PANAMA CANAL.

Progress, Volume II, Issue 6, 1 April 1907, Page 210

PANAMA CANAL.

The past year must always be notable in the history of the Panama Canal, as having witnessed the completion of the era of preparation and the commencement of that of active construction. The year opened under a cloud of many discouragements and uncertainties : but as the months have gone by order has gradually come out of confusion, a definite plan has been outlined, an organisation perfected, experience as to the best methods and probable costs acquired, and the great work has been thrown open to competitive bidding. The two most important events of the year were, the very exhaustive and able Senate investigation covering every possible feature of the enterprise, and the technical investigation by the International Advisory Board. The Isthmian Canal Commission has committed the country to the construction of an 85 foot high-level, lock-and-lake canal, and it is upon this plan that bids are requested. The work will be executed along those well tried lines which have proved so successful in the building of our great railroads and other large engineering works. It will be built by contract on the percentage basis,

and under the supervision of the Canal Commission's Chief Engineer, a plan of which the Scientific American has always been an earnest advocate.