| Popis: |
There is every reason why the Americans at Panama should be the happiest body of tropical whites in the world. Not only is the Canal economically profitable in normal times, but the United States government is prepared to foster it on the ground of national defense, with the result that the Canal employees secure large concessions. The Canal Commission, for example, pays salaries and wages on a so-called "tropical scale," which is 25 per cent higher than home rates for the same type of work. Although the authorities now make a number of charges, such as rent for bungalows, they grant pensions, special rates at the commissary stores, generous leave, cheap fares for both the personnel and their cars to and from the United States, and other concessions that increase enormously the high remuneration paid under the scale. The housing provided for white Americans is generally excellent and well suited to tropical conditions. The single or fourfamily bungalows are adequately screened, yet completely open to the air. Even the government restaurants are screened, and as they are open on three sides electric fans are neither desired nor necessary. All the houses are fitted with modern sanitation, baths, and plumbing. American methods at Panama put British Indian, British Malayan |
