The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-01-29
NEEDS OF ENGINEERS
THEY ARE DISCUSSED BY PREsI-
DENT ESTABROOK, OF THE
LOCAL SOCIETY
SOME WAYS TO HELP ST. PAUL
nuaI Meeting of the Civil Engi-
neers' Society - Good Roads
Cause Was Discussed at Some
Length and Other Important Inn
provements Considered

At the annual meeting of the Civil
Engineers Society of st. Paul the old
officers were all reelected as follows:
President, J. D. Estabrook; vice presi-
dent, Oliver Crosby; secretary, c. L.
AMMAN; treasurer, A. o. Powell; libra
rfan, A. w. Munster; representative on
the board of managers for the associa-
ton of engineering societies, George
L. Wilson,
Reports of the various officers were
read showing that the society is in
fourishing condition.
The objects of the organization are
the professional improvement Of its
members, the encoura cement of social
intercourse, and the advancement of
civil engineering. While it's proceed
ings are mainly Of interest to mem
bers of the profession, it frequently
touches on matters of public concern.
In his address President Estabrook
said that this was an age of wonder
full consultations and development of
great enterprises; some great in re-
suits, others IN inception only. Small
beginnings and steady growth are no
longer popular. The full blossom must
appear without previous sprout or bud.
Working units are abundant every
where; or, if locally or temporarily
scarce, some machine is at once adapt
ed and made to fill the gap. There is
a decreasing tendency to promote skill
ed workmen. The unskilled man, who,
without losing himself, Is able to guide
others through broad fields of activ-
ity. is the once placed in charge.
Trades unions and societies try to con-
troll the working units, regardless of
degradation Of the products. What,
then, is to become Of the average en-
gineer? We need not concern our
selves about the genius who makes
his work without our help. Such men
have appeared in the past and risen
to prominence in the profession. 9th
ers who started as engineers branched
off into other callings where they be-
came doubly famous. But of the nine
ty and nine not destined to become IA
nous, must they confne themselves
to curves and calculus. beams and
bolts, striving for perfection and neg
lecting fitness; figuring out details,
while others are determining relations
with commonplace affairs? On at least
one of our great railways we find
sumptuous train equipment and salts
factory service, and there discover
managers whose early training and
wit-sharpening period brought them in
hourly contact with the travelling pub
lie. On another line we find superior
permanent way, safety devices and
complete structures, but less display
in vehicles, less catch-paSSenger at
fractions. and there discover that en-
gineers have been promoted to the
field of management. An engineer
would not be less, but rather more, If
he were first q man and then an en-
gineer. The unskilled public cannot
fairly judge Of his professional ability,
but can better determine as to his
manhood and breadth of outlook There
is certainly a widespread belief that
the engineer is great deal of a mar
row craftsman.
In closing his address Mr.. Estabrook
touched on some matters that should
more particularly attract the atten-
ton of the general public, especially
business men. He said: Again, the
engineering needs of this region might
we'll receive consideration. For in
stance. why have 200 square miles of
agricultural country lying to the
southeast OF US remain for fifty years
cut off from st. Paul by ravine
crossed by wagon roads having 10
per cent grades? Or, again. why have
we no coed common road connections
TO the north across the great belt of
sand that stretches from Saltwater to
White Bear, to Anoka? And, still
again, why should we have no union
depot for a year, and no space for car
riages for an indefinite period?"
The society expended last year for
entertainment sS1.45, and has assets