Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-10-15

letters. which demands that the boy be a
good hicyclist.
In the last OF the four blue squads the
physical examination also plays an m
portant part. All of the positions COW
cred by these four classes OF men be NJ
out OF doors. a phys cal examinati n is
necessary 10 even greater degree than
In the majority of cases Despite the re-
marks which are sometimes audible dur
ing a tie-up on some street car line or
when the car takes turn too sud ienly.
Washington's motormen AMI conductors
are not put into their positions green
but In all instances have gone through a
certain amount OF training.
In the case OF one OF the local car COM
panies a specially equipped shop has been
prepared. where both motormen and con-
ductors are taught their profession. in
addition to this. an exam nation has to
be passed at the end OF the period OF in
struction to insure a position. With the
other company. where there is no special
shop, the men are taken directly into
the repair shop and receive their knowi-
edge through the actual work which
passes through that Office. One company
demands men weigh ng over 10 POUNDS.
while the other requires men at least five
feet eight inches in height. In the case
of applications for positions as motor
men, the physical test is more severe
than that of conductor Especially must
a mans heart be strong. as the responsi
bility which rests upon him demands
good heart action Both physical exam
nations are somewhat similar to those OF
the army.
The physical examination passed tho
embryo motorman has to report 20 the
school OF instruction. where he is taught
the use of the brakes. Devices exactly
similar to those used are I'm the school
while possible complications that would
be encountered the road are repro-
duced far as possible The man may
learn this part OF his business i'm one
day. or IT may take several After he
has mastered this. however he Is sent
out on the road under the care OF an old
er motorman. who instructs him in the
actual running and handling OF a car.
When the old motorman feels satisfied
with his pupils work he reports to the
instructor. and the applicant again enters
the 81 hool OF instruction.
This time he is given fuller and more
detailed knowledge of car mechanism. for
which purpose a skeleton car is used In
this way he learns to be prepared for
whatever trouble may happen, and after
receiving a knowledge of the tracks and
switches returns second time to actual
service under an experienced motorman.
another satisfactory period he
visits the school once more, this time To
take written examination. Not only the
running and mechanism of a car are con-
cerned in this examination. but the
schedule on which cars run, the time
points along certain runs. and the fire
stops. This examination passed, the man
Is then ready to assume his duties as d
motorman.
With conductors it is different A man
applying for position conductor, after
having passed the physical examination.
is put directly on the road in charge of
an older conductor. After several days
experience he goes to the school of in
struction and learns the various rules
governing car Serv CO. the transfer sys-
TEN, registration of fares, etc. Afterward
he again has a term of actual experience
and when reported efficient is ready
TO take up his duties, following the pas
sage Of written examinat on. In the
case of both motormen and conductors.
they are examined by inspectors while
on the road during their instruction pc
riod. In the case of a man failing in his
examination, he can go over the course
and prepare for the examinat on again.
when, if he passes. he is eligible for a
position.
With the other company a man desir-
ing to be motorman goes on the road
under the direction of older motor
man, after which he reports TO the repair
shops There he is taught the necessary
points relative TO the work he will be
required to do, and after being orally
examined is ready for his position.