The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-07-13

1aborer is as much of an undesirable
citizen as the man who dishonesty
takes away the peace and happiness
of the home, or steals ones chattels.
He and his ideas should be relegated
to the past. Every employer of labor
should carefully guard tie character
of those he employs, that the chance
taker does not gain an entrance into
the ranks of his employees. His Prac-
tees as an example are as vicious and
communicating as the man who sowS
the seeds of vice, or disregards the
laws of our state, enacted for the
peaceful protection of it's citizens.
Chance takers are always on dress
parade. You will notice them in the
driving of automobiles and other
conveyances; they are in the shops
and yards of railways, especially tax
ing delight in showing their acrobatic
ideas of how to take a chance in the
performance of their labor-but does
ii pay?
A few days ago I noticed a switch
man standing in the middle of the
track awaiting the approach of a
switch engine, and then jumped on the
footboard. The thought struck me
that this person is a chance taker. I
saw him afterwards and cautioned him
as TO his carelessness and violation of
the rules of his company He admit
ted it was foolhardy trick, and in the
interest of humanity I believe he is
now broke of this careless habit.
This is but one of the thousands of
careless acts, on which II is unneces-
sary for me to enter into details. They
are daily being done by the chance
takers, thereby submitting themselves
and others to chances, in the doing of
their work, that might Just as well
have been avoided, and the task per-
formed in a careful way.
But, is the man who is a chance
taker doing a manly actor is 1t
worth the risk? 1 know 1t is not. I
appeal to all laborers, irrespective of
necessary chance. 1t benefits no one
it only places the employee in a
position that he is likely to lose his
life or his limb. as well as his position;
or to throw him out into life as a
helpless cripple, or leave his family
to mourn his untimely demise.
Why then should a lahorer do any
act that encourages not only himself
to do so again, but sets bad example
to others or leaves others to battle
the hardships of life through careless
ness that might just as well have been
avoided.
time for the laborers of our country to
organize safety committees than the
present moment. Beat your employer
to the idea of safety. Place yourself
laboring men. If you do then your
task will be one of pleasure If you
don't, the chance taker will grow and
become fat, subjecting himself and
others To TlSkS are AIOI OAAAy
gerous but at the same time unneces-
sary.
Always reach out in life for the best
and NEST careful things there are in
it Be loyal. faithful and thoughtful.
Then your place in life will be that of
a useful citizen. Otherwise you are a
chance taking worm, creeping here
and there, destroying by your careless
acts not only the life of yourself, but
that of your fellows. Never be afraid
to do right. Such action protects your
self and your family. 1t instills the
thoughts of care into yorr mind, which
in your daily task prolJrgs your life
and brings happiness, nor sorrow, to
those with whom you come in con-
tact.
Never he a chance taker.