The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1914-05-09
NEWS LETTER
FROM PANAMA

Panama, May 9.-Since announcement
that the Panama canal probably will be
ready for through navigation by July
this year many letters Of inquiry re.
garding the conditions to be imposed
have been coming to the canal authori-
ties from all parts of the world. 1t IS
apparent that steamship companies OF
all the great maritime nations expect
to make an almost immediate use OF
the canal.
The communications also indicate
that in virtually all cases the compan-
les contemplate a through service from
European ports to those on the west
coast of north central and South Amer
lean countries. Among the inquiries
are those regarding tolls, conditions Of
navigation, pilotage in entering the
teTminal ports and through the canal
and the charges for this service, wharf
age facilities at Balboa and Christobal,
location and equipment of repair shops,
coaling and provisioning facilities and
a host Of other Items relating directly
to the usage of the canal
Most of these questions are address
ed to the governor of the Panama cam
washington n are forwarded to the
Isthmus. 1t is planned to turn them
over to the newly appointed superin-
tendent of transportation who will be
the desired information. Steamship
companies which already are represent
ed on the Isthmus haVe sent their local
representatives to the canal of officials
seeking similar information.
1t Is apparent to the canal authori-
ties that as soon as the waterway
shall ave been thrown open much
greater use of 1t will be made tina has
been anticipated. 1t las been stated
that not more than 10. 200, 900 tons
traffic could be expected for the first
year the canal is in operation. The let
tiers of inquiry seem to make 1t plain to
the aJfhnFifiau hare that AlPRnRU n
greater tonnage for the first year is in
Dictated.
Passenger-carrying lines are evinc-
ing considerable interest in the ques-
ton of passenger tolls through the
canal. This subject seems not to have
been settled to the satisfaction of the
companies who desire to be informed
whether tolls will be charged at all,
and, If so, at what rate. The letters
Indicate that most of the companies
are preparing for a heavy passenger
traffic through the canal next year at
or about the time of the formal open
| Francisco.
Schedules of charges aside from tolls
for various services to be performed
by the Panama are in the course
promulgated in an official circular from
the governors office in the near flu
ture.
With the arrival of DR.. Ramon Val.
l NS0S L uIlhloICL W III
politics became active and there .ars
indications that he will wage a heated
campaign for the presidency of the re,
public to succeed President Porra:
whose term expires in 1915. DR.. Valdez
is known to be the candidate President
Porras favors to succeed him ant
through whom he hopes to continue tn
policies Of his administration. 1t is
Is councillor for the department OF
Foreign affairs, was brought back tt
Panama to begin an early and agrees
i've campaign.
about the coming election of thirty-si1
members of the National assembl!
which takes place in July. Interest
however, is only lukewarm. The can
didates of the liberal party are unop
posed, the conservative party not TAX
ing any part In the contest. The latteI
maintain they are saving their strength
for the presidential election when the!
candidate who can win the favor of tn,
United States government officials OF
tho isthmus.
DIR. Valdez probably will be opposed
honor by Rodolfo CHART. secretary o
government and justice in the Porrat
cabinet. A split in the ranks of tn,
hosrals is indicated, but probably will
reason that the party is by far tn
larger of the two. Secretary Chiari, /
is declared, has the support of d.
Carlos A. Mendoza, a former p~residen
of the republic and one of the strong
est political leaders in the country.
Work on the Chiriqui railway, in tn
western part of the republic, has bee
started. Within a week after the cera
monies incident to the beginning @
work at David ana which were attend
) ed by President Porras, supplies wer
being shipped by sea to Pedregal, tn
port from which the railway extend
I ut ~ M. - H. .sI1 49,
trate the most important agriculture
, country of the republic and is expecte
!, to prove a great trade stimulant wit
, the coffee country in the mountain
> north of David.