Quality of and Rates for Labor.
Reading edition
All the work was practically under the direction of English-speaking superintendents and general foremen. For the ordinary skilled and low-skilled labor, Mexicans were employed exclusively, and, on the work, which was quite new to them, they proved entirely efficient and satisfactory; throughout the work, on which at some periods between 2,000 and 3,000 men were employed, chiefly under the Company's direct administration, they were very tractable and willing to do their best, and no trouble was experienced at any time. The Mexican "peon," and also the ordinary skilled workman in the north of Mexico, is intelligent, and is excellent for purely routine work, but he is not adaptable or resourceful in cases of emergency. Under intelligent and careful supervision, however, it is quite possible to get as good results as could be obtained anywhere.
The daily rates of wages for a 10-hour day were approximately as given in Table 15, these rates being varied in special cases.
TABLE 15.—Rates of Wages
Pesos per day.
General foreman8.00 to 10.00
Foreman6.00 to 8.00
Cabos2.00 to 4.00
Masons3.00 to 4.00
Bricklayers3.00 to 4.00
Masons and bricklayers helpers1.50
Cast-iron pipe jointers (foreman)4.50
Cast-iron pipe caulkers3.00
Cast-iron pipe helpers1.50 to 2.00
Fire-clay pipe layers1.75
Fire-clay pipe helpers1.25 to 1.50
Drillers1.25 to 1.50
Carpenters2.00 to 2.50
Blacksmiths2.50
Crane men6.00
Peons (laborers)1.00 to 1.25
Boys (watering concrete)0.371⁄2 to 0.50
Watchman1.00
Timekeepers22.00 per week.