THE PANAMA CANAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 13, 7 September 1912, Page 2

THE PANAMA CANAL.

VIEWS OF SPECIAL COMMIS-

SIGNER

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press Association.) Washington, September 6.

According to data prepared by Mr Johnson, special commissioner to Panama, the whole American coastwise traffic likely to pass through the canal when it opens will be a million tons. During the following five years he estimates the increase will amount to a million and a-half tons. Mr Johnson is inclined to the belief that British and other foreign commerce should be obliged to bear ten per cent, additional burden over the amount payable by Americans if the latter are not exempted. Ho points out that a proportionate share of this burden should be borne by American ships, which consequently would then be on precise equality with foreign shipping. He suggests a four shillings rate for the first year the canal is in operation in order to compete with the Suez Canal. On a basis of ten million tons business yearly the income of the Panama Canal would be entirely inadequate to meet the charges for interest, sinking fund, and sanitation of the canal. Consequently the canal would be operated by the United States at a heavy loss. Ho claims that the services granted to foreign slops on a basis of four shillings flat rate is quite below the cost of the services afforded. Consequently there could be no discrimination imposed on foreign vessels. London, September 6.

Mr Chauncey Depew, interviewed, •aid he did not think the Panama Bdl would be amended or that arbitration would be adopted. America certainly would be beaten if arbitration were adopted.