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Show j Panama Canal Zone Is a Little Sample of " J , United States Transplanted i By COL. J. J. MORROW, Canal Zone Governor. The Panama canal is a key position in the nation's defense nnd in development of international commerce. For the trade of the west coast of South America with Europe and the Atlantic seaboard of the United States, which is the bulk of the foreign trade of that section, the canal is practically the sole passageway. For the grain, lumber, salmon and fruits of the west coast of North America the canal affords easy transit to Europe as well as to the Atlantic coast of the United States and Canada. The traffic with China, Japan and the rest of the Far East area, principally prin-cipally from the Atlantic coast of the United States, exceeds In bulk that over any other of f.he trade routes except the United States coustwise trade. These are natural and established trade routes; and they indicate a growing business of exchange in which the United States occupies a central position of advantage. In the naval strategy of the United States the canal is invaluable. It permits the concentration of virtually all the power of the navy on either coast or at any point between the Canal Zone in itself an important supply sup-ply and repair base and its rapid movement over any part of the coast line of the United State?. In the broader field of influence the Panama canal is a key position for the United States. All who pass through Uie canal or call at its terminals get a firsthand first-hand impression of American manufactured goods, of American equipment equip-ment and methods, of American standards of living and of business. It is a thorough exhibit; and I am pleased to say that it has been an excellent exhibit. Our Canal Zone is a little sample of transplanted United States, as well as the site of great conduction; and as such 1 believe it is having considerable influence in directing the people in the countries of the west coast, northern South America, and 'of Central America to looking toward the United States, rather than Europe for leadership iu progress. In a practical way the requirements of our quarantine service have brought home to the neighboring countries the advantages of having porta sUiTiciently sanitary lo allow ships coming from thm to car-ape detention at tho canal. |