The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1908-09-08

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and persistent activity of the depart
ment of sanitation, the department OF
municipal engineering and the building
department. Today we find yellow fe-
yer driven from the isthmus, malaria
and pneumonia greatly reduced and a
high average of health established
Although the Governments imme-
date object on the isthmus is to dig
the canal and provide living quarters
for a temporary enterprise, 1t has in
fact created comfortable homes and
well organized social communities for
its working forces"
OF the progress of the work the re-
port says: This year over two ana
one-third million cubic yards were ex-
cavated in each of the winter months
the dry season in Panama. million
yards being approximately equal to a
square mile one foot deep. To prepare
this immense mass for removal 405
tons of dynamite were used per month,
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tent thirty-nine ninety-fve ton steam
shovels, thirty-seven seventy-one, ten
forty-fve-ton and twentyfour others
were in constant use. A total of 414l
cars and 321 locomotives moved this
mass to the dumps. A fleet of eighteen
barges, fifteen dredges and thirty-one
other vessels were at work in the
dredging service"
After giving detailed description
of the method of work on the canal
and the amount of machinery and Ia
Dor involved the report continues:
When We recall that this enormous
plant is operated at a distance of 1875
miles from the main base of supplies,
New York, we can estimate with more
justice and accuracy the magnitude
and complications of the undertaking.
On April Both last 26,11S men were
actually at work for the Isthmian Ca
nal Commission and 1857 at work for
the Panama Railroads. total of 3d.
193."
As to investigating and disposing OF
complaints with the workmen, etc., the
Commission reports: "A labor secre-
tary to the Commission should be ap-
pointed, whose duty it shall be to in
vestigate all complaints in relation to
conditions of employment, subsistence
and accommodations and to report
thereon to the chairman of the Com
Adequate compensation for those in
Jured while at work on the canal is
recommended. AS at present provided
by law, injured workmen are entitled
to one years pay unless sooner able
to resume work. and in case of death
the widow; children and dependent
persons receive the workman's wages
for the remainder of the year. The
Commission finds this law Inadequate
cases of permanent disabil-
ty and recommends more liberal al !
lowances.
In conclusion, the Commission states
that it desires to emphasize three
excellences of the canal ad- |
These are:
Ffrst-The recognition by the Gov
eminent that the housing, feeding and |
health of its employees bear a vital re-
alton to their economics and efficiency
md as a consequence the Government
las been able to take up and success
ully carry on a work that had been
lDandoned by another government
with a high average OF health and
power of its employees.
Second-The improved relationship
between the Government and the en-
'loyes, which makes it now possible
or the worlIingman to have his COM
'laints investigated and, if proved, rec
flied.
Third-The liberal provision which
S now made for relief in cases of
disability.