New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-12-16
NO HURRY ABOUT
SHIPS FOR CANAL
More Explanation Why
They Are Needed Want
ed from GOethalS.
lFrom The Tribune Bure.u.l

Washington, Dec. 15.-While the i'm
preston prevails here that some time
in the near future Colonel Goethals's
request for two destroyers to enforce
the neutrality Of the Canal Zone will
be complied with, the indications to-
night were that no vessels would
actually be ordered to Panama until
further explanation Of why they are
needed is received from the Governor
of the Canal Zone.
The subject was discussed at the
Cabinet meeting to-day, and it was
virtually decided to send the ships.
but no date was set.
That the situation is a serious one
became known tonight, when the Navy
Department gave out the information
that the radio operator in the Canal
Zone had sent word that he had dis
niantled the radio apparatus of Brit
ish collier at Balboa for communica-
ton with British cruisers on the west
coast.
Despite this information, the admin
istration was proceeding in leisurely
way 20 comply with Colonel Goethals's
request. There we're no explanations
for this attitude except the statement
from high official that the situation
was not one Of emergency, and, there
fore, no necessity for hurryIng things
existed.
If Colonel Goethals sends word that
the neutrality violations concerned the
use of radio only, then it will be up
10 the Navy Department. to take ac-
ticn, as the supervision and enforce
rnent of the radio regulations are ex-
clusively with the Navy Department.
If, on the other hand. Colonel
Gcethals sends word that there have
been other than radio violations, then
il will be for the War Department 20
act. the Canal Zone being in the juris-
diction Of the War Department.
Then, if it should be found that
Diplomatic action was required, Mr..
Bryan's department will be called
upon. Just what will happen if all
these departments are mixed up in the
muddle no one will prognosticate.
So far as Colonel Goethals is con-
cerned, the situation is something like
this:
On August President Wilson issued
stringent neutrality rules for the Canal
Zone. Colonel Goethals reported on
Saturday that these rules were being
violated. and he asked for two destroy
ers to enforce them. The administra-
tion wanted more details from Colonel
Goethals, and he sent them. But still
more details were wanted, and Colonel
Goethals was asked for some more.
The purpose of getting the details is
20 find out in which particular depart
ment the alleged neutrality violations
have to be dealt with. The following
statement declaring that the Navy De-
partment intends to do its bit was
given out by the department tonight:
whatever is necessary to be done to
carry out the executive order with ref
erencc TO radio communication will be
done. A telegram from the radio oper-
ator at the Canal Zone received ycster-
dav afternoon shows that he IS on the
lob. He says: For communication
with British cruisers on west coast
have dismantled radio Of one British
collier at Balboa. Canal Zone De-
stroyers or other ships will be sent at
anv moment 70 the Canal Zone when
needed to prevent use Of the radio or
auy unneutral act BY ships of any bel
ligerent nation"