DISQUIETING PANAMA RUMOUR

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1431, 4 May 1912, Page 10

DISQUIETING PANAMA RUMOUR

"If there is any foundation for the reports from Colon, the great Panama Canal, on which the United States has already spent many millions of dollars, stands a chance of being wiped out by nn underlying slumbering volcano," says the London "Telegraph's Now York correspondent. "Groat excitement prevails among the workmen on 'the canal, owing lo the clouds of steam and blue smoke arising from tho ground in many of tho deep cuts, principally the famous Culcbra cut, and tho heat in many places is so intense that it quickly chars wood aud demolishes paper. "The canal geologist insists that the phenomena are caused by tho oxidation of pyrites, but despite official denials, the rumour about a volcano persists, arid much hindrance has already been onuscd bv the refusal of tho men to use dynamite in the drill-holes, for fear of a premature explosion. The labourers, says ouo report, know, that active volcanoes are not very far off, and they have heard that volcanoos are in the habit of lying dormant in the canal hemisphere for centuries, then suddenly bursting forth— knowledge which has not helped to allay their fears,

"It has been announced that the canal ♦•ill bo formally opened some time next .rear, and the disappointment throughout the country will bo great if for any reason the opening is postponed."