The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-01-02

genuity can render it, and it's employees
must have a high average OF intelligence
and a keen sense of duty. In order TO
bring about the best efficiency in the oper-
alton OF a great trunk line IL is absolutely
necessary that. from the man at the cross
ing to the executive head. there shall be a
fun appreciation of the trust imposed by
the travelling public and of the need Of
discipline quite as complete in its way as
that which pertains in the military arm OF
the Government service.
The results briefly indicated cannot pos
sibly b. brought about by a constantly
shifting set of employees. Good raiIroaders
require long terms Of instruction in the
various departments Of the transportation
system, and when they become competent
are invaluable as a facility in the pro6ta-
bic management Of the lines. The growth
OF railways throughout the country and
the world has made a more spirited de-
mand for men skilled in the various de-
partmeuts. 1t has become necessary. that
some inducements outside of steady wages
shall be offered for the retention Of capa-
bic employees now engaged in the American
service. The prospect is that the action
CT the large corporations referred to will
be initiated throughout the United States
To man engaged in railroading. which,
in every sense, is a most hazardous oe~upa-
ton. the pension policy Is bound TO make
strong appeal II is an irresistible induce
ment for him to remain with the com
pany for a sufficient number OF years. and
20 so conduct himself during that period
as 10 merit the annuity promised when he
has reached the retiring age
ANY policy that wlH make il practically
assured Of the continued and conscientious
service Of competent men, and thos, who
have learned to use discrimination in every
emergency because Of years Of practical
experience. is good one for such a gigan-
tic institution as the railroad 10 adopt
There can be no doubt that the directors
OF the railways mentioned considered all
Of these things carefully before The d.
termined to invest certain sums OF l55Gey
as pension fund for their faithful ON
rioyes.
There is another feature which may save
had a strong influence in bringing about
the railway pension. When peace in South
Africa has been restored, there IS promise
Of a rapid development OF the hitherto dark
continent. Such an era Of enterprise as
/ seems destined TO follow after grim-yisdscd
war has smoOthed his wrinkled front mems
not only the completion Of the Cape 10
/ Cairo steel way. but in all PROBABILITY. the
inception OF many other ventures OF a
similar character. which In this hu-tliug
age will soon gridiron the new Africa with
the metallic arteries Of commerce This
will create a demand for experienced rail-
road men. and the inducements that VIII
I probably be offered will attract thousands
/ Of the capable employees from this and
other countries Such q depletion Of the
. skilled forces Of the American railway
I system would create a problem for he
/ native corporations. and their pension plan
/ appears TO De one of the devices to take
/ time bv the foreIoch and prevent before
+ hand the possible exodus Of their besr men
f TO other lands where the remuneration is
. likely 20 De larger.
% is not denied that there is certain
/ element OF philanthropy in the railway
( pension innovation. but the bencGeicnt
/ purpose OF the enyerpr Using railway cor
( porajiou IS not unaccompsnioi by zhrewd
. economic appreciation OF its practical value.
f However the empIOyo who 10 capable and
faithful viii reap his portion of the hene-
b fits. and, under the circumstances, viii be
. perfectly willing that the employing COM
. pauies shall share in the good 10 come out
/ of the pension syster-.