Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1904-06-27
James W. Abbott, Expert En-.
gineer and Builder, Special
Agent Enthusiastic.. Very
FayorabIy Impressed.
GREAT PRAISE FOR PLAN
Adopted By New Mexico in Use Of Con-
victs on Construction. discipline
First Class. ...Magnificent
Scenery.


the Rocky MountainPa Coast divi-
sion of the Public Roads Inquiry OF
the U. S. Department of Agriculture,
arrived from Las Vegas Saturday eve
ming. While in the Meadow City he
examined the eastern end of the
"Scenic Route" Road and the work
there being done by the detachment
of convicts from the territorial peni-
tentiary. He made careful investiga-
ton of the "Scenic Route Road and
of proposed lines across the Pecos For
est Reserve, from this end yesterday.
Mr.. Abbott is an expert in the survey
ing of roads and in their construction.
He graduated from the scientific de-
partment of Yale College in 1870 and
took a post graduate course in 1871.
During the past 33 years he has been
engaged in road engineering and con-
struction in various parts OF the coun-
try east as we'll as west and for 30
years past has been resident OF the
Centennial State. In 1875 he was in
charge Of the construction OF the ia
nous mountain road from Lake City
to the summit of the range in the San
Juan country. On account of his skill
and experience in this particular line
of his profession, he was four years
ago selected for the position which he
now holds. His professional opinion
on road matters is considered as valu-
able and as good as that of any living
engineer in that line of work.
To a representative of the New Mex
ican. upon being asked his opinion
concerning the road and the New Mex
leo plan and method of working detach-
ments of convicts in its construction,
he said:
'It has been left to New Mexico,
which has been denied statehood be-
cause of the alleged inferior quality OF
it's citizenship, to solve successfully
what | regard as the most important,
industrial problem of the age, the utl'
lization of convict labor in the con-
struction of common highways. High
ways interest all the people of all Sec
tions. 1t is the one industrial problem
which is not local feature. 1t is ab-
solutely general and is as important IN
Maine as in southern California and
Interests as fully the people of Florl-
da as it does those upon Puget Sound.
Ever since the agitation for improved
highways began in the United States
the propriety and feasibility of utillz
ing convicts in their construction have
been continuously discussed and agl'
tated. !, myself, have discussed the
questions in many places with the au
thorities who have to deal directly
with conyicts. The general PROPOSE
ton has met always with favor, bu'
the objections urged have always beer
the same. The obstacles of the sue
cessful realization of the proposition
have been those pertaining to dlscl
pline, maintenance and guarding.
In the south where convicts arr
used to considerable extent in max
ing and repairing highways, their prop
lens are very different There con
yicts are nearly all negroes. Discipline
there is enforced with the lash ant
the prison authorities insist that l
cannot be otherwise maintained. An,
insubordination or even lack of zeal
treated with corporal punishment
Fear is the only sentiment appeale
to in the convict; the malntenanc
question in the south cuts no hgure
The counties get the convicts fror
the penitentiary and pay the entir
cost of maintenance, from which tn
state is entirely relieved. The el
pense of guarding is also met by tn
counties The utmost vigilance
maintained day and night. Many
the prisoners are worked with ball an
chain. Every prisoner is securel
shackled to an iron rod runnln
through the bunk house before tt
time for sleep. Any attempt by tt
prisoner to exercise the slightest fre
don,~of movement on his own initiati0
brings a bullet from the guard. Live
are of no moment The negro convi
must be kept in subsection and h
work is the most unhappy form OF
bor. It has been clear to the advocat
of using conyicts on roads that son
better method must be devised for Il
treatment of convicts, radically difft
ent from that used in the south.
.'The theory of the law under whi
New Mexico is constructing
"Scenic Route" Road is, so far as
know, absolutely original. 1t is bas
upon a great knowledge of human
ture. The purpose is to make the &C
yict himself the most interested paI
and to let him receive the most dire
benefit from faithful, intelligent wol
The thing which has struck me mt
of all in my pleasant task of inspect
the Scenic Route" Road at each e