The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1874-11-04
srorrISa cosDUcroRs.
now THE DnrncrrvE BUSINESS is MANAGER

ductors life, that he is always supposed to be
on the make 1t is not called dishonesty,
but it amounts to the same thing. A CONNER
cial traveller sends us a bit Of his experience
in one of his trips to the Far West, which will
let in light upon this interesting subject;
Tickets !"
The voice sounded quite familiar to the
traveller, who sat snugly cnconced in palace
car attached to train, the destination of
which was st. Louis. In the person of the
conductor he recognized an acquaintance of
many years Standing, and after he had col
lected his pasteboarls convt rsation was conf
menced that ultimately turned upon subject
which of late has created considerable COM
motion in western railroad circles. Spoilers
were the people under consideration, and their
peculialities We're freely discussed. The gen.
tlemen who presided over the dcstinies of
those who travel by rail have, since time i'm
memorial, been looked upon with suspicion
by that portion of the community who are
ever ready, and more than willing to believe
any one guilty ON the slightest pretence, in
order that they may be brought to their own
level. From their surroundings, railroad con-
ductors are placed in such position that they
can easily be made the victims Of unscrupu-
lous men technically known as spoilers, and
during the past few weeks SOME of the oldest,
most trustworthy and most popular conduc-
tors running out of st. Louis have resigned
their positions and entered into other business.
This state of affairs was brought about
/ thrnuuh tho jirootorS IF cavaral af tho roods
terminating at st. Louis having employed
special detectives to act as spies upon their
movements Directors of western roads do
not seem as Indifferent as the eastern railroad
magnate who entered II jewelers. to purchase
a watch,and was shown an elegant chronome-
ter valued at $500. The proprietor, in recon-
mending the tiine-piece, stated that all the
conductors wore similar watches, when the
customer related that his conductors might
be able to afford the luxury, but that the
president of the road could not.
In view of the many temptations that are
supposed to besct railroad men, each COM
pany employs detective for their own spec
ial benefit, whose main duties are to trace up
lost freight and keep an eye on the movements
of suspicious employees. These men, until
the past year or two, were considered amply
sufficient to guard the interests of the various
roads, but of late n class of men have taken
the matter into their hands with u view OF
feathcring their own nests, and their modus
opefanaf is here briefly detailed. Suppose,
for instance, that Solomon Slug and Silas
Slotter have "gonc broke playing bank, or
in any other way equally effective, nd are
extremely anxious o raise stake. They are
fine takers, and call upon the president of a
prominent road, when the following conyersa-
ton ensucs
"Good morning, Mr.. President"
"Good day gentlemen"
We have called, sir, on a rather delicate
mission, and one in which you are deeply in-
terestcd. Are yon aware that the conductors
on your road are Systematically swinding
you.''
"No, sir.r
Well we can prove it. If such was not
the case, how does it happen that at any one
of the numerous scalping offices tickets can
be bought over your road for three or four
dollars less than the regular fare ?"
This question rather staggers the official,
and his visitors are asked how the offenders
can be reached
"Easily enough" answers the spokesman !;
'pace the matter in our hands, give us q
carte-btqnche to go to work, and we will prove
to your satisfaction who the offenders are If
we do not succeed in ferrcting ont the thieves,
we win mt alk INV cn,nncnsa tio, e., ~. co..,
vices
The proposition seems fair, aud in nine cas-
es out of ten The bargain is coisummated then
and there. Taking Il for granted that the
spoilers were honest men, aud had entered
into the Arrangement IN good faith little harm
could possibly he done to trustworthy en-
ployecs hut, on the other Land, if the pri-
vate detectives had grudgc against any Of
the employees, or were inclined to act as seoun-
drels, it is an easy matter for them to accom-
plish their purpose. 1t should be borne in
mind that their peciiniary success depends en-
tirey upon their capabilty in making cases,
and this of itself is strong inducemcnt to do
wrong,
One little scheme shown how the reputa-
ton Of innocent men could be forever blasted
by these spoilers, was related to the reporter.
The moment the detective secures employ.
ment he purchases q ticket running the risk
Of being that much out of pocket in case he
should fail TO make a case. This ticket is
taken to the superintendent, who places q
private mark Oh 1t, in order that it may be
recognized at any future time. The spottei
then boards the train which is in charge o.
lis intended victim, and, instead of handing
over the marked ticket, pays his fare. On
reaching the terminus Of the road cpnfed
crate hastens away to scalping office with
the ticket and disposes Of it,
When the conductor hands in the proceeds
Of his trip, the marked ticket is missing an6
it is suggested to the superintendent that the
scalping Offices be visited, which is done, and
proof Of the conductors dishonesty seems
plain enough. The detective maintains that
the ticket in question was handed by him tc
the conductors and the latter, as n matter Of
course, where there are a large number Of
mi fi,nt bjc