, 1866-02-22
LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS,
a Letter from Master .Ncchnuic-The
Recent Collision ON the c. d 4. II. r..
Tsvn e M 7cee

a Letter from n Naster .Hcclnnic-Thc
Recent Collision on the c. & 4. II. r..
DIoosEG1os, Feb. 20, 1865.
Editors OF Chicago Tribune:
Several days since noticed m article In
your paper censuriug the conduct Of IN engf-
neer On the Chicago and Alton Railroad, for
collision that happened at the draw bridge,
or more properly, junction Of C. & a. and P.
Ft. ". 4 C. R. r. The accident was much
maeni1ed to you by certain parties who were
interested In screening themselves from b1amc,
and as usual the engineer was made the seape-
goat for all the sins Of the party. I do not
think the fault In that case WAS with the en-
Eineer, nor do think you would censnre him
were you well acquainted with al the facts In
the case; But We Will let that pass, as the
matters, but to deal with the present.
The duties Of tile locomotive engineer are
nrduous, severe, aud sometimes hnzardous.
Who Of yon, gentlemen and ladies', As yon re-
cline in softly cushioned car and are taken
with speed and safety over the railway, be-
for him who stands at the front, and With his
eyer-watchtul eye and his ncycr-tiring energy,
peers forward into the darkness, driving
through fog, mist and storm, plotting you In
safety to your journeys end Bat such Is of
dnily Occurrences on some Of our great
lines Of thoroughtare In this country, and
those good and faithful scrvanta Of the pub
lie, called locomotive engineers, are often In
advertantly abused by those who should most
fully appreciate their services and reward
their fidelity. I have one case In polut
which aesctves special mention, and have
written all the turegoin. as prelude to the
principal part to which wish to call your
attention.
On Wednesday morning, Feb. l4th, our
passenger train left Chicatso at eight O'Clock
and ten minutes, on Its way to St. Louis.
The train was drawn by engine No. q, Joel
u. GoA, engineer, John Foose, fireman. The
storm Of that day WIS pf unusual severity,
the train was completely SNOW bound By the
time it reached Dwight, d distance Of II miles
from Chicago. From that time until Monday,
the 18th, the train was blocked at Dwight,
but, although intensely cold, and no shelter
for the engine, the engineer and fireman Kept
their engine alive with water and fire, and on
Monday brought their tratn TO Bloomington,
with engine and all In good condition !; laid
out five days ard aya nights, part of the time
With the thermometer at Is degrees below
zero, ind ret keeping everything alfya aud IN
good condition. This, think, Is u feat with
out parallel in the history of locomotive
running and as this Is Of the class Of men
the public and claim their confidence in behalf
Of tie men, Us well IS in favor Of the company
who has such men In its service.
Let US all give fu11 credit 10 the good and
substantial qualities Of the men who drive tie
dery steca that transport to and from, far and
nenr, over the almost bouna1ess prs,lr1cs oil
Western world. They take theIrliyes In thelr
own hands aud 20 forth to duty, and If per.
chance lt-Iuck befau them, let rs at least be
just II not generous In their behalf: When
have seen the locomotive that has been
plunged into the abyss Of waters, and could
form Of the engineer standing at his post,
wedged fast With the wreck. hare felt how
quietly faithful soul passed heroically away,
trying to shield from harm those entrusted to
i, hts care. Let the unified bell of his own
engine toll his requiem, and let us all be
thankful that men arc found faithfu1 at the
last. J. A. JAcKNAS,
Supt. OF Machinery, c. i a. R. r.