The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-04-18
Published by Request. !
:
THE ENGINEER.

Mr. EDITOR Permit me to say few
words to your readers in behalf of the Loco
motive Engineer. Having been something
of traveller on our railroads, and observed
closely the operation Of its various depart
ments. conclude that the Engineer is not
only one of the most responsible men con-
necteG with The running of trains, but enc
whose services are seldom duly appreciated
by the public. The Superin,endents, Con-
ductors, 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 the Engineer require his un-
divided attention upon the engine, seldom af-
fording him an opportunity to form the ac-
quaintance of his passengers-unless under
the mos, adverse circumstances, such as de-
laws, accidents, and the like, and at such
times, his duties are often passed under the
most rigid scrutiny,by those not at all conver-
SAINT with them-and should an accident oc-
cur, through oversight or inattention on his
part, he is invariably handled with the most
unmerciful severity.
The Norwa.k accident which occurred a
few years since, fully illustrates this. As
the y. y. express train was passing through
the town of Norwalk, the Engineer failed TO
see signal that was flying, 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 consequences were the
most disastrous fifty human beings-com-
prising some of our most eminent citizens,
were instantly launched into eternity-and
many manned for life. The public investiga-
ted the matter, and as usual, were very Sc
we're upon the Engineer. Some were for
hanging him on the nearest tree-others pro-
posed decapitation-and the more mild in
generation 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 ac-
cidents that have occurred in our country,
within the last thirty years, showing the
weishty responsibility devolving upon the
Engineer, but refrain as the recital is pain
full.
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. After leaving the
station, which he will do with caution, he
must examine his timetable bring his
train up to the speed required by that doc
ument and at the same time keep good
look out ahead, and see that everything is
right for mis- train-and that there is no sig
mails made indicating danger. He must also
keep the water properly adjusted in the en-
gine. Over our lily constructed roads, on a
fast train. requires long experience, and the
closest attention on the part of the Engineer,
not only the statutes, but the dictates of hu-
manity compel him to sound the alarm at the
numerous carriage crossings-for people are
often crossing who appear to care as little
about the engine as the engine does for them.
Notwithstanding the utmost endeavors of the
Engineer, many fatal accidents occur at these
crossings. Long bridges and high embank-
ments must be passed with care, all stations
must be approached with caution, and in no
case be entered until the Engineer is sure
that everything is right for the reception of
his train.
Add to these cares the disagreeable and de-
bilitating jar of the ponderous machine over
the already worn out rails, and We are not