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.