The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-11-28
TRAFFIC THROUGH
 THE PANAMA CANAL SHOWSAN INCREASE
Governor Attributes This To Competition in Transpor- tation-America Leads
 in Number of Tons
By Associated Press

w aShlng ton, NoNemper 2t.---Snlps of four nations carried Ss per cent of the approximately 11,600,0 GOO tons of cargo which moved through the Pan anna canal during the fiscal year ended June 30. 1921.
 American vessels led all others with a total of 5,16S,00 tons, establishing new record by increasing the total tonnage of the previous high year by 615.SS5
 British ships were second and sur passed even the high mark of 1917, their last banner year. They reached a total of 3.7Ss,250 tons.
 Japan and Norway took third and fourth places with 75S,6o0 and 637,SSO tons, respectively. Norway dropped below its figures for 1918, but Japan scared to new heights. exceeding her last high mark by S2.27s tons.
 These unparalleled increases in commerce moved through the water way by the four nations are attrib- utted by Gov. J. J. Morrow of the Panama canal, in his annual report made public today, competition so keeuly developed that 1t required use of the quickest routes.
 Almost one- third of the total tom mage handled" the report says, was so strongly competitive that prompt and complete service may have been the determining factor in the choice of the Panama route. In many of the trades served by the Panama canal. the saving of distance, and hence of time. by the use of the canal Is so great that shipping could hardly ar ford to use any other route"
 Of the nations which shared In nov ing the remaining II per cent of ton mage. the most important were Dem mark, Holland, Spain, Sweden, France and Peru in the order named.
 The most important trade route served by the canal the report adds. was that between the east coast or the United States and the west coast of South. America. Others of the prin- cipal routes were those from the east coast of the United States to the Tar east and between the west coast or America and Europe.
 Governor Morrow points to the double value of the canal to the United States. In addition to the quick service 1t gives American ships from coast to coast and in the world trade routes. there is, he said, con stantly increasing revenue which comes to 'the nation from tolls col lected.
 sIn terms of money the Panama ca nal" the report asserts. had gross revenues of more than s27 100000; in creased investment additions, stock, etc, of $S,000 .0o0,~ and gross operat- ing expenses of S24.500,000." The ex- cess of revenues in the last fiscal year, the report shows. was S2,75O,Ooo more than operating expenses, with out allowing for interest on the capi- tai cost of the waterway
 The Panama Railroad company. &C., cording to the report. had gross revenue of approximately $22,o0o,0 900, an increase in investments in capital additions of $1,50o.000, while the gross operating expenses were $220oo,0oO on June 30, last. Gross revenues or the Panama Railroad Steamship line, at the same time, were $5,1 66, 446, while operating expenses for the fis- cal year totaled s5.S57.257.
 Legislation to increase the revenue collected from tolls Is asked by the governor, who points out that the present system Is to assess tolls. on the basis of $1.20 a net ton, according to Panama canal measureme ent, unless this would result In rate of more than s125 8 net ton according to United States rules of measurement.
 "Under this dual system tolls col lected amounted to s11,27e,SS9. which Is s1,S37023 less than would have been collected if Panama canal rules only were used" he adds. speedy enactment of law establishing the single standard is urged"