The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1910-12-06


problems which are likely TO arise In
the near future. The progress OF the
work Is most satisfactory. III no un.
expected obstacle presents itself the
canal VIII be completed we'll within the
time fixed by Colonel Goethals--to wit,
Jan. 1, 1015-and within the estimate
OF cost. S375.O0O.O00.
Among questions arising for present
solution Is the decision whether the
canal shall be fortified. | have already
stated to the congress that l strongly
FAVOR fortliicatlon, and | now reiterate
this opinion and ask your consideration
OF the subject In the light of the report
already before you made by compe-
tent board.
III In our discretion we believe mod
ern fortihcations to he necessary to the
adequate protection and policing of the
canal, then 1t is our duty TO construct
them. We have built the canal. 1t Is
our property. by convention we have
indicated our desire for and indeed un-
dertaken its universal and equal use.
IL Is also well known that one of tho
chief objects In the construction OF the
canal has been to increase the military
effectiveness OF our navy.
Failure 10 fortify the canal would
leave the attainment of both these
aims In the position of rights and OBJ
legations which we should be powerless
to enforce and which could never In
any other way be absolutely safeguard
ed against a desperate and irresponsi-
BILE enemy.
In determining what the tolls In the
canal should be we certainly ought not
to insist that for a good many years
to come they should amount to enough
to pay the interest on the investment
of Si00,0000G0 which the United
States has made in the construction
of the canal. We ought not to do this.
first, because the benefits to he derived
by the United States from this ex-
penditure are not to be measured solely
by return upon the investment.
My own impression is that the tolls
ought not TO exceed 81 per net ton. On
Jan. !, 1911. the tolls in the Suez canal
are to be Z francs and % confines for
one net ton by Suez canal measure
ment which Is modification Of
Danube measurement. A dollar ton
will secure under the figures above n
gross annual income from the Panama
canal of nearly $7,000.000. The cost
of maintenance and operation is esti-
mated to exceed $3,000,000.
The next question that arises is as
to the maintenance, management and
general control of the canal after its
completion. 1t should be promised
that 1t Is an essential part of our navy
establishment to have the coal, oil and
other ship supplies, drydock and
repair shops conveniently located with
reference to naval vessels passing
through the canal. Now. IL the govern
ment for naval purposes Is to under
take to furnish these conveniences to
the navy. and they are conveniences
equally required by commercial YES
sells, there would seem to be strong
reasons why the government should
take over and include in its manage
ment the furnishing not only to the
navy, but to the public, drydock and
repair shop facilities and the sale OF
coal. oil and other ship supplies.
The maintenance of lock canal OF
this enormous size in a sparsely popu-
lated country and in the tropics. where
the danger from disease Is always
present, requires large and complete
and well trained organization with
full police powers. exercising the ut
most care.
| cannot close this reference TO the
canal without suggesting rs a wise
amendment to the Interstate commerce
law provision prohibiting Interstate
commerce railroads from owning or
controlling ships engaged in the trade
through the Panama canal. | believe
such n provision may be needed to
save to the people of the United States
the benefits Of the competition in trade
between the eastern and western sea-
boards which this canal was construct
ed TO secure.
Department Of Justice.
am glad TO say that under the APP
propriations made for the department
Of justice the attorney general has so
improved its organization that vast
amount of litigation of civil and
criminal character has been disposed
of during the current year. This will
explain the necessity for slightly In
creasing the estimates for the ex-
penses of the department His report
shows the recoveries made on behalf
of the government. of duties fraudu-
lently withheld, public lends improp-
erly patented. fines and penalties for
trespass, prosecutions and convictions
under the antitrust law and prosecu-
lions under interstate commerce law.
/ invite especial attention to the
under the federal law of