El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1914-05-09
WIDESPREAD
INTEREST IN
PaNAHbG8HA.
Inquiries Regarding the Re
quirements Coming in
From Over the World.
VALDEZ HAS ENTERED
RACE FOR PRESIDENCY

DANAAIA, May 9-Since announce
ment that the Panama canal prob
Il ably viii be ready for through
navigation by July this year many let
Jers of inquiry regarding the condi-
tons to be imposed have been coming
TO the canal authorities from all parts
Of the world II is apparent that steam
ship companies Of all the great mari
time nations expect to make an almost
immediate use Of the canal
The communications also indicate
that in virtually all cases the compa-
MES contemplate thorough service
from European ports TO those on the
west coast Of North, Central and South
American countries Among the IN
Quiries are those regarding tolls, cond1-
tons of navigation, pilotage IN enter
ing the terminal ports and through the
canal and the charges for TINS service
wharfage facilities at Balboa ana
ChristObal. location and equipment or
repair, coaling and provisioning facil-
tiles and a host Of other items relating
directly to tho usage Of the canal
Traffic VIII Exceed Expectations.
1t is apparent TO the canal aUthorl-
ties that as soon as the waterway sna-Il
have been thrown open much greater
use of il will be made than has been
anticipated It has been stated InaJ
not more than 100000 tons raIIlc
could be expected for the tIrsL year
the canal is in operation me letters
of inquiry seem to make II PLAIN 10 the
authorities here that already greater
Tonnage for the first year Is lndlcaled-
Passenger carrying lines are eNlnc-
ing considerable interest IN the ques-
riOn of passenger tolls through the
canal This subject seems not 10 nave
been settled 10 the satisfaction OF the
companies who desire TO De lhIoIllgI
whether tolls will be charged al ALI
and If So at what rate The letters
indicate that most Of the companies are
ureuaring for q heavy passenger LIal-
fic through the canal next year a. $50 u
about the time Of the formal opening
and thence to the exposition at san
panama Political Pot BOiIs-
With the arrival OF Dr. Ramon Val
de- Panamanian minister TO London
17oTi-fcs have become active and there
are indications that he VIII wage .
heated campaign for the presidency o.
the republic TO succeed pLeslueIt
POrras whose term expires IN 1910 DI-
VALDEZ Is known TO be the candidate
president POrras favors TO succeed MN
and through whom he hopes TO con
unue the policies or ms aoiIlllIls - .-G @
It is understood that Dr. valdez, VINO
now is counsellor for the department
OF foreign affairs, was brought back
to Panama 10 begin an early and ag-
At present political activities center
about the coming election Of 80 mem
bers of the national assembly which
takes place in July Interest, how
dates Of the Liberal party are unOp-
posed, the Conservative party not tax
ing any part in the contest The lat
ter maintain they are. saving their
strength for the presidential election
when they contemplate putting forth a
strong candidate who can win the IA
vor OF the United States government
officials on the isthmus.
Valdez VIII BE Opposed.
Dr. Valdez probably will be opposed
I'm his own party for the presidential
honor by Rodolfo CHAR. secretary Of /
government and justice in the Porras
cabinet A split in the ranks Of the
Liberals is indicated, but probably will
not have serious consequences for the
reason that the party is by far the
larger Of the two. Secretary CHAR il
IS declared, has the support Of Dr.. Car
los A Mendoza, a former president Of I
the republic and one OF the strongest !
political leaders in the country
New Railway Started.
Work on the Chiriqui railway. in the /
western part Of the republic, has been |
started Within week after the cere-
monies incident TO the beginning of /
work at David and which were at /