THE DAILY DEMOCRAT
Marlin, Texas
January 15, 1943
ROTARIANS HEAR TALK
ON PANAMA CANAL
Marlin Man Recently From Panama
Explains Principle of the Canal
and Describes People There --
Talk Illustrated.
Glenn Rice Criswell, recently returned from Panama, where he was employed in
construction work on the Panama Canal, was speaker at the Rotary luncheon
Wednesday. He described the canal and some of the people who live in Canal
Zone.
He was presented by C. M. Cochran who said,
"It is especially a pleasure to present a former student of the Marlin High
School and former member of our band. While in the band Criswell
originated some drum cadences which we are still using. Later he went to
the University of Texas and as chief drummer of the Longhorn band introduced the
drum cadences which are still being used by the Longhorns. Criswell was a
fine student and is making good."
Mr. Criswell, an illustrator as well as
speaker, presented a series of drawings showing the principles upon which the
Panama Canal operates; also, map of the land at Panama, a map of the Canal and
some of the buildings there. At the conclusion of his talk he drew a free
hand color-crayon scene, depicting a typical grass hut used as an abode by some
of the natives.
"The United States was granted permission
to construct the Panama Canal by the Republic of Panama and hold rights to the
Canal, itself, as well as territory within five miles on both sides of the
Canal. Panama City and Colon are the two chief cities on the Canal
and the Republic of Panama, held jurisdiction over them, although they were
within the 5 miles United States controlled zone.
"The distance of water in the Gulf of
Mexico to the Pacific ocean across the Isthmus is only 36 miles, but the canal
and its meanderings is 56 water miles in length. The highest point in the
land is 85 feet above sea level.
"By damming up a river a lake, Gatoon Lake,
was created and ships coming in at sea level are lifted to the surface of the
lake by means of water in a series of locks. The ships are towed into the
first giant lock approximately 110 feet by 1000 feet. Gates are closed and
water from Gatoon lake flow into the lock, lifting the ship to a certain height,
after which it passes to another lock and is lifted some more. Finally it glides
out on Gatoon Lake.
"On the opposite side of the lake the ship
passes into another lock filled with water, from which the water is released and
the ship is lowered as the water runs out. Through a series of such locks
and canals, it ultimately passes from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico,
or vice versa.
"The first ship to pass through the Canal
was the SS Ancon on Aug. 15, 1914.
"Within recent months the U. S. government
felt improvements and additions should be made to the present Canal facilities.
That work is now in progress. It will increase the capacity of the Canal
and at the same time afford more protection to entire system."
The speaker reviewed working conditions and
customs of the people in the zone and told of several trips into surrounding
country.
"While mosquitoes and health problems were
bad when the Canal was originally constructed, so bad that they almost blocked
construction of the canal, today Panama is a healthy wholesome place in which to
live. The government has seen to control mosquitoes and health conditions.
"The climate is pleasant although ranges
from 80 to 90 degrees. It rains periodically--at almost exact minutes of
the day everyday. These rains assure plenty of water for Gatoon Lake with
which to operate the system of locks that make the Canal possible."
Other visitors at the luncheon were L. D.
Bell, rural supervisor of the Farm Security Administration, R. R. Albaugh of
Waco, Dr. Wiley Jones of Orange and V. W. Stewart of Perryton.
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Correction:
In all instances, Gatoon Lake should read Gatun Lake-lsc
