The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1906-01-25
THE ISTHAIIAN CANAL.

Chairman Shonts. Of the Canal Com
mission, made a speech at Cincinnati
Jan. 20. which was full of hope and
promise for the canal. He said that
the preparatory work was absolutely
necessary, as it was in every great en-
terprise. and had been pushed forward
efficiently. thoroughly and well. There
was great deal to be done before be-
ginning digging. and 1t had been done.
The work was now in such shaIAe that
actual digging would soon begin AS
soon as the type OF the canal was de-
cided upon bids would be advertised
for for such portions as could be let
out by contract. 1t was believed that
most, outside OF the Culebra Cut, could
be done by contract. There had been
trouble about securing the right kind
of labor. The West Indian negroes, of
whom great hopes had been enter
tanned, had proved themselves quite in
efficient, not performing more than %
per cent, or at the most 33 per cent,
the amount expected of labor in the
United States. The eight-hour law was
great mistake, and would cost the
Government many millions in the ex-
ecution of the work. The canal should
not have been hampered by any laws
save those Of police and sanitation.
The skilled laborers wanted the 10
hour day, with proportionate pay.
The canal was going to be dug, and
in reasonable time. with everybody
doing his share fairly and honestly
When 1t was completed in this manner
large share of the credit would be-
long to President Roosevelt and Secre-
.tary Taft. In concluding his speech
Mr.. Shonts said:
Speaking for the members of the
Commission as we'll as for myself,
wish to say with all possible emphasis
that we not only invite investigation
OF our acts, but ask for it as q right
Ii we are doing our work honestly and
efficiently, our hands should be upheld;
II 1t is shown that we are doing It i'm
efficiently, we should be removed, and
II we are doing 1t dishonesty, we
should be exposed. convicted, and sent
to prison. Neither knaves nor incom-
petents should be permitted to have
charge Of task of such magnitude
But while we court the fullest investi-
cation, We earnestly ask that it be made
by persons of character and standing,
either In public or private life, whose
recognized intelligence and fair-mind-
edness are such as to command public
confidence. and that it be made upon
the ground.
I'VE ask further that the investiga-
ton be made promptly and ended as
soon as 1t can be and have it's work
done thoroughly This is absolutely
necessary II we are to maintain any de-
gree Of efficiency in the organization.
I'VE protest in the name Of Ameri-
can fair play against the dissemina-
ton in the United States Of libels and
ISLANDERS upon the efficiency and charac-
ter OF the faithful workers on the
Isthmus who, by reason OF their alb
sence from their own country, cannot
defend themselves from such assaults
Many Of them went to the Isthmus be-
fore 1t was made a healthful place In
which to work. and in doing SO faced
Geath from disease as the soldier faces
IT from the bullet on the field OF bat
tie. They saw many of their comrades
die from disease, but they themselves
either escaped 1t entirely or recovered
from its attack. more loyal, faithful,
efficient body Of men than these SER
wants OF the United States on the 18TH
mus is not to be found anywhere on
earth. Their devotion to the interests
Of their country entities them to the
gratitude Of their fellow citizens and
should protect them from the coward
ly attacks Of that most despicable OF
all assailants, the man who stabs In the
back"