Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-10-16
SCHOOL ON RAILROAD
Western Idea Looking Toward
More Efficient Service
From Employees.
SUCCESSFUL ON THE BURLINGTON
General Manager Brown Gratified
With Results Other Sys-
TENS Take Ii Up.

A western idea in railroading look
ing toward greater safety for passen-
gers and more efficient service is at
tracing general attention throughout
the railroad world. 1t consists of a
school of instructions for employees,
made up of classes among men en-
gagged in the same kind of work. The
train dispatchers and telegraph opera
tors get together at one time. the men
in the interlocking tower signal SER
vice at another, the section foreman
at another, and the switchmen at still
another. Each class discusses ques-
tions arising in it's line of work. The
system is in effect on many western
roads and has met with such success
that it is gradually being introduced
in the east.
The Burlington has for years had a
system of instruction in operation.
1t has accomplished great improve
ment in the service of that road, and
it's introduction on eastern roads will
te watched with interest by those in
terested in railroad management.
There is no question in my mind
as to the value of the plan" said Gen.
Manager W. G. Brown, of the Bur-
lington. 1T has worked well on our
system. At intervals of about a
month or six weeks the yardmasters,
section foremen, switchmen, shop
men and shop foremen are called to-
gether to exchange ideas and discuss
questions as to their work.
These meetings are held at many
points on the system. Notices of the
meetings are given in advance and
subjects for consideration and discus
sion are selected long enough before
the meetings to give those who will be
present time to look up points. Some
times the classes are presided over by
one of the officials, sometimes by one
of the men. But the utmost equality
prevails, and 81 are for the time on
the same footing.
Twice year the division superin
teudents and the master mechanics
from all over the systems meet, and
at these meetings the developments at
the first mentioned meetings are re-
viewed"
Other Roads Adopt Idea.
w. A. Garrett, superintendent of
tne new 4OrK OlVlSlOn OF tue heaulnS
road, has inaugurated the system
among the employees of his division,
and the results so far have been so
satisfactory that the plan will be con-
tinued and may be extended in scope.
The plan is to call the different en-
ployes together to discuss the details
of the work in their branch of the
service. They talk over methods of
work, defects and their remedies. and
suggestions as to improvements in
methods or appliances which may in
crease the efficiency of the service |
and the safety of the property and
pers ons of the patrons of the road.
uperintendent Garrett is a western |
man, having been division superin- |
tendent on the Wabash railway be- !
fore taking his present position with |
the Reading. His superior. General |
w. G. Besler of the |
system, was division super
on the Chicago. Burlington |
& Quincy at Beardstown. going east |
about a year ago to accept a position |
as division uperintendent on the
Reading. and being made general |
of the entire Reading |
system later.