The Washington herald., 1908-05-18
TAFT PRAISES CANAL
Secretary Lands in Charles
ton from Panama.
DITCH DIGGING EASY, HE SAYS
Tells interviewer that Zone Now
Looks Like Big, Busy American
Manufacturing Town-Work on
Locks Is the Thing that WiiI
Make Trouble for Engineers,

Charleston, s. c. May I7.-Secretary of
War William II. Taft arrived here from
Panama at noon to-day on board the
cruiser Prairie. and after spending a few
hours in the city, during which time he
was met by a number of officials and
friends. ne took a train for Washington
SIS $50 .. m. over the Atlantic Coast
Lire.
Secretary Taft sailed from this port
for Panama on May I. and completed his
work and returned two days ahead OF
mis- schedule. Tie was in fine health and
spirits. He said that his trip had been
delightful. and while he was kept busy,
he had enjoyed every moment of the
time. Secretary Taft dined with Mayor
Rhett and held an informal reception
afterward in the Charleston Hotel.
Secretary Taft talked freely with re-
gard 70 general conditions in Panama.
but said he did not wish 10 be quoted
on such questions as the relations Of
the United States and Panama. which
had been suggested as the possible rea-
son for his trip. and BE would not dis
cuss the coming elections to be held
in Panama.
sees Great Changes.
Mr.. Taft grew enthusiastic when tell
Ing Of the excellent progress being made
on the Panama Canal and compared il
10 the situation which greeted him on
the occasion OF his first visit to Panama
in 1904
He said: 1.-THE isthmus now presents
an appearance not unlike a factory or
mill village or succession Of villages,
clear across. and the lights at night, and
the noises. too. might keep one awake
i; not tired enough to sleep we'll"
Secretary Taft was the guest Of Col
GoethaIs, chairman of the commission, at
Culebra. and from his window he said
the scene was interesting. The health
OF the Canal Zone is excellent, the
houses generally are protected with
screens. and the people seem comfortable
and happy. Labor conditions have great
ly improved in ali departments. and the
use Of Spaniards as labOrers seems TO
have started a rivalry with those at
work previously that will be good for the
advancement OF work, he said.
Regarding certain details of the work.
Mr.. Taft said that foundations for the
great Gatun dam had begun, and were
making progress.
Digging of Ditch Easy,
When asked as to the possibilities of
finishing the work Mr.. Taft said IF it
was only the matter Of digging the ditch,
I should suppose three years would be
enough time at the present excellent rate
of progress. The way in which the steam
shovels are cutting into the land is al
most wonderful, but there are other
things that We cannot estimate at this
time The work on the locks has not
hegun. except, of course. in the begin
ming of the Gatun dam. But everything
seems encouraging, and It is such a great
undertaking that we will not be thinking
of hurry or very II is going ahead
satisfactorily and that is gratifying
When the Presidential campaign was
mentioned. Mr. Taft laughed heartily.
and said that he felt as though he had
been out of touch with the situation and
perhaps further from the nomination. He
admitted, however, that ne is still in
line FOR that honor. provided his party
sees ft TO bring forward his name.