THE PANAMA CANAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 20, 6 January 1912, Page 5

THE PANAMA CANAL.

RUMOURED INDIRECT PREFERENCE BY UNITED STATES. THE SUGGESTION SCOUTED. (By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press Association.) (Received 6, 8.5 a.m.) London, January 5. The rumour that the United States is contemplating indirect preference on vessels in the Panama Canal is exciting controversy. Sir William liall-Joncs, interviewed, declared that the United States could give compensating bonuses equivalent to canal dues without infringing the Hay-Patmeefote Treaty. In addition to the gain in mileage Now Zealand vessels using the Panama will, save thirty to forty per cent, in coal or oil compared with coaling at Monte Video. The American mercantile marine was not strong enough to become a formidable competitor to the British. Therefore it was not likely that the United States would damage the interests of the canal by making it unprofitable to the principal potential users.