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Show AtE IfHffl: Canei Conission Is Asfcerdto Step0"at. " Note to This Effect Is Sent" to Admiral Walker at Panama. Secretary Tnft Is Advised That the Demand Has Been Complied With. WASHINGTON. March 9. Tho first practical step having In view thc reorganization reor-ganization of tho Panama Canal commission commis-sion was taken today when, in compliance with Instructions from President Roosc- vclt. Secretary Taft requested tho members mem-bers of tho commission to lender their resignations. This request was promptly complied with by those members of (ho commission now in Washington and their resignations will be In tl0 hands of the President tomorrow. Letter Sent Gov. Davis. Thc purport of Secretary Taffs loiter requesting thu resignations of the commissioners com-missioners was sent to MaJ.-Gen. Georgo W. Davis, retired, of the army. Governor Govern-or tho canal zone, and also one of thc membero of the commission and a prompt answer Is expected from him. President Wants Free Hand. As Indicated In tho letter of Secrotary Taft, the resignations 'ro requested in order that the President may havo a frco hand In reorganizing the commission. commis-sion. That the President contemplated thc reorganization of tho commission has been known- for some time, and he has been in frequent consultation with Secretary Sec-retary Taft as to his future policy In choosing ltd personnel and directing Its work. Wanted Smaller Commission. It was believed originally that hotter results might be accomplished by tho appointment of a smnller commission than that now existing, but a recent opinion of Attorney-General Moody held that, under tho law. thc President was required re-quired to name seven members in all. Tho appointments probably will bo announced an-nounced during tho progress of his Southern South-ern trip. Present Commission. Tho members of thc present commission, commis-sion, in addition to Gen. Davis, aro Roar-Admiral Roar-Admiral John G. Walker of the navy, retired, chairman: William Bnrclny Par-sonn, Par-sonn, William IT. Burr. Benjamin M. Har-rod Har-rod and C. E. Wald Grunsky. |