THE TYPE OF TEE PANAMA CANAL 433 



Mr. Wallace formulates certain propositions which he considers 

 fundamental and others which are essential in arriving at the most 

 desirable plan of canal. He says that the most desirable canal is the 

 sea-level canal of such dimensions as would afford unrestricted passage 

 for the largest vessels afloat, with such margin for increase in size and 

 draft as can reasonably be anticipated, making allowance for unex- 

 pected developments. No plan should be adopted that would prevent 

 the ultimate construction of a sea-level canal at least approximately 

 approaching to the final idea of the Straits of Panama. Time and cost 

 should be considered to the extreme limit before determining upon a 

 plan which would interfere with this ultimately desirable accomplish- 

 ment. It is highly desirable that no dams should be constructed the 

 foundations of which can not be carried to bed rock, or at least imper- 

 vious curtain connection be made therewith. No high dam should be 

 constructed, the destruction of which, by accident or design, would close 

 navigation through the canal until its restoration. If it is absolutely 

 essential to the project that such dams be constructed, they should 

 retain the lowest possible head of water and be of such a nature as not 

 to require the use of experimental, new or untried methods of con- 

 struction. If terminal lakes are to be formed, the dams creating them 

 should be as low as possible imposing the minimum weight upon the 

 subsoil. The construction of even a low barrage at the Eio Grande 

 Delta would undoubtedly encounter innumerable difficulties in cross- 

 ing localities where the sub-formation would be such as to give way 

 under the imposition of the weight of material placed thereon. The 

 same obstacle would probably be met to a greater or less extent in the 

 construction of a dam, particularly a high one, in the vicinity of 

 Gatun. The entire valley to at least a depth of 200 feet is alluvial. 

 It is therefore, highly improbable that in the heterogeneous mass of 

 material with which the ancient gorge is filled, particularly near the 

 surface, that unforeseen difficulties in securing proper foundation would 

 not be encountered. 



Mr. Wallace repeats to the board of engineers the recommendation 

 which he had already made of the canal commission, that no temporary 

 or tentative plan should be adopted that will interfere with the final 

 adoption of the sea-level plan. 



Mr. Quellennec, of the board of consulting engineers, at a board 

 meeting on November 18, 1905, explained his stand in favor of a sea- 

 level canal, stating that it was undeniable that a sea-level canal is 

 preferable to a high-level multi-lock canal both with a view to safety 

 and to facility of operation. He referred to his experience on the Suez 

 Canal which has convinced him of the advantages offered by a sea- 

 level canal. In spite of greater time and cost, he believes the sea-level 

 canal at Panama should be constructed, but in making this statement 



VOL. XXLIV. — 28. 



