New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-02-07
MIR. WALLACE AGAIN UP
against Eight-How Day-WOrk-
erS on Isthmus Vel Cared For.

Washington, Feb. 6.-John F. Wallace former
chief engineer of the isthmian canal was again
before the Senate Committee on Interoceanic
Canals to-day He gave a minute account of the
conditions he found on the isthmus the difficulties
he encountered in getting material and supplies
and the delays in filling acquisitions.
While he was cabling to have the orders expe-
dited. he said. he received word from Admiral
Walker that ''cabegrams cost money" II was a
delicate hint, he said. that he had better not use
the cables much.
The work 1 did" said Mr.. Wallace extended
over complete year. taking in dry and wet sea-
sons was working along definite programme
which I intended TO put in writing in my animal
report ana would have done if 1 had been per
hlltteo 10 make report I experimental with the
fFehch eNcaVators so as TO tell whether it would
De the more economical to use or destroy these
machines which cost probably 100000 I ex-
perItentea lar enough 10 know that these machines
Ielllng OF these experiments. Mr. Wallace said he
ldu lol eskihlated that, because eXcaYating could
Re d ~ H,bch TOT IS cents cubic yard, il could
Nay. 1t was important determine whether the
or the use Of the French ~ an gay
He remarked that he understood that the cost
had gone up great deal after ne left The organ
ization demorazed, he said because The men
had seen their chief dscredited and knew that
f IN was 10 oe appointed who would not be
III sympathy with the work that had been done.
REPORT NOT WANTED"
It was brought out that Mr. WaIlace's successor
had not had the benefit Of his analysis Of the years
work and his recommendations.
Why did they not have it?' asked Mr. Tala-
ferro.
Because the Secretary Of War told me he old
not want 1t, and had use for me- except on the
isthmus a directing engineer" said Mr. Wallace
\, DO you mean he was angry" asked Senator
hut Yes ss sir 50 ang5E that At in his treatment he all
Mr. Wallace said that in all his experience in
railroad construction he had seen men better
fed and housed than they were the isthmus.
The complaints. he said. came from clerks who
vent 10 the isthmus from Washington New
that TO live in tropical climate was TO lie in ham
Young Mems Christian Assocaton S on the
lsthmus FOR the beneht Of the canal employees Were
Mr.. Wallace. He was asked 10 be explicit
retary Taft did not wish the work TO go on Mr.
Wallace thought this was because the community
When Mr., Wallace showed some feeling in re
had been wasted by him senator Hopkins said.
IF you are careful Of the reputation of AIr
fhis Committee there Mi be NO feeng here
WISHES TO ANSWER CRITICS.
Nothing can repair the damage that has been
done to my reputation the witness replied
Many criticisms Of me have been made which I
had no chance 10 answer This is my only OPP
pOrtunity, and simply desire myself right.
! hope you VIII pardon NE II / show some heat"
Senators simmons and TaIiaferro said that Nj
Wallace should be permitted 10 make complete
It was pointed out that Chief Engineer Stevens
had set Mr. Wallace right and the Later said
that, 50 far as he knew. Mr.. Stevens had been
Perfectly fair
Discussing labor conditions. AIR Wallace said
many Civil Service appointees We're sent TO the
lsthInCs VINO We're not bad enough TO discharge
yet were thoroughly incompetent. He said IL had
been shown clearly that the Civil Service system
was not adapted 10 procuring expert labor for
work the istEmus
Speaking OF the Boho dam. Mr. Wallace said he
discovered that solid rock bottom could not be
found nearer than l67 feet, instead 12S feet as
had been shown by the Walker borings
He did not favor the eght-hour day and recon-
mended that as few restrictions as possible should
be placed on Mr. Stevens and that the wolves
should be kept of his back" If the canal work
should Toe let by contract. said Mr.. Wallace the
eight-hour provision would increase the contract
price about 70 per CEN. He thought the in
China. Japan. India, Spain or where he pleased