“Organization of the working force is without a flaw.
“All the climatic dangers have been eliminated by the work of Dr. Gorgas, the sanitary expert.
“Panama has been transformed into as healthful a place to live as any of the Southern states.
“The equipment for digging the canal is of the highest type.
“The only criticism made by the various members of the commission may be summed up as follows:
“There is need for more schools.
“There is need for more amusement for the working force.
“Too much of the food served to the diggers is canned. Not enough fresh vegetables are served.
“Although these were the only criticisms heard, the members of the commission were not unanimous. Several held the belief that the food supply could not be improved. It was pointed out that the government is erecting schools rapidly and that there is now under construction several Y. M. C. A. buildings, which will afford the needed recreation.”
If that was so under Engineer Stevens, it is too bad he did not stay down there to keep it so. I hope that the Commercial Club commission were not mere optimists; that they did not mistake entertainments for attainments; that the equatorial sun did not dazzle their Northern eyes; that nature is not deceiving us by a temporary show. The canal work needs Chicago eyes.