The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1912-09-27

L
They did not realize the enormous
task before them, their machinery was
too light, and they lost thousands OF
laborers from yellow fever.
There has possibly been more to
contend with in building this com
paratively short line of 200 miles than
in the construction Of many transcon-
tinental roads Of the United States.
1t has meant constant, and at times
well nigh insurmountable difficulties.
One of the greatest Of these was vel
low fever, the death rate from this
alone averaging over 80 per cent.
ITO one who has never penetrated
tropical jungle the conditions are
difficult to realize. A dense growth OF
trees, large and small, Is linked to-
gether everywhere by a heavy mass
Of vines, creepers and climbers of ev-
cry description. 1t actually makes
one dizzy to witness all forms of vege-
tation fighting for existence. The
trees are from 80 to $50 feet high,
and are Of mahogany, Brazilwood
resembling ebony, wild rubber trees,
palms and wild pineapples.
when one looks up to the sky only
tiny spots of light are visible here and
there, as If seen through holes in the
roof The Brazilian and Indian Ia
borers cut down with a machete, a
straight blade three feet long and
about two inches wide. They prefer
that knife to the best American made
broadax.
"The entire length of the Madeira
Mamore road was cut through solid
wall Of vegetation; it was built
through more than 100 miles Of the
worst swamp land conceivable, and
floods, slides and cave-ins of the un-
stable dobe mud were the rule rather
than the exception.
"The laborers included Portuguese,
Spaniards, Greeks, West Indian ne
OF all there employed we consider the
Spaniard the best laboring man. He
is the best natured and the most in
telligent. During the construction Of
this road thousands of men died
from fever or were killed by acct
dents; they were lost in the jungle,
killed by snakes or fell into the
swamps and were devoured by alliga-
tors.
High Temperature.
CAS- stated before, the death rate
from fever alone was over 80 per cent.
The Madeira river. so close to the
equator, is perhaps the deadliest riv-
er in the world. Along its course are
bred more fevers than anywhere else
in Central or South America. This is
due to the custom Of Indians, who for
centuries have thrown the bodies OF
fever victims into it's waters.
Despite the high temperature, there
is little suffering. The men always
wear felt hats, as these afford better
protection from the sun. The nights
are generally cool and one invariably
sleeps under blanket.
Under the existing state of affairs
the railroad contractors did all posi-
BILE to make living conditions bearable
for their men. The road maintained
an excellent hospital system, which
was free to all employees. Nearly
every camp had physician who ad-
ministered such treatment as was pos
sible in cases Of accident or sickness.
Those too i'll or too badly injured to
remain in camp were transferred daily
to the hospital at Candelario
Throughout the line Of construction
the company operated a chain Of COM
missary stores, where almost every
thing needed could be secured Every
effort was made to give every depart
ment and class of labor clean, whole
some and appetizing food. The sup
ply, with the exception of potatoes,
onions and beef. consisted almost en-
tirely OF canned goods vegetables
fruits and butter-and only the best
brands and grades were received. OF
course fresh milk. eggs and butter
were practically unobtainable. The
company maintained its own Ice plant.
but it was sometimes impossible to-
carry Ice to all points along the line.