The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-05-09
Chairman of Isthmian Commission
Replies to Every Charge
Against Government.
WATER SUPPLY GOOD;
DISEASE CHECKED
Employees Well Cared For and
Work Progresses, Declares
Official.

Special to Tho Journal.
Washington. May 9.-The report Of
Chairman Theodore P. Shonts, chairman
of the isthmian canal commission, was
made public today. It covers observa-
lions made by Chairman Shonts over
period of weeks spent on the isthmus,
inspecting every detail of the work, and
the document is most comprehensive.
He returned to Washington April %,
and since that time has been putting his
report into form.
The document is carefully classified
under various heads, which include
every branch Of the work and answers
practically every criticism which has
been made upon conditions in cOnnec-
tion with the canal work.
The Water Supply.
~ Regarding the water supply, Chair
man Shonts finds that the reservoirs
supplying the districts of Panama, En-
pire, Gorgona, and Bas Obispo, contain
sufficient water for many months to
come: The reservoir supplying the
district of Colon. however, had been
heavily drawn upon, and Engineer
Stevens had made special arrangements
water by train. This arrangement,
however. is merely temporary until the
rains shall again fill the reservoir.
One complaint to the effect that a
hotelkeeper at Colon had gone to great
expense. in providing water for his
guests is found to be without founda-
ton, inasmuch as the hotelkeeper de-
preferred to pay for having it hauled
to him. whereas he could have used the
regular water supply without cost had
he SO desired.
Health Conditions. ~
"Under the direction of Governor
Magoon,' reports Mr.. Shonts, "health
conditions on the isthmus are most sat
isfactory. Notwithstanding the fact
that there are more employees and their
dependents on the isthmus than ever
before (the monthly payrolls showing
from $4,000 to $4,000 employees with
a daily effective force of about 10000
or l7,0OO) there were fewer patients in
hospital than for many months past.
DR.. Gorgas reported $50 beds vacant
an hospitals.
'There has been no authentic case
Of yellow. fever since last November.
sons sleep in unscreened houses, and
discard mosquito netting without incur
ring personal discomfort
DR.. Gorgas is sanguine that he has
the health situation so well in hand
that no epidemic can arise within the
canal zone. The danger can come only
from the outside. The question of
quarantine is, therefore. of paramount
Importance, and is receiving the earn
est attention of the health department..
+'ollowing case of yellow fever
recently occurring at Bocas del Toro, on
the Caribbean coast, 159 miles distant
from Colon, an officer of the sanitary
department was sent to that port to
take charge Of its sanitation, at an exe:
pense to the commission of not to ex-
coed $500 month. This action was not
taken. however, until after a conference
with the officials of the republic of
Panama, who are willingly cooperating
IN the matter. It was considered wise
as an additional quarantine precaution
AS an evidence of the general health
conditions, DR.. Gorgas stated the rate
Of sickness was only 20 per thousand. y
Company Quarters for Employees.
Employees quarters have been pro
vided for the existing force with con
dltions sufficient to care for 800 com
pany laborers Suitable quarters have
also been provided for all American EN-
ployees. Uncooked food is supplied a
reasonable prices by the commission Of
the Panama railroad to the common
If the men prefer their meals pre-
pared, however, they may obtain then
at the regular mess kitchens at 10 cent
a meal, which leaves small profit t,
the commission.
Chairman Shonts expresses regret tina
these common laborers do not avail
themselves of the privilege of thes
mess kitchens. However, this is no
due to any desire to save money 8
much as to an appetite for certain deli
cacles which are not on the regula
bill Of fare. Hereafter, all labor cor
tracts will contain a proviso whereof
certain fixed amount will be de
Quoted from the daily wage of tn
common laborer, in consideration O
which he is to receive three wholesom
and nourishing meals day.
The company supplies the America
employees adequate refrigerator SCI
vice by steamer and rail, and a colo
storage plant has been established an
American meats and vegetables are b.
ing distributed. Nine large messhouse
are maintained at different points alon
the line where excellent meals al
served at a cost to employees Of 3
cents each. This price involves a sma
loss to the commission, altho it is e.
pected that under a new arrangemer
this department. will be self -supportin,
The American EMPLOYEES also have th
privilege of buying such uncooked SUI
Plioo DIS tHcN may Wish.
Terminal Yard and Track Facilities
Chairman Shonts reports that unde
Chief Engineer Stevens the plan to es
tablish adequate facilities of this kin
for the economical reception and distr
button of the vast amount of supplies t
provide for the disposition of excavs
ting material and site of the powe
equipment and machinery for econom
cally handling of same is being carrie
out with care and vigor. The facil
ties already established have been r.
modelled with view of making them q
effective as possible, while other facil
ties are being constructed at point
where the need is Indicated Sever;
miles Of the double track have bee
made on the Panama railroad main lin
and the need for more is developin
rapidly. The necessity for such add
tional line is becoming urgent as ind
Gated by the fact that l48 train NOV
Continued on I'd Pese, 9Th Column.