Montpelier examiner., 1912-12-13

been finally adjusted and the growth of
vegetation will minimize erosion In the
banks of the cut, the slide problem will
be practically solved and an ample sta
bility assured for the Culebra Cut.
Although the official date Of the OPEN
ing has been set for January 1. 1915. the
canal will. in fact, from present indiea-
tions, be opened for shipping during the
latter half of 1918. 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 problem
in the management of the canal. con-
gress in the act OF August "A, 1872. has
made admirable provision for executive
responsibility in the control of the canal
and the government of the Canal Zone.
The problem OF most efficient organiza-
ton is receiving careful consideration, so
that scheme of organization and con-
troi best adapted to the conditions OF the
canal may be formulated and put in op-
Grafton as expeditiously as possible Act
ing under the authority conferred on me
by congress, / have, by executive procla-
nation. promulgated the following sched-
uel of tolls for ships passing through the
canal, based upon the thorough report
of Emory r. johnson. special commits
sioner on traffic and tolls:
1. On merchant vessels carrying pas-
benBeTb OF cargo ei.GU per net FSSo~A
ton-each 100 cubic feet-of actual capac-
ity.
2. On vessels In ballast without pas
sengers or cargo. 10 per cent. less than
the rate of tolls for vessels with passen-
gers or cargo.
3. Upon naval vessels, other than trans
ports. coliers, hospital ships. and supply
ships so cents per displacement ton.
4. Upon army and navy transports. col
Hers. hospital ships and supply ships.
Sl.30 per net ton. the vessels to De meas
used by the same rules as are employed
in determining the net tonnage of mer-
chant vessels
Rules for the determination OF the tom
mage upon which toll charges are based
are now in course of preparation and
will be promulgated In due season.
Panama Canal Treaty.
The proclamation which / have issued
in respect to the Panama Canal tolls is
in accord with the Panama Canal act
passed by this congress August "a. 1sl2.
We have been advised that the British
government has prepared protest.
against the act and It's enforcement In 80
far as II relieves from the payment or
tolls American ships engaged In the Amer
lean coastwise trade ON the ground that
II violates British rights under the Hay
Pauncefote treaty concerning the Panama
Canal When the protest is presented, ie
will be promptly considered and an ef-
fort made to reach a satisfactory ADJUST
ment of any differences there may be be-
tween the two governments.
Promotion for Col. Goethals.
AS the completion Of the canal grows
nearer. and as the wonderful executive
work OF Col. Goethals becomes more con-
spicuous In the eyes OF the country ana
OF the world. II seems to me wise ana
proper TO make provision by law for such
reward 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 MS
| designation as chief Of engineers upon
| the retirement of the present Incumbent
| of that office. .
Navy Department
The navy OF the United States is In
a greater state of eniciency and ts
more powerful than II has been De-
| fore but in the emulation which ex-
| lists between different countries In re-
spect to the increase OF naval and
| military armaments this condition is
| not a permanent one. In view OF the
many improvements and increases by
| foreign governments the slightest halt
| on our part in respect TO new construc-
| tion throws us back and reduces US
| from naval power OF the hrst rank
| and places us among the nations OF the
| second rank
A year ago congress refused to ap-
| propriate for more than one battleship.
| In this I think q great mistake of
| policy was made and / urgently rec
| ommend that this congress make MP
| for the mistake OF the last session by
appropriations authorizing the con-
/ struction of three battleships In ad-
| dition to destroyers. fuel ships. ana
| the other auxiliary vessels as shown
| in the building program OF the general
| board We are confronted by condi-
ton in respect to the naytes of the
| world which requires us. IL we would
maintain our navy a. an Insurance or
peace. 70 augment our naval force by
| at .lsast two battleships q year and by
----@ err .ssn,assse Ia tt.-fsed9, fe-.
.ough there was not going TO be