Evening star., 1915-01-28
Date to Be Changed, 1t Is An
nounced at White House,
Probably to July 4.
LARGEST SHIPS OF NAVY
UNABLE TO GET THROUGH
President Declines Invitation to
North Carolina Celebration, as Neu-
trality Question Is Involved.

1t was announced at the White House
today that the time for the formal
opening of the Panama canal is to be
changed from March to date yet to be
selected. possibly July 4. The President
did not give reasons for the change
but it is significant that in putting the
date as far away as July the Presi-
dent has probably taken into consid-
Grafton another session OF Congress
when this session has closed. The ap-
parent reason is that the slides in Gu
Zebra cut have SO filled the canal at
that point it will take many months TO
remove the dirt SO that warships can
pass through. Col. Goethals discussed
the situation with the President sew
eral days ago and since that time mas
definitely reported to Secretary Gar
rison, on fresh advices from Panama.
that it will be impossible for the
largest vessels Of the navy to pass
through the canal.
The Presidents statement about a
change Of the date for Panama came out
in talk he had with a North Caronna
delegation which visited him to invite him
to participate in the unveiling of a monu-
/ ment at Guilford Court House, that state,
to Gen. Nathaniel Greene, the hero of the
battle of that name and at that place won
over the British in the revolutionary war.
The delegation included both senators, a
ma jority of the representatives. Secretary
Daniels, President Graham Of the Univer-
s!ty of North Carolina and DR.. George
Howe, Mr.. Wilson's nephew, a professor
at the institution. The celebration is to
be held July 4.
Question of Neutrality Involved.
The President was frank in saying
that he did not think he would be able
to attend. His first reason was that
If the European war was still going on
at that time such a cele ebration, in the
nature Of gloriflcation over Great
Britain. would be unneutral and in
advisable if participated in by him as
the head of the government. He did
not wish to do anything that would
| embarrass the strict attitude of the
| government of neutrality in the for
eign conflict. He then made known
| that a change would be made in the
| date Of opening the canal
The President wishes to go to Pana-
ma, but win not do SO II the date re-
manned as originally fixed. 1t Is ex-
pected that some time In April or May
| he will go to the San Francisco expo
sition II Congress Is not then In ses-
sion Returning here he will go to
Panama, il conditions abroad warrant
his absence.
President Has Many Callers.
The President today had about the
largest list of visitors he has seen in
some time. Besides those scheduled for
conferences, he shook hands with large
| number Of persons who were presented
| by senators or representatives. Patronage
problems took up much time. Postmaster
General Burleson topping the list OF those
- xr,fe tnf fIN
Casey. Rothermel. Lesher and Donohoe
of Pennsylvania saw the President to
present the name of Representative
Robert E. Lee of Pottsville. defeated
last November. for deputy treasurer of
the United States at Philadelphia. Mr.
Lee has the Endorsement of democrats
generally in the state except Repre-
sentative Difenderfer, who is support
ing Philip Crimien of Montgomery
county. The opinion is that Lee will
be nominated. as 1t is claimed his Sc
lection would make for harmony
among Pennsylvania democrats. r. S.
Norris, democratic state chairman of
Pennsylvania. saw the President later
in the day.
Representative Sims of Tennessee
talked about a post office appointment
with the President. So did Representa-
tive Bell of Georgia, who wants Frank
Asbury named as postmaster at Clarks-
vile, Ga. Representatives Lewis of
nedy of Connecticut and Senator Smith
of Maryland were other callers.
Invited to Philippine Pavilion.
The official board which will repre-
sent the Philippine Islands at the San
francisco exposition. called on Presi-
dent Wilson and Secretary Garrison to-
day and invited them to visit the Phil
ippine pavilion at the exposition during
their expected visits there. The board
was headed by DR.. Leon Guerrero. and
was introduced to the President BY
Manuel Quezon, Philippine commission
er here
President Wilson greeted a delegation
from the New Jersey state village for
epileptics at Shillman. N. J. In the del
egation were DR.. David F. Weeks, su-
perintendent of the institution; Mrs.
Weeks and Herman F. Mooseburger,
president of the board OF managers.