THE PANAMA PROBLEM.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVI, Issue 13335, 25 March 1911, Page 6

THE PANAMA PROBLEM.

Shipowners are- naturally concerned ; with the proposal to use the Panama Canal for the purpose of subsidising • American shipping, says (lie Loudon “Telegraph’*,' Senator ..Clint’s Hill is said to contemplate giving such a rebate of dues to American coastwise vessels as will .make them practically 101 l free. On the other hand, such vessels arc to bo at Die call- of the Government in the event of emergency. This supposed consideration, for special treatment is so thin as to be almost transparent. No rebate is to be allowed to any vessel which is owned or controlled by any competitive railway. This suggests that histility on, the part of transcontinental railways to the canal is greatly feared. Whether under her, treaty engagements the United States can give preferential treatment to her coastwise shipping, even to offset railway conipeti tion, has clearly to bo considered. Another little problem is whether the United States Government shall operate the dry dock and ship-repairing plant on the canal, and keep in its own hands the sale of coal, oil, and other essential articles.