New-York tribune., 1907-11-03
A NEW PANAMA RECORD
linking THE DIRT FLY"
Canal EGcaUati0n an October Vas
1862 Cubic Yards.
rFrom The Tribune Bureau l


Washington Nov. 2.-Colonel Goethals and the
extraordinarily well organized force which. under
his capable direction. is digging the Panama
Canal have once more established new high
water mark with the most astonishing amount Of
excavation in a single month. and that despite
an exceptionally large rainfall.
In the month of October .S44.471 cubic yards
Of material were taken from the prism Of the
canal an increase of more than % per cent
over the excavation for September. The rain
fall in october amounted TO III inches against
119 inches in September and 11.S9 inches in
August In addition to the material excavated
from the canal prism. "a 25S cubic yards were
taken from what are described accessory
works consisting chiefly of the excavations for
the big dams.
Octobers record surpasses every expectation
enter. aimed In Washington. where it was sup
posed that in September Colonel Goethals had
attained practically the maximum efficiency
POSSIBLE with his force and under the prevailing
weather conditions If it is possible to make an
increase of % per cent in a single month. and
that despite an increase of nearly 20 per cent of
rainfall. what may not be accomplished when
the dry season sets in? OF course, it is regarded
as possible that the highest degree of efficiency
may now have been attained. irrespective OF
weather, although that seems hardly likely. But
I'm
time when such increases cannot be shown be-
cause of the impossibilty of increasing either
the force or its effectiveness. When Chief En-
efneer Stevens resigned 100000 yards month
was still looked on as goal to he attained, but
under only the most favorable conditions. Now
Colonel Goethals has surpassed that by mora
than 75 per cent. and presumably the end is not
vet. The wisdom of conf1ding this gigantic en-
terprise to the army e-gineers is declared here
to be proved beyond doubt. The qualification of
the President knows no bounds. Colonel Goethals
and his assistants are making the dirt fly be-
yond Mr. Roosevelt's fondest expectations
Every report received here from the isthmus
indicates a most satisfactory condition Of af-
fairs The men are contented and ambitious,
each gang striving to make the highest possible
record. Colonel Goethals is described having
the most perfect command of the situation. and
the extraordinary results he is accomplishing
would indicate the accuracy of the reports
Communications from various sources indicate
that the work of Secretary Bishop is bearing
good fruit in the increased contentment Of the
men and the greater harmony which prevails
AS chairman Of the committee on grievances
Mr.. Bishop had heard every complaint with
patience and consideration, and many complain
ants have gone away with more than half their
troubles dissipated by the attention they have
received while the secretary has been able to
probe the cause Of those not so easily reraedied
and to make recommendations to the proper Of
fcials which resulted in giving satisfaction all
around
The Canal Record IS described serving its
purpose well. affording accurate information
regarding conditions and accomplishments in
the various sections of the canal zone. and cul-
tivating a most desirable spirit among the men.
It is confidently expected that the party Of
members of Congress, headed by Representative
Tawney, which recently sailed for the isthmus.
Will find conditions IN the zone worthy of their
unqualified commendation.