The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1913-12-09
DAVID D. GAILLARD
DIES In BALTIMORE
DIG CULEBRA CUT AND CONQUER
ED PANAMA CANAL SLIDES.
Engineers Death elimination OF
Breakdown Following Hard Work
on Canal.

Baltimore, Md, December 5.-Lieut,
Col. David Dubose Gaillard, United
States army, who directed the engi-
neering work in the Culebra Cut,
division of the Panama Canal, died at
Johns Hopkins hospital here today.
Lieut.. Col. Gaillard mad been a pat
lent at the hospital since August q
last, suffering from a growth in the
head, the result of seven years ar
duous labor in the tropical climate OF
the Canal Zone. He failed gradually
but steadily, and for the last two
months had been in a state Of coma,
due to the pressure of the cramal
growth upon the brain cells. The ply
sicians decided some time ago that an
operation was useless and might has
ten his death.
He is survived by his widow and
son, Lieut.. David P. Gaillard, United
States army. Both were at the bedside
when the end came.
Native of South Carolina.
Lieut.. Col. Gaillard was born at
winnsboro, S. c., in 1854. He gradual
ed from West Point Military academy
in 1884 and since that time had won
MANY honors in the engineering ser
vices. A bill was introduced in con-
gress last month promoting him to
the rank of colonel in recognition OF
his distinguished services which cul-
minated in the great engineering feat
in the Culebra section of the Penama
Canal
When Culebra Cut was flooded by
the blasting of Gamboa dixie on Octo-
Der 10 last Col. Gaillard lay uncon-
scious in his bed at the hospital here,
Due to Hard Work.
Col. Gaillards death is the culmina-
ton of a breakdown incurred by long
hours of work and exposure in the Ca
nal Zone, where he pitted ais skill as
an engineer against the shifting soil
of the CuIebra Cut. To him had been
given the most difficult task in connec-
+ion with the canals construction, to
master the landslides and quicksands
which extended for eight miles along
the line of the Culebra Cut.
During the early years of his contest
with the landslides Col Gaillard neV-
er knew what morning was to bring
forth. Over night the mountains NOV
cd and covered with their deposit the
tracks, and even the cars, which
were used to remove material. The
Culebra Cut runs through the backbone
of the American continent. Gailiard
dug indomitably until hill after hill
found it's angle of repose and he check
ed the randslides save at Cucur2cha
and points nearby. There the sliding
was persistent, but had visibly weak
ened, when the engineer was eompell-
ed to stop his work and seek rest.
Saved Government Money.
For the greater period Of his work
on the Isthmus Col Gaillard was
without a chief assistant. He wanted
TO save money. He gave his attention
not only to the great engineering
problems, but 10 all the details OF
shovel work, train work and drainage
! He checked up on the small things
and once it was computed that by
his careful oversight he had saved the
government $17,000,0OO.
Men WAC worked with him said that
he gave twelve hours Of each day to
the Culebra Cut IN addition he nad
a voice in all matters pertaining to
engineering work in the zone, to civil
administration and to the general con-
duct of affairs. The hard work, the
nervous strain. the worry and the trop-
ical climate combined broke his health
at the nour of his final triumph. There
was little left there to be done but
10 remove the soft earth of the slide at
Cucuracha
Final arrangement for the funeral
have not been made, but the interment
will take place in the National Gem
etary at Arlington on Monday after
noon. 1t is expected that the body Will
be removed to Washington either TO-
nsnight or tomorrow
GailIard OF Culebra.