John Findlay Wallace
Encyclopedia
John Findlay Wallace was an American Engineer
and Administrator, best known for serving as the Chief Engineer
of the Panama Canal
between 1904 and 1906. He had previously gained experience in railroad construction in the American Midwest.
, but was later appointed to it when it was reformed and its membership reduced to three following his own recommendation. He was paid $25,000 a year, the second largest salary in the American government, behind only the President. Under his leadership the Americans struggled to make any significant developments in the construction of the canal, and were severely hit by an outbreak of yellow fever
. In 1906 Wallace returned to America, attracted by a potential job offer, which incensed the Secretary of War William Taft who demanded his resignation. The news of his departure rocked the morale of the workers on the canal, and many also left their jobs in the wake of his resignation. He was succeeded by John Frank Stevens
. He remained an advocate of the concept of a sea-level canal at Panama
which later proved unworkable.
Engineer
An engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality,...
and Administrator, best known for serving as the Chief Engineer
Chief Engineer
In marine transportation, the chief engineer is a licensed mariner in charge of the engineering department on a merchant vessel. "Chief engineer" is the official title of someone qualified to oversee the entire engine department; the qualification is colloquially called a "chief's...
of the Panama Canal
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is a ship canal in Panama that joins the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and is a key conduit for international maritime trade. Built from 1904 to 1914, the canal has seen annual traffic rise from about 1,000 ships early on to 14,702 vessels measuring a total of 309.6...
between 1904 and 1906. He had previously gained experience in railroad construction in the American Midwest.
Biography
He was not initially a member of the seven-man Isthmian Canal CommissionIsthmian Canal Commission
The Isthmian Canal Commission was an American administration commission set up to oversee the construction of the Panama Canal in the early years of American involvement. Established in 1904, it was given control of the Panama Canal Zone over which the United States exercised sovereignty...
, but was later appointed to it when it was reformed and its membership reduced to three following his own recommendation. He was paid $25,000 a year, the second largest salary in the American government, behind only the President. Under his leadership the Americans struggled to make any significant developments in the construction of the canal, and were severely hit by an outbreak of yellow fever
Yellow fever
Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease. The virus is a 40 to 50 nm enveloped RNA virus with positive sense of the Flaviviridae family....
. In 1906 Wallace returned to America, attracted by a potential job offer, which incensed the Secretary of War William Taft who demanded his resignation. The news of his departure rocked the morale of the workers on the canal, and many also left their jobs in the wake of his resignation. He was succeeded by John Frank Stevens
John Frank Stevens
John Frank Stevens was an American engineer who built the Great Northern Railway in the United States and was chief engineer on the Panama Canal between 1905 and 1907.- Biography :...
. He remained an advocate of the concept of a sea-level canal at Panama
Panama
Panama , officially the Republic of Panama , is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The...
which later proved unworkable.