The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-03-21

to colleagues on the different lines. is to cut a
notch in the heel Of supposed spoilers shoes
while the porter ostensibly subjects them to o
first-class shine. Identification is by this and
other devices made quite easy, and the further
usefulness of the shown-up detective is serious
ly impaired.
1T is game Of hide and seek. and you must
know the conductor works number of racket5
on the sly for the sake of private benefit. On
several lines, for instance, they are not allowed
to carry any liquor or beer, and apparently the
rule is strictly observed. But the conduc-
tor may happen to be an accommodate
ing fellow his heart is full OF sym
patty toward that fraction of mankind who
know how to appreciate fine 'nightcap' or the
sublimeness of an carly morning cocktail, and
the rule is commensnrately dsregarded. How
ever, decorum must be complied with, and it de-
ponds chiefy upon the manner IN which you
pop the question as to whether the desired bev-
erage will be served, or simple No. sir, reouke
your awkwardness. Ii requires, particularly, a
conductor gifted with a circumspect ability to
discriminate between the various passengers. so
as to give offense to no one and keep on the safe
side against the risk of being reported to the
company.
'The unwary traveller on entering q palace
sleeping-car, is likely to become impressed with
the notion that an air of distinguished respect
ability Is pervading every visible object alike
Whether he may cherish this idea to the end or
his journey, even in case the passengers are
ductSrs talent to manage each party in defer
ence to their particular wants. Shady Indlyidu-
ais, professional gamblers, ETC., are, OF course,
not permitted to operate on the trains. but a
smart conductor can arrange such things to SUIT
all parties concerned, when he is decently recon-
pensed, and. consequently, you might make an
interesting study in the dubious art of high
staked poker II you happen to drop into the
smoking saloon Of a sleeper after III P. NJ. A
peep behind the curtains Of Pullman section.
occupied, perhaps by chance-acquaintance
couple might also reveal some curious scenes.
In which persons passing in society as models or
virtue, undoubtedly should find themselves in a
very disagreeable predicament There is, how
ever, no danger of exposure, as the conductor
has discreetly condescended to guard the bower,
and the highly respectable couple, enjoying
tranquil repose in the adjoining section, will as
sure the folks at home that everything Is 80
nice and quiet on board a sleeping-car.
'sThe professional spotter has to keep an eye
on all transactions OF this kind and his report
affords frequently some very spicy reading.
There are, besides, number of other duties he
is required to perform, such as observing wheth-
or all tickets and checks are properly Cancelled,
noting the condition of car and closets. paying
attention to the conduct of train employes--n
they should sleep, drink, or smoke, or use pro-
fame language on duty Sometimes it is next to
impossible to catch conductor although sus-
to shadow the man in order to learn his habits
companions and general behavior In private life.
Through this source very valuable testimony Is
often procured and circumstantial evidence fur
nished. showing the suspected party is disso-
Lutte fellow, spending much more than his salary
would Justify at the gamblers den or in dissipa1
ton. Yes, the spotter system is big thing
and you can't afford to dispense with it as long
as sordid greed for money remains the pivot OF
human nature