Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-22
anything like decent Management the ia
maica blacks will work faithfully.

anything like decent management the ia
maica blacks will work faithfully.
Chinese labor was employed in building
the railroad fifty years ago and also on the
canal. 1t Is fairly effective rush of Chi
nese to the isthmus has been predicted by
the steamship companies. though the rush
does not appear to have begun. UneaSineSS
was shown in Panama lest the natives be
submerged by Chinese and a proposition
was made for their exclusion. This does
not seem to have been successful. 1t would
be unwise for the Chinese to be entirely
shut out of Panama during the construction
of the canal They will be needed. and If
they threaten to come in too great numbers
their immigration can be regula ted.
A year ago a commissioner from the Japa-
nese government spent some time in Pana-
ma looking into the conditions of living and
the nature of the work which would be re-
Quired in the canal building. His conclu-
sions were reported to be favorable to Japa-
nese immigration. While the war with
Russia will keep all the Japs at home for a
while. 1t is not presumed that this war Will
last many years. and 1t is reasonable to
count on a reserve supply of japanese labor
at some period of the canal construction.
Advice to Americans.
Americans have not yet tumbled head
long into Colon and Panama. as it was
said they would. 1t was declared that the
steamship lines would have to put on some
extra ships to accommodate them, but
did not find that the passenger list was
swelIed much beyond the usual number A
few were coming down to look over the
chances for business in the future and to
inform themselves about the conditions
generally With the ratification of the
treaty accomplished more will begin to
come, yet very sensible. ideas are held
Business for Americans will develop as the
canal works develop. The colony from the
United States for while will be made
up of those who have official responsible
hair eli fa
number will grow.
Those who expect to go to the isthmus
always will want to know about the ell
mate. and always they will get contradic-
tory views. / myself never have been able
to develop a great fondness for that Pan
anna climate, but l know Americans who
have been there for longer time and who
like 1t. At least they say they do, and
they keep in good health. Sanitation and
semi-mdlitary rule undoubtedly will be able
to remove the danger Of yellow fever and
similar epidemics. What those who go to
the isthmus will have to contend against
will be an enervating and maiarial atmos-
phere, but not one which spreads conta-
gion. Simple rules of diet and living will
be the only ones to follow.
Temperance in diet and drink is the only
safe rule. Temperance also should be the
rule in work The midday rest or siesta Is
not luxury. 1t Is necessity. In explor-
ing and in actual construction work 1t may
not be INDUCED in as long as in Panama,
where three to four hours usually are
taken. but always there is the possibility
Of shelter from sun or rain in rancho or
she'd. and hammock always Is part OF the
baggage. Recreation il not at hand should
be sought. On the part OF the natives of
the isthmus the lack of disposition to ex-
ercise is very marked. Occupation is a
means of enabling one to forget the incon-
veniences of the climate, and as there will
not be room for idlers most of the Ameri-
cans who go to the isthmus will not bother
too much about the inconvenience Of their
surroundings. They will adapt themselves
to the circumstances and will find means
OF recreation, which Is almost as essential
as temperance in diet.
A Probable Complaint.
It Is certain that the people from the
United States who go to Panama, either
for business or for sightseeing, will be
prompt to raise one general complaint to
their government. This will be against the
Panama railroad. 1t Is a very good railroad
and very well managed. but It is abhor-
rent to the American spirit because 1t is a
monopoly. When the government comes
into actual possession of the road and OPP
crates 1t these complaints will be likely to
grow in volume. A ticket bought In New
York to Panama Ii charged for at the rate
of SO for the transit across.fhe isthmus,s
q, distance of At miles. When the passen-
ger reaches Colon he finds that the regu-
lar fare Is "a. which Is pretty high. but
which he may be willing to stand. Then
the explanation Is given him that the other
30 Is charged for his baggage. which Is
transported at the rate Of cents a pound
When he knows this his growl becomes
louder. A telegram from Colon to Panama
costs II. for the rate IL 10 cents word.