modern design, equipped with unloading cranes and 2200 feet long is already complete, and the plans for additional piers are prepared. The estimated cost of the terminals at Balboa is $15,000,000. [Illustration: NAOS, PERICO AND FLAMENCO ISLANDS TO BE FORTIFIED] The Suez Canal created no town such as Balboa is likely to be, for conditions with it were wholly different. Port Said at the Mediterranean end and Aden at the Red Sea terminus are coaling stations, nothing more. Geographical considerations however are likely to give to both Balboa and Cristobal--particularly the former--prime importance as points of transshipment. [Illustration: BEGINNING OF NEW BALBOA DOCKS] The machine shops long in Gorgona and Matachin have been removed to Balboa, and though since the completion of the canal the number of their employes has been greatly decreased, the work of repairing and outfitting vessels may be expected to maintain a large population of mechanics. The administration offices now at Culebra will also be moved to Balboa, which in fact is likely to become the chief town of the Canal Zone. Here is to be an employes’ club house, built of concrete blocks at a cost of $52,000. Like the other club houses established during the construction period it will be under the direct administration of the Y. M. C. A. The town of Balboa, and the club house will be in no small degree the fruit of the earnest endeavor of Col. Goethals to build there a town that shall be a credit to the nation, and a place of comfort for those who inhabit it. His estimate presented to Congress of the cost and character of the houses to be furnished to officers of various grades and certain public buildings may be interesting here. The material is all to be concrete blocks: Governor’s house $25,000 Commissioners’ and high officials’ houses, each 15,000 Houses of this type to have large center room, a sitting room, dining room, bath, kitchen and four bed rooms. Families drawing $200 a month 6,000 Families drawing less, in 4-family buildings 4,000 Bachelor quarters, for 50 50,000 Besides these buildings for personal occupance Balboa will contain--unless the original plans are materially modified: Hotel $22,500 Commissary 63,000 School 32,000 Police station and court 37,000 [Illustration: THE OLD PACIFIC MAIL DOCKS AT BALBOA] When Col. Goethals was presenting his estimates to Congress in 1913 the members of the Committee on Appropriations looked somewhat askance on the club-house feature of his requests, and this colloquy occurred: “The Chairman: ‘A $52,000 club house?’