Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1912-10-01
ndence Georgia O. r c. r. T.


| freight train destined to Atlanta, and at
1 Covington a station 20 miles distant
/ from Augusta he learned direct from the
{ engineer Of his train the exact time that
, his THE eugineersl l6-hour period on
{ duty under the law would expire. The
train proceeded 10 Conyers "a station 40
miles distant from Angus tar. where it re-
NAMED for some time awaiting the ar
rival of an opposing eas;bound train. On
arrival Of this eastbound train at Con-
yers, the westbound train, in charge Of
Mr. Paschal departed for the next sta
| ton. Lithonia without sufficient time to
make the run TO that station al the speed
limit prescribed by the Rules and clear
the main line before the expiration Of the
lG-hour period Of duty Of the engineer
Mi Paschal admits these facts and has
not given satisfactory explanation Of his
failure to observe the law and my spe-
cal instructions relating thereto He also
knows that under Rule 1872 he IS held re-
sponsible for the safe and proper conduct
Of the train, and that all men employed
on The train are required to weld a win
ing obedience to his proper orders"
The Georgia Railroad has equipped is
line with telephone system. and each
conductor, including Mr. Paschal was pro-
be able 10 promptly and conveniently get
in communication with the Dispatchers,
thus the bulletin instruction to report to
Dispatcher could have been easily car
ried out, and his failure 10 do so is with
out excuse or reason He seems to have
preferred TO deliberately and premeditat-
eddy take matters In his own hands, de-
tying our instructions and the law, thus
putting the Georgia Railroad in the atti-
tude OF a law breaker and subiectiug it to
severe penalties under the law.
The Georgia Railroad Is being asked 10
rcinstate Mr.. PaschaI and allow him lost
time, and this request is accompanied by
a threat that unless it Is. complied with
| there VIII be trouble for the Georgia
Railroad and myself. the statement being
made that the men will withhold their
support and co-opera ton, and that with
out those l could not succeed In short.
you are UNFOLDING Paschal in his disre-
gard OF my instructions and the law, both
Of which were designed for his safety and
the safety OF his fellow employees, the
passengers who entrust themselves to our
care and for the protection OF valuable
property, and in further effort to accom-
plIsh your ends YOU make threat that
our conductors Will give us trouble" and
Will withhold support and co-Opera ton
thus not only Gripping the Georgia Rail-
road but our patrons as well, in that they
would not receive the service so essential
to their comfort and success. repeat
| with emphasis what / said, in effect at
| the conference, viz: that the conductors
employed on the Georgia Railroad are for
law and authority, and that / can not and
do not believe that they would be parties
TO such indefeusible and unworthy prac-
| tees and that they would not disre
| gard one of the important notices con-
! tanned in the Rules, viz: ITO enter or re-
] main in the service is an assurance of
Willingness to obey the rules"
You also urge in justification Of Mr.
| Paschal act that others have committed
similar offenses since the issuance Of the
| bulletin quoted in this letter and they
| had not been suspended or dismissed A
breach of the laws Of morals or of dis
| cipline is not modified in degree bv its
! detection or non-detcctiou. An offense of
| that sort Is suH an offenSe If it never
! becomes known TO any one but the Of
! fender.
The weakening of discipline Invariably
! carries with Il demoralizatio reckless
ness and other kindred horrors As the
! responsible head Of the Transportation
/ Department ! shall continue to admins
ter such discipline as in my Judgment
works no injustice to the offender and
affords the protection to our EMPLOYEES
and patrons that they expect me to pro
vide. Yours truly.
'Signedp W. $. BRAND.
Superintendent