ of the COM
mission.
KANSAS CITY. Jan. 24-Theodore P.
Shonts, who resigned the craftsmanship
of the Isthmian Canal Commission yes
terday, was the guest of honor here
this evening at the monthly dinner of
the Knife and Fork Club of Kansas
City. In an illustrated address he gave
a record of the work done on the Pan
anna canal. He spoke as follows, in
part:
The operative period has come to an end and
the period of active construction has begun.
As to the manner In which the creative task
has been performed, are content to let the
facts speak for themselves.
The work OF building the canal is mapped out;
the department heads are all selected, appointed
and working in harmony; hfty-two steam show
els are at work; the material is assembled and
10000 men are employed. The canal ought to
be dug in eight years
The theory that only one man can run a
railroad conduct a business, rule the Govern
m canal Ia all the fool
I have completed the creative period in the
work upon the Panama canal.
My obligation is discharged Any good con-
President is satisfied concerning that He and
l are at O perfect understanding. The COM
pletion of the canal will not be disturbed a
particle by this change Stevens is drst-class
There will be absolutely trouble-not par
ticle-if things are just let alone.
When interviewed after his arrival
today. Shonts said:
The isthmian canal work is organized. and It
the direction OF Stevens II I had remained
l should not have been on the isthmus any
more than now, and for this reason: had
organized the forces so that Stevens and his
colleagues could go ahead and take any action
required. subject to my approval. hope that
he will be left in charge OF the work.
ernment must be more careful than some cor
porations or institutions. All that talk Is
foolish. Even If did not like red tape there
friction in the commission nor between
ment.
1 should not have resigned at all II the Presi-
dent had not consented in advance. The Presi-
dent realized that the opportunity was excep-
tionaI and that might do much FOR New York
people In assuming charge of the Interborough
Railway.