New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-05-18
TAFT TALKS ON CANAL
PLEASED WITH PROGRESS.
Isthmus Busy Scene = Workers
Comfortable and Happy.

Charleston, s g.. May 17-Secretary Of War
William H Taft arrived here from Panama at
noon to-day the cruiser Prairie. and after
spending few hours in the city in which time
he met many officials and frien1 started for
Washington at 5:55 p. m Secretary Taft sailed
from this port for Panama May 1. and COM
pleted his work and returned two days ahead OF
his schedule He was in excellent health and
spirits He said that his trip had been delight
full, and while he kept very busy. he had
enjoyed every moment of the time He dined
with Mayor Rhett. and held Informal recep-
tion afterward at the Charleston Hotel
Secretary Taft talked freely with regard to
general conditions in Panama. but said ne did
not wish TO be quoted on such matters as the
relations of the United States and Panama,
which had been suggested possible reason
for his trip and he would not discuss the coming
elections in Panama
He grew enthusiastic when telling Of the prog
ress being made on the Panama Canal and COM
pairing the present situation there to that which
greeted him on the occasion of his first visit 10
Panama. in 1904.
.sThe fsthmus now presents" he said an ap-
pearance not unlike factory or mill village or
a succession of villages. clear across. ana 'ho
lights at night and the noises. too might keep
one awake if not tired enough 10 sleep well
Secretary Taft was the guest OF Colohei
c,..hoIs chairman ~ the commission, at Cule-
~. ,nd from his room window. he said the scene
was most interesting. The health of the cahai
zone is now excellent, the houses generally are
protected with screens. and the people seem
comfortable and happy. Labor condltiohS "dNo
greatly improved in all departments ana tho
use of Spaniards as laborers seems 10 nav
started rivalry with those at work previously
that will make for advancement
PROGRESS OF GATUN DAM WORh-
pesardine certain details of the work. MI
Taft said that foundations for the great Gatun
5.r, had been begun and were going ahead This
immense water barrier will when completed pro-
duce a lake several miles wide and tWenty-odu
miles long The land overfowed Is larSeN tho
property of the governments interested ou' S"iio
parts are private property. and 10 ae'e'"iiiio
the value of the land a commission "dS dP
nointed under Section s of the treaty CONSISTING
of two Panamans and two Americans An
,nire uras 10 be appointed il necessary. anu.
,bie contingency having arisen, Governor Ma
aoon Of Cuba has been asked to serve, ana mas
consented Governor Magoon will go 10 Faaaili@ ~
soon and will act with the commission On tillS
fnnportant matter during the first three "eeAs III
June il being hoped that this VIII De suIIlclsl'
time for the adjustment of all differences l0"-
ard Rogers who accompanied Mr. Tart 10 ran
anna has renamed theIe 'o o90 -
of this commission
THREE YEARS FOR DIGGING ALONr--
When asked as TO the probable duration Oh
tho work. Mr.. Taft said: IF it was only tns
matter Of digging the ditch. l should suppose
three wears enough time at the present exceishI
rate of progress The way IN WHICH the steam
sboveIs are cutting into the land Is almost "V"-
arf,,r b,,t there are other things that We cannon
estimate at this time The work on the LOCKS
has not begun except. of course. IN the OesDi
ming of the Gatun dam. But everything seems
encouraging and it is such great uIuer MS
that We will not be thinking of hurry or worry
n fs going ahead satisfactorily, and that IS
gratifying
When the Presidential campaign was men
tioned Mr.. Taft laughed heartily. and sald 'haO
he felt as though he had been out OF toucn Nt'i
the situation. and perhaps further rom 'ne
.,a+ior He admitted however, that he was
stf11 in line for that great honor ProVldeo MS
1,or+,, saw fiji to bring forward his name