Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-01-22
The Canal Builder.

In 1907, after Ave years OF work In
the construction of the Panama Cana!
undertaken by the United States. dis
satisfied with the rate OF progress and
convinced that change Of organizat ton
was necessary to effect speedy and effi-
Gent work on the Isthmus, President
Roosevelt decided to establish the head
quarters Of the construction commission
from Washington to Panama Changes
in the personnel Of the commission were
made. The chairman and chief engi-
neer resigned and others were named
In their stead. This. the fourth COM
mission appointed to carry on the great
work. was headed by Lieut. Col George
w. Goethsls Of the Engineer Corps OF
the Army. He was not conspicuously
known. He had performed faithfully
and efficiently many tasks In tn. lire of
his duty and was recognized as an en-
gineer Of ability and an administrator
Of exceptional competence. when he
went to Panama to take over the un.
finished work. 1t was the expectation
that It would be completed by the first
Of January. 1915.
Col. Goethals took hold of this great
work without making any public procla-
nations OF purpose, save that he Was
going. with the aid Of his associates Of
the commission, to finish the Job as
quickly as possible. The foundations
for the giant construction had been well
laid. and he proceeded 10 build upon
them. The sanitary problems had been
largely solved by the remarkable labors
Of Col. william c. Goreas. who con-
tinued a. member Of the commission.
The vitality necessary requirement was
to keep the working force steadily on
the job, TO avoid frictions. to make the
most OF every day and every machine
and every man.
A . result OF the efficiency Of the
Goethals commissioner very great
part. indeed. Of the skill and executive
ability Of Col. Goethals himseif-the
canal was completed almost . year
ahead Of schedule. This achievement
astonished the world. for II had pre-
viously been the experience in great
undertakings Of this character that
they Jagged far behind expectations.
BY application Of the principles OF
Army organization and cooperation the
technical problems were solved as
rapidly as they arose With very little
publicity regarding progress. the vast
undertaking went forward. and when
the end came and the waters OF the
two oceans were mingled. the people Of
this country reioiced exceedingly on the
score Of perfect piece OF work accom-
plished by an American engineer.
Yesterday George w. 0oethsis died
In New York For q number OF years
ne had been. though retired from the
active military service. engaged In i'm.
portant engineering works He had
continued TO lead an active life, and Il
Is q shock TO learn Of his passing q,
the age OF sixty-nine years. To him
will high tribute be paid by a grateful
country. He exemplified In his quiet
acceptance OF all assignments. even the
greatest that could be given 70 a mem.
Der OF his profession. without hesita ton
or question or condition. the spirit OF
accomplishment and service that has
always marked the American Army.
There IL no need 10 erect a monu-
ment to the honor and memory OF
George w. Ooethais. for there Ia already
one in existence. the waterway that he
completed. and that today Ia doing an
invaluable work for humanity.