Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-04-24
For the Christian Messenger.
-

Mr.. EDITOR Permit me to say few words
to your readers in behalf of the Locomotive
Engineer. Having been something of a travc
Ter on our railroads, and observed closely the
operation of its various departments, |
conclude that the Engineer is not only one of
the most responsible men connected with the
running of trains, but one whose services are
seldom duly appreciated by the public. The
Superintendents, Conductors, and others--are
often complimented for their efficiency in the
discharge Of their duties, but of the man who
holds the reins of the "Iron Horse" under
whose care and protection all are placed who
take seats in the cars, and to whom they are
indebted more than to any one else for their
safety, little is thought or said.
The duties of TIE Engineer require his un-
divided attention upon the engine, seldom af-
fording him an opportunity to form the ac-
quaintance of his passengers--uness under the
most adverse circumstances, such as delays,
accidents, and the like, and at such times. his
duties are afen passed under the most rigid
scrutiny, by those not all conversant with them
and should an accident occur, through over
sight or inattention on his part, he is invariably
handled with the most unmerciiu severity
The Norwak accident which occurred few
years since, fully illustrates this. AS the n. Y.
express train was passing through the town Of
Norwalk, the Engineer failed to see signal
that was flying, u few hundred yards in advance
of his train, warning him that a draw bridge
had been removed, and that he must bring his
train Immediately to full stop, and the conse-
quences were the most disastrous-fity human
beings-comprisngs some of our most eminent
citizens were instantly launched into eternity
and many manned for life. The public invest-
gated the matter, and as usual, were very Sc
we're upon the Engineer. Some were for hang
ing him on the nearest tree-others proposed
decapitation-and the more mild incarceration
for life, all IN consequence OF the poor mans
mistake or oversight. Where is the man that
does not some time err, but where is the man
whose mistakes involve such fatal results. |
could recite many accidents that have occurred
in our country, within the last thirty years,
showing the weighty responsibility deyolying
upon the Engineer, but refrain as the recital is
painful.
The Engineer before starting his train, must
see that his engine is properly oiled, and has
an ample supply of wood and water, and must
be sure that his train has the right of way-
which is of vital Importance upon all single
track roads. Alter leaving the Station, which
| he will do with caution, he must examine his
time table and bring his train up to the speed
! required by that document, and at the sam(
| time keep a good look out ahead, and see thai
everything is right for his train--and that there
is no signals made indicating danger. To keel
the water properly adjusted in the engine, ove
our lily constructed roads, on a fast train re
| quires long experience, and the closest alten
ton on the part of the Engineer. Not onl,
the statutes, but the dictates OF humanity com
pei him to sound the alarm at the numerou
carriage crossings-for people are often eros
sing who appear to care as little about the en-
| .,., a., 1.,ap f,,p NJ. .,tl
standing the utmost endeayors of the Engineer
many fatal accidents occur at these crossings
Long bridges and high embankments must
passed with care, all stati' MS must be app, oach
ed with caution, and in no case he entered unit
the Engineer is sure that everything is rgf
for the reception of his train.
Add to these cares the dsagreeable and de
bilitating jar of the ponderons machine owe
the already worn out rails, and we are not SUI
prscd when told, that ten years is the averag
life Of the Locomotive Engineer. We shoul
! rather wonder that nature will admit of sue
palpable violations of her laws so long. Entt
the cars if you please, and question the passeI
gers, and see what portion of them apprecal
the services of the Engineer Disturb for
few moments the equilibrium of one of ol
fashionables, and ask what she knows OF Il
Engineer, Gas she sits reading the late trash
some favorte author, occupying two seats
the car with her crinoliue, to the horror of th
silver-haired gent, that has been standing f
: the last halfhour and she will probably tC
e you that the term is foreign to her yocabular
but thinks however it may be applicable to Il
A animal creation, but whether of the carniverou
e herbiverous, or amphibious species she is n
able to define. Ask our sanctmonous frien
as he is about to draw the curtain, in one
d those magnificent sleeping cars that ply on Il
9 Central, with regularity that is tonishing
e landsmen, and he will tell you, that he is n
under the least obligation to the Engineer {
A. A. a pleasant sojourn in the land of Nod, b
I, wholly to kind and overruling ProvidenC
{ that doeth all things well. Consult Jonath
/, il you please for he has already laid his exte
). ded form into BERTH with his boots on, al
p, those too well encased in Massachusetts SO
D for he has been to Boston to see the sights, al