Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-01-06
I DISCIPLINE ON RAILROADS.
Boys Anxious TO Become Trainmen Mus
Prepare for Severe Examination.

No class of men deal more constant
ly with the public than the conductors
and brakemen of a great railway sys-
tenn. yet not one in Il thousand Of those
who come in daily contact with them
realize the stringent rules and IRON
clad discipline under which they per-
form their allotted tasks.
1t is a practical civil service to 4
great extent, and the railroad man
who rises to a position of authority, as
a rule has earned his promotion by
daily exhibitions of faithfulness and
intelligence. Il have filled every posi-
ton in railroad work up to my present
place" said Supt. d. Il. Mccoy of the
New York Central. in speaking OF this
matter the other day. and / would
not consider myself a fit superintend-
ent if it were otherwise"
The superintendent, however. is one
of a thousand, for the vast majority of
toilers in the railroad ranks have not
won the smiles of fortune in such de-
gree. 1t is the ambition of every rail-
way man to win promotion. but the
task that cOnfrOnts him is arduOus
enough to he discouraging How
good place do you suppose l could
reasonably expect to get?" said re-
cent applicant for a railroad position.
'Oh. I don't know said the train
master to whom he spoke. Perhaps
if you stay in the service twenty or
thirty years you may be u division
superintendent"
Every man must begin at the be-
ginning" is the motto of all great rail-
roads. and one fairly well observed.
But what is the beginning? In these
days the railroads prefer, as they say,
to make their own men. A likely posi-
ton for a beginner of tender years is
that Of messenger. From there he
may gravitate to almost anywhere
that his inclination and ability may in
dictate. Something more than an appli-
cation for position is necessary. AS
a rule there must be character behind
it, When young man asks to be en-
l,Syed his name and address are taken.
and if he is considered a likely young
fellow a thorough investigation of his
character. his habits, his surroundings.
his family, etc. is made. If. in
the eyes of the employer,the report
of the investigator indicates fitness
the young man is very apt to he given
d place. II otherwise, it is probable he
will he told that there is no vacancy.
Wealth of family is no recommended
ton, the railroad officials say: it is
character that counts.
Naturally, it is not always possible
to select employees in this way. The
company needs men in certain places
These places must be filled at once
and therefore the only method is to
put the applicant through an examina-
ton. 1t often happens that ne has
been employed by another railroad.
and in that case particularly some odd
inquiries are made. For instance, an
applicant for the position of passenger
brakeman was asked the other day:
Suppose the steam pipe in your car
should spring leak and you would
have to do something without consult
ing anybody. Wat would you do to
prevent the car filling with steam and
the passengers being alarmed?" The
young man thought for a moment and
then said: well. I guess I'd wrap my
coat around the pipe
Here are some more of the questions