The Washington times., 1905-07-14
Justifies RESIGNATION
Of Engineer Wallace
Writer in Manufacturers Record Says Chief
Canal Builder Was Hampered
and Oppressed

The first detailed and effective presen-
tation of the case of st4sin T. Wallace,
late chief engineer Of the Panama canal,
is made in q rather remarkable article
just published in the Manufacturers
Record, of Baltimore by c. f. Il. Cara
cristi
On its face this article does not as
sumo to be an expose of the conditions
which forced Mr.. Wallace to leave the
isthmian work: it is not presented as
the vindication of Mr. Wallace. Never
theless. perusal of it seems 70 justify
the impression that it's writer. a we'll
known engineer, was presenting the
case of Mr.. Wallace. and that he made
it a vigorous presentation
One of the editors of the Manufactur-
ers' Record said Ibis morning over the
telephone that Mr.. Caracristi was an
occasional contributor to that publica-
ton, and his contributions were highly
priced because of their accuracy and in
dependence of view.
Not WaIlace's Defense
3:Do you regard your article of this
week as in effect a presentation of the
case of Mr.. Wallace?" was asked
1T was not sent to us as sueh,'' was
the reply. MIR. Caracrfsti simply sent
It as the result of his Inquiries on the
isthmus. We have no reason to under
stand that it is a setting forth of Mr.
Wallaee's case.
Mr.. Caracristi was in the canal zone
two or three months ago. He has done
much work In the tropics. and is well
informed on that class Of work in gem
eral, and on the canal work In particu-
lar"
Situation as Discussed.
Mr.. Caracristi is thoroughly convinced
that conditions on the isthmus are ut
terly disorganized and that basic
changes must be made in the system II
the canal is to be built promptly and
economically.
Mr. Caracrfsti outlines thus the dues-
lions he proposes to discuss:
Are the delays and disturbances 5 :
the result Of political intrigue, the antag-
onlsm of powerful railroad influences,
or the outcome c< fortuitous and I'M
avoidable calanaties?''
Public opinion, ne says, is undenia-
bly, go tried that it looks askance and
demands information as to the hidden
powers that are preventing the accom-
p1ishInent of the great TASK Then the
author proceeds to a statement that
definitely charges the whole dlfficuity
I'D to the Administrations:
1T may be possible that the Admins
tration may be able to commune with it
self in peace. and, in time, ofer ample
and tustifiable reasons for acts that,
to those not in its confidence, definitely
appear as preTedita1ed policy of I'M
reasonable procrastination- if rot will
full and premedit2ted obstruction and de-
lay.
under the castieation administered by
Secretary Taft could hardly have Sug-
gested the point more causticaliy.
Not Wallace's Champion.
However. Mr.. Caracristi proceeds to
explain that he is not defending Mr..
Wallace He says the American people
will. in time, see that Wallace has
merely been subjected to the same kind
of treatment that has been accorded TO
Schley and Miles. He adds that that
sort of thing, which may go with
army and navy officers, will not be per-
mitted by professional men of the at
| tainments necessary IL a canal builder.
! ITO be perfectly plain, continues
/ Mr. Caracristi. the work should either
be placed irrevoca: y in the hands OF our
able army enginee = Ito satisfy the Ad-
ministration's han;---;,ag after inter
| ference) or totally = % sIerred 10 CIVIL
| ians.
| ..The Government cannot, and never
| has, executed a great engineering OF
utility work without civilian help The
rules of strict subordinatfon imposed ny
| the Government on its employees Will noi
| work with the classes of professional
men even with the class of American
| labor and employees which must be used
on this undertaking.
Even if it could be had. there are nc
facilities for housing a large supply o.
| labor on the isthmus. The Americans
there are largely adventures or curiosi-
" seekers When the crucial time comes
wages will be about twice as high as
now.
| Reasons of Delay.
THE principal reason for delay is the
absolute want of organization and har-
| mony. There is one exception, and that
iexists in the health officers department
THE durable condition Of disorganiza-
ton can be remed!ed by letting the worf
by contract in small sections Ii thi:
is not done no organization will ever las
beyond its experimental stage
THE absolute :inpracticability OF sue
cessfuiIy building the canal directly bl
I the Government at anything like rea
| sonable cost has already peen oemcn
strated and as more difficult problems
are presented stronger and more con
| yinciY1g evidence OF this statement mus
mass the censo rship of the repre-
sentattyes Of the American press on IN
isthmus and reach this country VIII
alarming details, probably accompanies
by scandal.
Canal Can Be BUILT.
| There Is nothing imgracticable abou