The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1891-10-20
TUESDAY EVENING. OCTOBtR 20. 1891.
pEsEnvEs CONDEMNATION.


During the past few months there
has been hardly day passed without
wreck Of some sort on the B. 81 o. II.
r., and in many instances lives lost
Were it possible that these accidents
happened without entailing loss to
many families, who are in destitute
circumstances, they might be more
easily passed by. But, when we, as
citizens q supposed to-be-ciyilized
community, look around us and find
the innocent victims suffering for want
Of help and assistance to keep life and
body together, are we to hold our
) peace and say Amen, let the work go
on. No, the people Of Martinsburg
hayesbeen too indulgent in the past;
too quiet and good natured, not only
to their own detriment, but much to
the detriment and injury Of the labor
ing man.
At one time, years ago. no corpora
ton under the sun was more heartily
approved by our people than the B. &
O. R. R. Company. But, to-day, it
well meritsthe strongest condemnation
that can possibly be, showered upon
the heads Of its management. 1t has
done its worst toward the injury Of our
community, and yet we still live, and
move, and have our being. Our town
still moves onward, and not. much by
the assistance Of the B. & @. X. II. Co.
either. We are far better off to-day
than ever before; progressing and
thriving slowly but strongly. Again,
as above stated, the company has done
its worst. Then why not let all put
their shoulders to the wheel. Give
them a warm reception. Administer
some of James G.. Blaine's reciprocity.
Grab them by the throttle and let
them fully understand that Martins
burg, with its nearly 5000 population,
is not going to see its peaceable, ener-
getic and Industrious citizens slowly,
but eventually, butchered in pieces,
brought home on stretcher, laid down
at the door of their own household; and
perhaps large family of small chill,
dren left to suffer and feel the effects
of badly managed corporation.
How long is this state of affairs to
continue? Is our community to be
robbed of its best citizens to enhance
the value of rolling stocks Or have
our people decided to allow this mon
ster corporation to place itself in the
attitude of French guillotine, in
making work for the undertakes and
filing up our cemeteries. Is there not
some means by which our people can
come to the rescue of those dependent
on railroadipg for a livelihood? Is
there not some means by which many
unfortnnates can be saved from I'M
timely deaths, and wives and children
saved from the robbery of their hus-
bands and parents.
Consider for moment the manage
ment of this railroad along its line,
commencing with Martinsburg. Right
in our very midst we have had hereto
fore good, reliable and experienced
men. placed possibly on the ertra list
to make room for a newcomer from
another county or section Of country,
who saw fit to spend a portion of his
money IN presents for the bosses. II
might be that turkey, box OF
cigars, a lot of vegetables, or little
work around them individual PROPER
ties secured an unusual promotion
These same inexperienced hands have
greatly retarded the progress of some
Of the best men in the company's ser
vice. Then to top the climax, along
comes Superintendent posting notices
Sto the effect that employees of drink
ing habits viii not be hired by the
company; While across the way stands
perhaps, a boss, who if found in any
other COMMUNITY unknown would more
likely be taken for walking sign VI
some distillery or retail saloon than d
b. Il @. Boss.
Then again, 10 come back to former
matters concerning the employees, NJ
have to consider the manner in which
they are being worked. Two ant
three days Of constant work at clip
and no sleep. While On duty they
have inexperienced men, may be :
tramp picked IN at the Bunswcl
yard,Nto assist ii tile running IF then
trains.N What else can De expeetel
but wreck, wreck, wreck and eon
staht butchering 81 employees. lie
the people Of Martinsburg come to TIN
front and say to our railroad men ans
families: We are your friends ant
ready TO assist yorM And then let al
come together and make one mighty
effort for change in Affairs.