The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-05-11
Must Be Exceptionally Qualified.

WQSt DC ENCCRliOHditJ NdCfifSes
Chicago, May 1O.-During the recent
trip of the Panama commissioners to the
isthmus. one of the subjects of discus
sion was the appointment of the CHER
engineer. It was agreed b. .Te-y one
that the man selected must possess ex-
ceptional qualifications must be not only
an engineer, but an administrator and
executive; must have mature judgment,
and yet energy of accomplishment, and
must be well and favorably known, as a
very great measure Of the success of
the commission will be centralized In the
head or one man.
While the commission was at sea on the
way to the isthmus, letter was written
to Mr.. Wallace asking him to meet the
members In New York on their return
and talk the matter over. Subsequently
there was correspondence with Mr..
Stuyvesant Fish, president of the Illi-
nois Central, who spoke In warmest terms
of Mr. Wallace
President Fish was very unwilling to
have Mr.. Wallace leave the service of the
company, but the appointment having
been rendered, left the decision entirely
with Mr.. Wallace himself. In reaching
the conclusion to accept, Mr.. Wallace
gave up his prospects of promotion, and
a much higher salary than $4,000 year,
but by taking the position of chief en-
gineer of the Panama canal, his name
will be attached to the greatest piece Of
construction ever undertaken.
Two Years For Survey.
1t is estimated that about two years
will be required to complete the surveys
make the estimates of cost and decide on
the final plans. In round figures the canal
Will cost 5000, 600 900, and will require ten
years to complete Besides the engineers,
machinists and other skilled labor, the
cor structive work will give employment
to $1,000 men.
Probably the most important qualifica-
ton possessed by Mr.. Wallace is his abil-
ity and tact In the management of men.
For several years all questions involving
the matter of labor and the control OF
labor organizations in the entire system
of the Illinois Central road have deyolVed
upon Mr. Wallace for settlement. 1he
twenty-three different labor organizations
found among the employees or the limos
Central have alH avs had the most implicit
confidence In his decisions AS evidence or
this, 1t can be stated that they have never
In a single instance appealed from his
decision to higher authorities since ne mas
cen general manager OF the road.
+.
of his new work almost Immediately.
nrohabIv not later than the middle OF
June
Educated In Illinois.
John Findlay Wallace was born at Fall
River. Mass, and was educated as a
civil engineer at Monmouth university
Monmouth, ILL.,, of which his father. the
Rev. David A. Wallace, was founder ana
first president.
In 1869 he entered the service OF the
Carthage and Quincy railroad as roo
man. After working for various roads,
steadily advancing all the time, Mr.. wal
lace was employed January /, 1881, by the
Illinois Central to assist in handling the
worlds fair transportation problem ana
submit plans for taking care OF thls Dus-
mess. and the general Improvement ol 'he
terminal property of the limos zen,
trail. These plans were hnaliy auoPteu
by the railroad company and MT wal
lace was appointed chief engineer Oh the
Illinois Central During the seven years
he occupied this position, the limos zen,
trail property was practically rebuilt and
the system of Improvements started the
carrying out of which has placed the
Illinois Central Railroad company In the
first rank of railroad progress IN the
United States.
January 1, 1898, Mr.. Wallace was APP
pointed assistant second vice president.
While still retaining supervision over
the engineering department he was cali-
ed upon to assist the second vice presi-
dent in the general supervision OIL mat
ters ir the operation Of the road
On January l, 1891, Mr.. Waliaces uine
was changed to assistant general Hlaia-
ger and he was placed at the heao Vi tiie
operating department.
In September, 1902, he was appoin'e"
general manager.
Mr.. Wallace is past president of the
American Society Of Civil Engineers.
American Railway Engineering ana
Maintenance of Way association, ana
Western Society of Engineers.
He also is member of the Institute oi