The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-05-15
The Greatest Danger TO the Panama
Canal.

The Greatest Danger 70 inc Eah"Wa
Canal.
The continued presence OF yellow
fever in and near the Canal Zone em-
phasizes the Importance OF the most
perfect system Of sanitation for that ter
ritory. As yet the disease is only spo-
radio in character, but IL all possible pre-
cautions are not taken il may become
epidemic at any time. Should this dis
aster occur when the work is under full
headway, with the thousands OF en-
ployees. many Of whom may not be &C
climated, the consequences would DO
extremely unfortunate.
The natural unheslthfulness Of Panama
and the canal route is we'll known. A
sanitary expert, a man Of worldwide
experience and long in the service OF one
Of the Departments Of the United States
Government, recently returning after
several months sojourn in Panama
SAYS: Il consider the climate in the
Canal Zone TO be about the worst have
ever seen in my wanderings upon the
face OF the earth, not even excepting
that Of the west coast Of Africa, Sierra
Leone, 6c.'
Though an extravagant and no doubt.
an exaggerated statement, it has been
said that in building the railway from
Aspinwall 20 Panama every cross tie had
a man buried beneath it. II anything
approximating the methods which pre-
vailed then is now permitted, the death
rate will be still greater, for the reason
that canal work is more unhealthful than
railroad construction.
All other considerations are insignifi-
cant when compared 20 the preservation
Of the health Of those employed in this
great project.
Under the first commission il was the
intention Of the medical staff TO spend
the FIST year upon the Isthmus in max
ing thorough preparation, and to have
everything in readiness 20 care for
the largest possible number Of laborers
which might be required for the rapid
completion Of the work. That the au-
thorities failed 70 accomplish this was
not due to incapacity. but TO ineffective
organization. The sanitary officer was
stripped Of authority by an incompetent
commission. one member Of which, az
chairman Of the sanitary department,
was q shortsighted obstructionist Of the
most deplorable typA Fortunately for
this enterprise and for humanity as well.
the President interviewed, and the first
commission has ceased to exist.
The new commission will no doubt do
better than the first, but in its organiza-
ton there are mistakes which il would
be we'll 20 consider at once. The new
order Of things places the sanitary de-
partment under the Governor Of the zone
and gives him authority 20 control his
own construction and supplies. While
this does away with some Of the cir
cOmlocution which clogged the first COM
mission, there is still over it the trail of
red tape. As it now exists, success will
depend entirely upon the personality Of
the Governor. and this is a dangerous
experiment While the chief sanitary
ofiosr Is held responsible, the Governor
has all the power leaving none to the
medical expert except that which il
delegated to him at the will OF this Gov
eTnor; and unless he grants DR.. GoROAs
full powers the outcome will inevitably
be deplorsble.
Nine-tenths Of the Governors execu-
tive work will pertain TO the sanitary
department, and yet this medical officer
IL only the agent Of the Governor and
without full authority. This ia an error
which should be corrected before dis
Rstsr occurs
The United States Government il for
tunate beyond expression In having upon
the spot and available a man admirably
adapted 70 sanitary work. Col. w. c.
GoRdAs is not only thoroughly trained
for this particular work, but he is pos
sessed Of fine executive ability, and is a
man Of such irreproachable personal and
professional character that the most i'm
plicit confidence can be placed in his
judgment and conduct.
He has already demonstrated his
ability, when left freehanded, in the work
which banished yellow fever from the
island Of Cuba, where Il had had an I'M
interrupted existence for I4O years. He
should have the same power, position and
freedom from interference in Panama.
With such power In his competent hands,
the construction Of the Panama Canal,
the mr-encement Of which has been
one Of the greatest triumphs Of the pres.
ent Administration. will be carried on and
completed with the least possible sacrifice
OF human life.