The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1914-02-10
WHY COZ. COETHALSISAMA MAN
VERY WIDELY SOUGHT AFTER
His knowledge Of Men Remarkable and is his Strong
Point-Ths Quality Well Shown in Organization. he
- Formed in Panama.

made chief engineer OIL tHe idlidii"
Canal. Previous to that time he was
little known outside his associates in
the army. Today. as that monu-
mental work is nearing completion,
municipalities as we'll as corporations
have been making strenuous efforts
TO secure his future services, says
the New York Sun.
Dayton. Ohio, wanted him TO run
the city under the new commission
form of government. a firm in South
Africa offers him 500, 000 "A year to
look after it's properties. New YORK
wants him for police commissioner
and the government wants him as
Governor Of the Canal Zone, to which
place ne has just been appointed by
the President. 1t looks u though
New York may eventually secur his
services. |
What are the characteristics of the
man Goethals that he should be so
widely sought after? Was he born a
genius or is he merely an industrious
worker aided by fortunate cricum-
stances?
That Col. Goethals is largely re-
sponsible for the successful compile
ton of the canal and that in turn his
success has been largely due to the
superb and loyal organization that he
has built up and maintained IN a
high state of efficiency right from the
start is universally admitted. Is 1t
then this capacity for organization
that makes him attractive in the EYES
OF those who have problems to solve
involving the successful handling OF
thousands of men?
1t is largely this very reason, &C
cording to no less an authority than
George w. Perkins who recently re-
turned from the Canal Zone, where
he went at the instance of MayOT
Mitchell to interview Col Goethls in
reference to the Police Commission
ership OF New York. 1t is in a great
measure due to Mr.. Perkins efforts
that Col Goethals was induced to
consider the post provided certain
conditions which he made known were
complied with. Nor is Mr. Perkins
less enthusiastic than the mayor con-
corning Col Goethals' special fitness
for the place.
Knowing that so keen a judge OF
men must have some very good rea-
sons for his active efforts to secure
Col. Cocktails for the city Of New
York. a representative of The Sur
called upon Mr.. Perkins with a view
to learning something about the mar
whose services seem to be at a pre-
MUM.
col. Goethals is first of all a pa
triot and his one ambition has beef
and is to serve his country to tn
best OF his ability" said Mr.. Perkins
"But the chief characteristic of tn
man Is his human sue, Ills dDllll
to know and understand men,. i
fact his knowledge Of men is remark
able.
mo matter how great his abilit
as Il constructive engineer, the on
thing that stands out most prOmi
nently Is the interest that he takes /
the men under him and his ability I
interest them in their work. TIL
quality Of the man is best shown !
his solving OF the huge problem {
co-ordinating q force of more tina
10000 men OF many n~ationalities in
a compact. loyal and enthusiastic Of
g~anization. This in itself Is one
the greatest administrative feats Q
record.
1.-THE spirit of loyalty which h;
characterized his splendid organic;
ton OF men right from the beginnir
could only grow from a thorough b
lief and trust in it's head. 1t cou
have survived in an atmosphere
favoritism or ~dissension.
Every man on the IsthmuS. I
matter what his station, is entitled
a square deal and gets 1t. Every m:
who has cause for complaint kno,
that he, can go direct to the Colon
with his troubles and receive ju
treatment. Go where you will in [
Zone, every man that you talk to W
tell you that the old man. as tn
affectionately call him, is on I
square.
lis IL any wonder therefore til
this organization is behind the Col
mel to a man: that they are ready
deliver the best that is in them in
turn for such fair
This sense of loyalty almost
variably remains. even when a m
has been discharged for cause.
story that 1 heard on shipboard
illustrates this
"A man who had recently left
oarNtca was returning tn the JYDit
States. The captain OF the ship, "
knew hin, well and who supposed
was on a vacation. asked him wi
he expected to return. The man
swcred: 'Never!' Surprised. the C;
tain asked why he had resigned.
".Because l was asked to- he
piled. adding that il was for cause
that he thought, upon the whole. I
the old man was right about it
The COlonefs interest in his r