Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-12-06

lQIy QIIu
ing has been set for January I. 1915. the
canal will. in fact. from present indica-
lions. be opened for shipping during the
latter half of 1913 No fixed date can as
yet be set. but shipping interests will be
advised as soon as assurances can be
given that vessels can pass through with
out unnecessary delay.
Recognizing the administrative prob
lem in the management of the canal.
Congress in the act of August "a. 1912.
has made admirable provisions for ex-
ecutive responsibility in the control Of the
canal and the government of the Canal
Zone. The problem of most efficient or
ganization is receiving careful considera-
ton. so that scheme of organization
and control best adapted to the conditions
OF the canal may be formulated and put
in operation as expedtiously as possible.
Acting under the authority conferred on
me by Congress. I have, by executive
proclamation. promulgated the following
schedule of tolls for ships passing through
the canal. based upon the thorough re-
port of Emory r. johnson. special COM
missioner on traffic and tolls:
-. On merchant vessels carrying pas
sengers or cargo $40 per net vessel ton
each 100 cubic feet-of actual earning
capacity.
sengers or cargo 40 per cent less than the
rate OF tolls for vessels with passengers
or cargo.
so. Upon naval vessels. other than
transports. Golfers. hospital ships and
supply ships. 50 cents per displacement
~. Upon army and navy transports.
golfers. hospital ships and supply ships.
$1.25 per net ton. the vessels to be meas
ured by the same rules as are employed
in determining the net tonnage of mer-
chant vessels
Rules for the determination of the ton
mage upon which toll charges are based
are now in course of preparation and will
be promulgated in due season.
The proclamation which I have issued
in respect to the Panama canal tolls is in
accord with the Panama
Panama Canal canal act passed by this
m Congress August -,
AAo"'y' 1912. We have been adj
vised that the British government has
prepared a protest against the act and
its enforcement in so far as 1t relieves
from the payment Of tolls American ships
engaged In the American coastwise trade
on the ground that 1t violates British
rights under the HayPauncefote treaty
concerning the Panama canal. When the
protest is presented. it will be promptly
considered and an effort made to reach a
satisfactory adjustment of any differ
ences there may be between the two gov
ernments.
THE PRONUNCIATION of an efficient work.
mems compensation act. adapted to the
particular conditions of the zone. is
awaiting adequate appropriation by Con-
gresS for the payment OF claims arising
Hereunder. l urge that speedy provision
upon the zone a system ofcsettling claims
for injuries in best accord with modern
humane. social and industrial theories.
LAS the completion Of the canal grows
nearer, and as the wonderful executive
work of Col. Goe-
Promotion for thals becomes more
Col. Goethals. of the country and Of
the world 1t seems to me wise and proper
to make provision by law for such re-
ward to him as may be commensurate
with the service that he has rendered to
his country. I suggest that this reward
take the form of an appointment Of Col.
Goethals as a major general In the army
Of the United States, and that the law
authorizing such appointment be accom-
panied with a provision permitting his
designation as chief Of engineers upon
the retirement of the present incumbent
of that office.
1.-The navy of the United States is in
a greater state Of efficiency and Is more
powerful than it has ever
Navy been before. but in the
n.ror+u.r+ emulation which exists
OePai tAeAt' between different coun-
tries in respect to the increase Of naval
and military ornaments this condition is
not a permanent one. In view of the
many improvements and increases by for
eign governments the slightest halt on
our part in respect to new construction
throws us back and reduces us from
naval power Of the first rank and places
us among the nations Of the second rank.
In the past fifteen years the navy has ex-
banded rapidly. and yet far less rapidly
than our country. From now on re-
duced expenditures in the navy means
reduced military strength. The worlds
history has shown the Importance of sea
power. both for adequate defense and for
the support of important and definite
policies.
Il had the pleasure Of attending this
autumn a mobilization of the Atlantic
fleet, and was glad to observe and note
the preparedness Of the fleet for instant
action. The review brought before the
President and the Secretary of the Navy
greater and more powerful collection
Of vessels than had ever been gathered in
American waters. The condition of the
fleet and OF the officers and enlisted men
and Of the equipment Of the vessels en-
titled those in authority to the greatest
credit.
I again commend to Congress the Civ
ing of legislative sanction to the appoint
ment of the naval aids to the Secretary
Of the Navy. These aids and the council
Of aids appointed by the Secretary of
the Navy to assist him in the conduct of
his department have proven to be of the
highest utility. They have furnished an
executive committee of the most skilled
naval experts. who have co-ordinated the
action of the various bureaus in the navy,
and by their advice have enabled the Sec
rotary to give an administration at the
same time economical and most efficient,
Never before has the United States
had navy that compared in efficiency
with its present
Need of one. but never be-
a..r fore have the re-