The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-05-18
Secretary TattBack From the
lsthmus, Enthused Over
Work at Panama.
TALKS OF IMPROVED
CONDITIONS THERE.
Declares That Every Man on the
Work Has but One Ambi-
ton, and That Is to
Rush the Completion
Of the, Big
Ditch.
HARLEsToN, S. c.. May

- HARLEsToN. S. c., May IT.
The Hon. william II. Taft, Sec
retary OF War. arrived In
~ Charleston harbor at noon to-
day on board the cruiser
Prairie, and after spending few
hours In the city, during which time
he was met and greeted by number
OF officials and friends, left the city
for Washington at 5:55 p. NJ. via the
Atlantic Coast Line. Secretary Taft
Is returning from Panama, having
sailed from this port May LIST. He COM
pieted the work which he had In view
two days ahead of his proposed
schedule. He is the picture OF health
and was In his accustomed good humor.
Speaking OF his trip. he said that 1t
had been delightful, and while he was
kept very busy. he mad enjoyed every
moment OF the time. The Secretary,
with Mayor Rhett. held an informal re-
ception at the Charleston Hotel, after
wards meeting Federal and city OFF,
cials and friends.
When asked to say something OF
conditions and prospects In Panan ma.
he talked freely with regard to gem
eral conditions. but said that he would
not wish to be quoted on such matters
as the relations OF the United States
and Panama, which had been suggest
ed as a possible reason for his visit.
When 1t was suggested to him that the
appointment of a commission to inves-
tigate the coming election In Panama.
which is understood to be contem-
plated. would appear equivalent to in
tervention, he did not care to confirm
or deny the inference.
Enthuxes Over Canal.
Back to the great Panama Canal
project Mr.. Taft grew enthusiastic
he nv
being made and comparing the situa-
tion to that which greeted him on the
occasion OF his first visit to Panama
In 1904.
"The isthmus now presents" he said
ian appearance not unlike factory or
mill village. or succession of villages.
clear across, and the lights at night.
and noises. too, might keep one awake
II not tired enough TO sleep we'll"
Secretary Taft was the guest OF COL
enel Goethals. chairman OF the COM
mission. at Culebra. and from his room
window he said the scene was most
Interesting. The health of the canal
zone Is now excellent. the houses gem
orally protected with screens. and the
people seem more comfortable and!
happy. Labor conditions have greatly
improved-this In all departments-
and the new importations OF Spaniards
as laborers seems TO have started a
rivalry with those at work previously
OF work. 1T Is impressive" said the
secretary. ito see the spirit Of the
work enforcing itself: every soul in
the canal zone seems to have a single
ambltion-the completion tof the great
ditch"
Gatun Dam.
Regarding certain details OF the
work, Mr.. Taft said that the great
Gatun dam had been begun and was
progressing. This immense water bar
rier will, when completed. produce a
lake several miles wide and twenty Id
miles long.
The land overflowed is largely the
property OF the governments interest
ed. but some portions are private prop
erty, and to determine the value OF
this land a commission was appointed
OF two Panamanians and two Ameri-
cans. An umpire was to be appointed
II necessary, and this contingency hav-
ing arisen. Governor NIagoon, OF the
island OF Cuba, has been asked to serve
and has consented. Governor Magoon
will so to Panama shortly, and will
act with the commission on this i'm
portant matter during the first three
weeks In June, 1t being hoped that this
will be sufficient time for the ADJUST
nent OF all differences. Mr.. Richard
Rogers who accompanied Mr. Taft to
Panama. has remained there to asst ist
in the work OF this commission
No Hurry Or Worry.
When asked as to the possibilitie.
OF concluding the work, Mr.. Taft said
IT 1t was only the matter OF digging
the ditch. I should suppose three year.
were enough time at the present ex
cellent rate Of progress, the way II
which the steam shovels are cutting
into the land Is almost wonderful, bu
there are other things that we can
not see at this time. Work on tn,
locks has not begun, except, of course
In the beginning Of the Gatun dam
But every thing seems encouraging, anc
1t is such great undertaking that w,
will not be thinking Of hurry or worry
It Is going ahead and satisfactory, ant
that is gratifying"
When the presidential campaign wa
mentioned, Mr.. Taft laughed heartily
and said that he felt as though h,
had been out Of touch with the situa
tion. and perhaps further from TIL,
nomination.. He admitted, however
that he had been trying to write
few speeches while making the thre,
days trip up from Panama, and wa
still In line for that great honor, pro
vided his party saw fit to bring for
ward his name. 81
-----I- 1900 i