Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-05-16
Makes Slow Progress.

Fifteen months was necessary for prep
arations. The upper part Of the aqueduct
passes through a very rough and what
was then an unknown region, and nc in
habitants within fifty or sixty miles. In
order to convey machinery and construc-
ton material 1t was necessary to build
120 miles of railway, 225 miles of wagon
road, 14S miles of water main, 2lS miles
of transmission line. a cement plant with
| a capacity Of 100 barrels a day, and
more than 800 buildings, such as bunk
tails, engineers offices and residences. At
seteral places where 1t was impossible to
lay rails or build roads aerial lines were
established. and machinery and materials
We're hoisted up the walls Of canyons on
wires A great deal Of ingenuity has been
shown in overcoming natural obstacles,
but the economies are equally remark
able, and the cost Of the canal has been
between 10 and II per cent less than was es-
timated by the engineers who have done
the work, and in many instances 80 per
cent less than the sum demanded by con-
tractors.
Gen. Chaffee has had charge at the
headquarters in the city and Mr.. Mulhol-
land in the field
There have been some unusual features
All clerical and field positions have been
filled by the city civil service commission
after competitive examinations and a six
employees began at the bottom and were
promoted for efficiency and other merits.
The laborers were selected by their
bosses, who were made responsible for
| them. They were paid So day. and are
furnished with lodgings in bunk houses
designed to meet the extreme climatic
conditions. which range from 20 degrees
in winter to 1l6 degrees above zero in
summer. 1t has cost the city an avera ge
of $20 to house the men.
Same Rations for All.
All unmarried men among the en-
ployes ar efed by contract and nav o.
cents a meal. The same rations are
served to every grade of employee from
the superintendent down to the boys that
looked after the beasts. The health of
the men is looked after by a medical star
with hospitals and dispensares. One dol
lar a month is deducted from each mans
salary to pay the expense.
AT the request of Gen. Chaffee and his
associates the legislature passed an act
forbidding the location Of a saloon with
in four miles of the aqueduct camps and
closing all drinking places that already
existed within those limits. To supple
ment this, the water board made a rule
providing for the instant dismissal Of any
employee who brings intoxicants into
camp. and every man who comes into
camp drunk is given his time check and
told to go. MIR. Mulholland estimates
that these provisions have already saved
the city between three and four millions
Of dollars by increasing the efficiency of
his force.
The Los Angeles Y NJ. c. A. established
| stations at all the camps and has fur.
nished them with newspapers, MAGAZINES,
| books and writing material and provided
| wholesome entertainments and diversions
| for the men.
Mr.. Mulholland declares that the or
1 high rlQSs ~ lol>
| ployed. the esprit du corps of the men
! from top 10 bottom and the readiness OF
/ ~" city t. recognize the good work alto
sei.tr haT. Ge'siop-d the best human