Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1906-02-11

ton, are prime requisites, and in these
! days of specialization, even in the opera
ton Of railroad properties, the Importance
of technical knowledge cannot be over
looked. This latter ! deem especially de-
sirable as the foundation for a railroad
career. 1t is not. Of course. given to every
young man entering the employ of a rail-
road to possess these attributes. but having
them, II he is willing to begin at the bot
tom. learn thoroughly every detail of the
work of the department in which he is
employed and expect promotion only by
reason of merit and ability, he is bound to
win recognition. Too much stress cannot
be laid upon the importance of gaining
a thorough knowledge Of the basic prln-
ciples underlying the work assigned
beginner in railroad service. He should
learn not only what he has to do, but why
he must do it and what relations his work
bear to other departments. Practical ex-
perience only will cover this point
Must Have Patience.
"A young man who hopes to achieve a
high position may be disheartened for the
time at the prospect of serving years in
subordinate positions before attaining some
thing worth while, lie should bear in
mind that the successful railroad men of
! today have followed this course and many
of them did not receive as large salary
as is paid an apprentice today. To do this
involves at the outset the overcoming of
false pride. There is nothing which broad
ems the mind of man of keen perception
as close associa ton with his fellow men.
and rubbing shoulders with them day by
day never hurt anybody. even though they
may wear greasy jackets,
Il have mentioned the value of a tech
meal education. Thousands of boys today
must earn a livelihood and many ot them
assist in the support of parents and others
when they should be in school This class.
Of course cannot attend a College to secure
a technical education. However, in every
town of considerable size there are night
schools in which one may educate himself
sufficiently to prepare for something higher.
After this correspondence course i'm any
one of the several technical schools will nit
a young man for a better position than he
might be able TO I'LL with practical knowl-
edge alone. These technical courses take
time, probably three TO FIVE years, but they
do not interfere with the young mans
earning capacities, and combine the theo-
retical with the practical. The environment
OF young man Of proper spirit entering
railroad service Is calculated to develop the
qualities i have mentioned, whether he
work in the shops. on the tracks. in the
train service or office. OF all things avoid
getting In a rut The man who cannot see
! beyond the confines OF his shop or office
will remain in that position. The broad
man will observe the interworkings OF the
departments and he will become impressed
with the necessity for perfect organization.
Railroads Are Big Machines.
Railroads as now operated in this coun-
try are big machines. 1t would not be
amiss TO consider each departments a
wheel and each employe In that depart
ment as a cog in that wheel From the
apprentice or office boy TO the president
each does specific work. And when a rail-
road man, regardless of his position, real
ICES that as cog of a great working mech
anism successful operation depends on how
he fulhlls his duty II behooves him to put
forth the best that is In him. The general
scheme of railroad operation contemplates
the carrying out by subordinate employees
OF departments OF policies outlined by the
| everybody on a railroad is answerable only
I to his superior Officer. So well arranged is
/ this system that circumstances rarely exist
20 justify a subordinate questioning a SUI
perior's orders. However there is always
warrant for the use Of judgment. II an
order is manifestly incorrect an Inferior
would be right in calling the matter TO the
| attention OF his superior oficer. Generally
| speaking, however. strict compliance with