The evening times., 1900-01-02

genuity can render it. and it's employees
must have a high average of intelligence
and keen sense of duty. In order to
bring about the best efficiency in the oper-
alton of great trunk line it is absolutely
necessary that, from the man at the cross
ing TO the executive head, there shall be a
| full 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 BE- brought about by a constantly
! shifting set of employees Good railroaders
! 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 proita-
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-
partments. 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 most hazardous occupa-
ton, the pension policy is bound to make d
strong appeal Ii is an irresistible induce
ment for him to remain with the com
pany for a sufficient number of years. and
to conduct himself during that period
as TO merit the annuity promised when he
has reached the retiring age
ANY policy that viii make it practically
assured of the continued and conscientious
service Of competent men, and those who
have learned to use discrimination in every
emergency because of years of practical
experience is good one for such IA gigan-
tie institution as the railroad to adopt
There can be no doubt that the directors
OF the railways mentioned considered all
of these things carefully before they de-
termined to invest certain sums of money
as pension fund for their faithful en-
rloyes
There is another feature which may lave
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 fellow after grim-vsaged
war has Smoothed his wrinkled front means
net only the completion Of the Cape to
Cairo steel way but, in all probability. the
inception of many other ventures of a
similar character. which in this hustlng
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
probably be offered will attract thousands
OF the capable employees from this and
other countries Such a depletion OF the
skilled forces Of the American railway
system would create a problem for the
native corporations. and their pension plan
appears to bc cne Of the devices to take
time by the forelock and prevent before
hand the possible exodus Of their best men
10 other lands where the remuneration is
likely to be larger.
It is not denied that there is a certain
element Of philanthropy in the railway
pension innovation bat the beneGccnt
purpose OF the cnterprising railway cor
DOration is not unaccompanied by shrewd
economic appreciation Of its practical value
However, the cmployc who is capable and
faithful will reap his portion of the bene-
its and under the circumstances. viii be
perfectly willing that the employing COM
oanies shall share in the good to come out
If the pension system