The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-07-25

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put their conclusions in the form of
definite recommendations, and to ar
range to have carried into effect such
plans as are adopted. The whole pur-
tai welfare of the thousands Of en-
ployes of the United States government
who, for years to come, will work and
live in climate and amid environments
wholly different from their previous sur
roundings. These employees include
heads of departments and chiefs of bu-
reaus; clerks, stenographers and a large
numb er Of engineers and rodmen, many
dredge men, high-class firemen, machin-
lists; many hundreds of locomotive driv-
ers, yardmen, steam drill operators, car
penters, bricklayers, plumbers and me-
chanics. .
Before sailing, Chairman Shonts thus
explained on behalf Of the commission,
the introduction of recreation into the
work of canal constructions:
We are going to provide tennis courts,
baseball parks, and perhaps fields for
such other athletic sports as are suited
to the climate. TheseA opportunities f61'
wholesome open-air exercise and amuse-
ment will be especially valuable and well
come to the clerical force and others
whose work is largely sedentary. We in
| tend, also, to have clubhouses erected,
with every facility for reading and for all
| kinds Of games and indoor amusements.
In connection with these clubs and their
various rooms, there will be reasonable
opportunity for men to spend money in
a proper way, who wish to do So Before
| undertaking this plan we consulted with
officials Of the National Civic federation.
The plans will include also better houses
1 g. I, ", 1110ro
of housing is highly important and
clamors for immediate consideration. We
recognize that a government employee
down on the Isthmus is entitled to a
habitation and surroundings in keeping
with his American standard of living.
These additions to our preliminary plans
| may impede the actual work on the canal
a little, but the delay will not be serious.
! Again, we are going to take steps to
improve the food and see that it is pro-
vided at the lowest possible figure. When
we have accomplished these things,
believe the storm Of complaints about the
situation on the Isthmus will have ceased
that everybody will be contented and
| that we shall in the end make a great
GAIN because of these preparations for
recreation and wholesome living. With
healthy underlying conditions we shall &C.
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| and less friction.
The experts furnished by the welfare
department Of the National Civic fedora
ton are well qualified to prepare these
desired plans for recreation. Mr.. Marc
graduated from Harvard university in
1897, with the degree of BIAS upon land
scape architecture, the laying out on
recreation grounds, etc. In 1898 he re-
ceived the degree Of, S.B. in architecture
having made a special study Of all recrea-
ton buildings, such as clubhouses, gym
nasiums, etc. After leaving college, Mr.
Nazro travelled thru England, France anG
Italy, devoting most Of his time to the
study Of these subjects.
Mr.. Moffett, as the editor Of the officia
! journal of the Bricklayers and Masons
1 Union of America, has made a specta
study of all subjects connected with the
welfare Of skilled labor in the building
trades, Of which there will be great dea
employed on the Isthmus.