New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-01-03
MAY DROP PANAMA PLAN
Taft Urged Not to Create Per.
manent Canal Government.
FEAR EFFECT ON SENATORS
President Told Nomination OF
Goethals for Governor Would
Cause Democratic Hold.Up.
From The Tribune Bureau.


Washington, Jar. 2-strong influence is
being brought to bear on President Taft
by certain Of his advisers TO induce him
to abandon his purpose to create, by eX-
ecut.ve oroer. the permanent government
OF the Panama Canal and to send 10 the
Senate the nomination Of Colonel George
W. Goethals as Governor OF the Zone.
Having seen for himself the progress OF
the canal and discussed the subject with
Colonel Goethals, the President returned
to the Capitol determined to take these
steps, although he had been warned that
the nomination of Colonel Goethals would
meet with serious opposition in the Sen
ate There is no question In his mind
regarding the propriety Of the course on
which he had deter mined. 1t Is being
urged on him, however, that. as mat
ter OF expediency, especially with relation
to certain other nominations now pending.
including that Of General Wotherspoon TO
be major general. it will be unwise to
foment the anger of the Democratic Sen
ators.
There are others. however. who are
urging a different view on Mr.. Taft. They
point out that Withholding the nomina-
ton OF Colonel Goethals might prove
wholly ineffective in procuring the con-
firmatlon of General Wotherspoon, and
as he would be wholly within his rights
in proclairning the permanent govern
ment OF the zone and submitting tho
nomination of Colonel Goethals. he should
pursue that course Just now Mr. TAFT
seems disposed to yield to his more
cautious advisers.
FORMULATION OF the permanent govern
ment II followed by a refusal OF tire
Senate to confirm Colonel Goethals. would
leave the canal without a head, but soma
OF Mr.. Taft's advisers think the Demo
Gratis should have an opportunity 10 as
sumo that responsibility, II they care 10.
Failure TO confirm the nomination, they
say. would only reflect on Democrary
and emphasize its Unsuitable appetite for
spoils
Colonel Goethals stands ready cheer
fully to take the chance OF being In effect
legislated out OF Office by the obstructive
tactics OF the Democrats He Is con-
v!nced that the time has come when tie
permanent government should be estab-
lished, and he is somewhat Indifferent re-
gardng his own fate. He feels that any
humiliation which might arise out OF ths
situation would fall on the Democrats
who opposed his nomination.
That the Democratic Senators would. by
flibustering tactics, prevent the confrms-
ton OF Colonel Goethals is predicted By
Republicans and Democrats alike. SEN
ator Hoke Smith. who has taken con-
spicuous part in shaping Democratic pol
icy IN the Senate. has indicated his de-
termination to conduct such a filibuster
II the nomination is sent in. and he has
large following among the minority.
The Democrats demand for spois
knows no limitations. The pie counter
committee" which has been directed 10
examine precedents on the question o.
holding up all Republican nominations,
will lay It's report before the Democrat
conference on Saturday. The outcome
probably will be that all nomina lions eN-
cept those in the regular course OF pro-
motion in the army and navy Will lie
blocked. so that as many places as posi-
bic will be open for President Wilson 70
fill
II this is done the Republicans. particu-
larry from divided states. may retaliats
on Democratic appointees. although there
is no concerted plan 10 this end.