The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1886-01-02
A RIGHT START.

The Managers Temperance Rules, and
How They Were Enforced with Happy
Results.
'Wel, Mr.. Reese, are we to make a
start next Thursday, and turn out the
first bar of railway iron made in these
United States west of the Mississippi"
asked the President of the Vulcan Iron
Works, at st. Louis, Missouri, when
that great establishment was about
ready to commence operations.
Next Thursday is the day fixed
upon, sir.''
"All right, that gives me time to pre-
pare for the guests; there's to be large
number, by the way, and with other
supplies, must send down several bar
rels of ale."
81 beg pardon, sir, but can not per-
NIT ale to be brought here-you observe
my rules" pointing to placard for
bidding that anything of the sort be
drank on the premises, ''and upon their
observance depends our success in get
ting out that first rail next Thursday
a success which means a great deal to
all connected with the Vulcan Iron
Works, SIR" glancing at the face of his
superior officer, and noting the look of
half displeasure thereon, Mr.. Reese
added:
'You never objected to that notice,
and it has been placed where you must
have seen it frequently"
Eyes, yes, 1 know" impatiently,
''but it's making deuced unpleasant
position for me, my friends will expect
to be handsomely treated, and it's
| hardly in accordance with our custom
| to omit serving ale and wines, at least,
| on an occasion of this sort-wlat can a
man do?"
Mr.. REESE responded with quiet dig
nifty:
"Put yourself in my place for a
moment, as the responsible managed
of two thousand workmen-can | af-
ford to disregard my own publisher
rulesP'
'Of course not, Reese, your correct,
| can see that, though 1 am disturbed
by the situation. How am | to manage
my dilemmaP"
Gould you not entertain your guests
at your own home, which is but one
mile distant, though quite outside of
these premises, after their visit here is
concluded? This change of programme
involves only little care in arranging
conveyances, etc, while the first plan
threatens difficulty, and possibly dam
ger, as you'll readily see"
"Thank you, Mr.. Reese, yours is
practical, and | must add, a wise sug-
gestion, and it shall be carried into Eff
feet"
On that memorable Thursday the
works were opened-the first bar of
railroad iron formed-the visitors
charmed with their tour through the
immense shops-their host gratified by
their appreciation and evident enjoy
ment as he escorted them to his own
house and grounds.
A bountiful lunch was served to the
workmen, but nothing stronger than
coffee appeared with their feast, and no
apparent dissatisfaction annoyed the
manager.
During the first month the Vulcan
Works reached the capacity of one
hundred tons per day, something which
had never been accomplished up to
that time. Superintendent Reese in
formed the writer that he was troubled
by no disorder or breakages, the men
being sober, obedient and cheerful. He
affirmed that these satisfactory results
could never have been achieved but for
the strict enforcement of his rules
against the use of alcohol in any form
by his employees. A9
This happened, as you know, reader,
years ago, and many other employers
have learned and are learning the wis
dom of these ''rules' which secure the
services of clear-brained, happy-heart-
ed and strong-bodied helpers. Mary
Dyer, ias Union Signal. l7