New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-04-14

-,HEN most Of US think of the Pana-
M ma Canal we do not think OF
w women. II has never seemed the
logical thing that we should. steam SNOW,
els and men. mosquitoes and men, mud anu
muscle and men-these come to nina mar
urally. Just as naturally as women come
70 mind when you think of Easter or near
from afar the sound of broken WINDOW
panes.
There being time and place for every
thing would seem, you say 10 yourself ~
eliminate from serious consideration the
suggestion that any one woman has played
q most important part in the construction
of the Panama Canal
President Taft does not feel this way
about IT, He had TO call on woman 10
save the situation from what looked
nightly like disaster. Furthermore, the
President of the United States called on
this woman by telegraph. and when she
begged off. he called again. Then she raj
lied to the appeal of her country ana saved
the day
This woman was Miss Helen Varick Bos-
well. She comes of Revolutionary ances-
tors. for one thing; she understands women
for another. Perhaps the first circum-
stance has something to do with the fact
that Miss Helen Varick Boswell is
fighter.
She was born in Baltimore. but came to
New York City in her early girlhood.
Why? For the purpose apparently. OF
identifying herself with the progressive
movements of the metropolis. Anyway, she
did ioin these movements soon afterward.
She earned her LII. B. degree that she
might utilize her legal training in her pub
lie work
SHE UNDERSTANDS WOMEN.
That she understands women and that the
government Of the United States did not
was proved by Miss Boswell when she
But that is what this story tells fully
There is no reason for emitting at the out
set. however that. in addition TO being
prominent IN Daughters of the American
Revolution work, Miss Boswell is president
OF the Forum club, of New YORK CITY,
chairman Of the committee on Industrial
conditions and child labor of the Ne"
York State Federation Of Women's CLUBS
brilliant and witty speaker, shrewd, kindly
broad minded and, to sum ii all up, 'good
mixer
WHY did the President Of the United
States urge Miss Boswell to go TO Panama?
Listen. There was an interesting develop
ment down there
The government had fixed things so there
was nothing for the women at Panama 10
do except be perfectly happy. The women
at Panama found that thoughtful govern
ment had smoothed all the difficulties from
their paths
The situation was becoming acute. Mem
bers of the National Civic Federation came
back to the states from visit to Panama
full of enthusiasm for what was being done
but having noted state Of unrest.
Women found houses finished. furnished,
modern. perfect in every detail. Among
the women were representatives Of every
sort OF condition in pioneer atmosphere
without the troubles and hardships which
ordinarily weld together such elements un-
der such conditions. Worse still, the women
having everything attended 10 for them by
a paternal government were bored to death
and decided signs of inconsistencies were
developing all along the line.
The canal authorities felt trouble was
brewing. If they wanted to keep the men
at their posts something must be done to
make the women content. Men were ask
ting for leave of absence, and the women's
inconsistencies was fast developing to that
stage that nothing but visit home" could
cure.
why don't you do something for the
women? You've done everything possible
for the men," was suggested to President
Taft
Mr.. Taft grasped at the suggestion and
wired Helen varick Boswell, asking. "Win
you 90 10 Panama. Miss Boswell, inn
mersed in some OF her many engagements
and interests wired back substantially:
sorry, but too busy"
For PHYS sake so down. find out what's
the matter and do something TO make the
women stay" the President lmplored
FOUR MONTHS OF PERSUASION.
This was In June, and II took until Octo-
Der for her to become convinced that Mr..
Taft would not take no for an answer The
result of the animated correspondence was
that Mr.. Taft sent Miss Boswell to the
isthmus to inquire into the situation and
make suggestions Colonel Goethals was In
structed to put into effect any suggestions
abe made which seemed practicable.
Now, the problem was this: In the be-
ginning the conditions on the isthmus were
frightful Sewerage was unknown, like
wise drainage Of any kind. The poisonous
surface water was the only kind known.
MOSQUITOES were q mysterious infiction
from the good God. and the illness and
death following their visitation were, OF
course. never thought or as necessary con-