New-York tribune., 1908-01-20
THE C4N4L RECORD"
Colonel G0ethaIs Giues Credit for the
Idea to q WOmdn.
LFrorn The Tribune Bureau.


Washington, Jan. 1S.-Colonel Goethals chief en-
gineer OF the isthmian canal and chairman of the
Isthmian Canal Commission, gives credit To Miss
Gertrude Beeks. who visited the canal zone as the
agent Of the welfare department of the Civic Fed
Grafton. for the idea of The Canal Record" the
little weekly which the commission publishes on
the canal zone Miss Beeks. according to Colonel
Gcethals, found that there was lack Of cornn,lI-
nlcation between the several sections along the
canal. and that reports Of the work in other sec
uons and OF what others along the line Were doing
in the way OF sports and recreation were lacking
and she suggested Colonel Goethas that he could
easily promote the spirit of competition as well as
make for the happiness and contentment Of the en-
ployes, if he would provide for the publication Of
weekly newspaper. Ennui is one of the greatest
obstacles to the contentment of the employees in
the canal zone. and Colonel Goethals seized upoo
Miss Beeks's suggestion good one.
II was just after Miss Beeks's visit that Joseph
Bucklin Bishop secretary of the canal commission
decided that il would be necessary to remove his
office to the canal zone, and, knowing that Mr.
Bishop had had newspaper experience the chief
engineer awaited his arrival and advice before un-
dertaking put Miss Beeks's suggestion into
operation To Secretary Bishop was confded the
task OF starting The Record Immediately upon
his arrival and the success Of the paper has been
due to his efforts
When Colonel GoethaIs was before the Senate
Committee Interoceanic Canals recently Senator
Culberson attacked the publication Of The Record
the ground that II = continuance Of
Objectionable press agent work, against which he
had protested two years go. and Senator McCum-
Der seconded Mr.. Culberson'S remarks. Colonel
GoethaIs however, protested that The Record
was published press promotion scheme"
but with the purpose Of promoting the competitive
spirit among the employees, to whom it furnishes
accurate weekly statements of the work accom-
pIished on each section Of the canal and Of con
tributing in some to their happiness The
largest circulation OF The Record" is the canal
zone. and the sending of copies 10 members Of
Congress and 10 some newspapers is really sec
ondary consideration. although the accurate news
it furnishes regarding the canal work is greatly
appreciated by the press Of the United States. as
is shown by the fact that frequently statements
appearing in the little paper telegraphed by
press associations here 10 all parts Of the country.
The publication Of The Canal Record" accord
ing TO Colonel Goethals. is. moreover. only small
part of the duties performed by Secretary Bishop
who in addition conducts Of the important
divisions OF the work on the Zone-the division of
complaints Before Mr.. Bishops arrival the
gfneer officers in charge of the work attempted 10
hear complaints and rectify grievances but their
time was Sc largely taken up with other matters
thar they found II difficult TO give compainant5
the attention they thought they deserved. and the
amount OF petty detail involved In adjusting mat
tors which were frequently the occasion of entirely
legitimate complaint constituted obstacle
General construction work AS Mr. Bishop
.-G,-sd ALI Of this class OF work turned
m him and his courteous attention and consdera-
,;o- have produced most beneficial results In
MANI instances attentive hearing and few
,,,i,, words of advice 20 far to dissipate even
.hs cause of a complaint, while the personal at
..-,ion which Mr.. Bishop has devoted 10 renov-
t, the causes of discomfort has done much 10 pro-
r,o,e neace and happiness among the employees.
In recent report to the Secretary of War the
tiff engineer commended Secretary Bishops ser
-. %, much that Secretary Taft promptly wrote
= ~ E2Islgop letter of the heartiest congTayuia-
ton Under these circumstances ii is maintained
:. ,he canal headquarters the apparent effort -
And ground which 10 cTitlcise the work Of Mf,
-, and the misguided aspersons on ne
-, pecords as a press agent scheme are
,,,,o,,t good reason and ii is hoped that Senators.
-, have little conception of the difficulties OF
,e.en;ng force of several thousand men happy ana
.o,+ed far from home and under conditions
.Aa,, are deprived of all ordinary methods
y o-ear1ent. will refrain from further opposition
20 The Record"