Panama Fears Proposal.

New York Times 100 years ago today, September 12, 1912:
Danger to Sovereignty Seen In Request for Restrictions on Land Grants.
    PANAMA, Sept. 11.— Members of the Panaman Administration express alarm over the request, made by Maurice H. Thatcher, Governor of the Canal Zone, that the Panaman Government issue a decree, providing hat all concessions which Panama might make to individuals or corporations to use the waters of the Republic must contain a clause that such concessions are granted subject to the superior rights of the United States over these waters.
    They fear that this means that every concession of lands in the Republic must include a clause making it plain that the grant is subject to the right of eminent domain by the United States.
    Two members of the Cabinet said in interviews to-day that the proposal was a serious one and appeared detrimental to the sovereignty of the Republic, it is thought that difficulties may arise through a misunderstanding of the real question involved.