I feel confident that when the American laborer appreciates that Americans. because of climatic conditions. can not perform work in the Canal Zone and that only men of the Tropics can do that work he will not desire to hamper this greatest of public undertakings. and will cheerfully approve of the repeal of this eighthour law in so far- as it applies to alien labor necessary to prosecute the work. In no way can this repeal affect American standards. either the standard of the hours of labor or the standard of the wages paid. What good reason can there be to enforce the eighthour law. believed to be so beneficial to the workman of the United States. when it does not affect any American laborer? Why enforce these laws on those you do not wish to become and will not be American citizens? Why. then. is it not our imperative duty to repeal this law. so as to exempt from its operation the colored alien labor in the Canal Zone. when the chief engineer of the Commission. Mr. Stevens. declares to us that by its repeal he will be enabled to save 20 per cent in the cost of labor in the construction of the canal and in addition thereto hasten the completion of this great work?
Identified stereotypes
Only men of the Tropics can do that work