The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-01-05

tras, and some of them wind UP as gener-
al managers Hence it is that those with
ambition study the rules closely, and not
1nfrequently run the teacher to earth by
ingenius constructions.
If there is any doubt in the mind of the
employe as to the proper applications of
any rule 1T is his duty to spring that doubt
ion. Then, when the school is in session,
marks:
ton concerning rule 49, in chapter 9. en-
titled Good of the Cause The para
graph l specially refer to reads as fol-
lows: In such case the brakeman will
Immediately pull the air-brake cord
Now, this may mean that the brakeman
discovers from the humping of the car
that portion of the running gear is
hence is not obeying the rules and should
be stopped 1t may also mean that the
conductor is mixing with a passenger and
Then, again, it says Case. Observe the
Singularity of this statement There might
an event would I pull the cord or en-
deayor to pass the passenger out of the
Now in the event of this question
purely hypothetical one-being propound-
ed to the chief, it is regarded as proba-
Bile that he would pass it up to Mr.. Hit
as too abtruse for solution in half
be answered. however, to avoid confusion
as TO the application of this necessary
rule to pull the cord in such case.
In all seriousness, however, the aims of
the managers to advance their men in
the knowledge of the rules which must
govern them are we'll carried out The
schools are held all over the system
frequently as the busy officers have time
to devote to them. The men show COM
mendable alacrity in attendance, and they
frequently ask for constructions of rules
of doubtful import Coming from other
roads they may meet with changes. They
wish to know why. While it is really none
of their business, the rules being neces-
sarily arbitrary, still there may be good
reason in the argument advanced, and
a
know that the man who objects to rule
and gives a fair reason for it is possessed
of intelligence and zeal.
Recently the new book of rules was put
into force. A few days before it was sent
out the schools were held simultaneously
fully coached in the impeding changes. so
that when the rules went into force they
would not be mixed with others abro-
gated obsolete from changed circum-
parent to any man. The result was that
when the books were placed in the hands
of the men they knew just where to seek
for the changes, and could thus get down
to immediate study.
One division held session recently in
an empty coach in the yards. fire was
lighted and men to the number of nearly
100 assembled in the coach and entered
on their studies with great animation.
This yard was not in Chicago, but in
some station where winter is winter Mr..
Hit happened to be travelling over the
lines and reached the station just as the
school was about to organize Thus the
boys there had the pleasure of meeting
their general Superin tendent in school.
AS said before, the system has been in
vogue for many years, as far as learned,
the Rock Island is the only road where
it is in force. That great good might
come from it, both for the road and its
patrons, seems to be beyond cavil- At
the officers and men are well pleased with
the system.