The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-03-30
CONSERVATION OF LIFE
40 a RaiIroad Man.l

While the general government, as
we'll as many of the states, nave pass
cd laws fc~ the preservation OF our
forests and the reclamation of ARD
lands--how little attention is paid to
the conservation of the lives of our
people.
1t does seem in this period of our
progression, measures should be ADOPT
ed and put in force to cause the m1nuS
of all to occasionally stop and ponder
over the innumerable accidents tnat
are daily happening, and BRING TO tne
attention of every person the simple
thought of life, to exercise personal
care.
We have in our midst many opera
tives of automobiles and other modes
of conveyance, who recklessly pro-
coed over our streets with that in
sane craving to attain speed that
brings in the end an accident to not
only the occupants of the Vehlcle, Out
to people lawfully on the highway or
street. In municipalities ordinances
have been passed prohibiting unneceS-
sary speed, but our peace ofhcers are
slow in compelling obedience 10 the
law, and those entrusted with its en-
forcement have grown lax, and the ag-
gressors are allowed to escape. A law
that is not enforced is worse than no
law at all. All laws are enacted eth
er for the betterment or protection of
mankind and disobedience only en-
CRAFTS into the mind disrespect for
law, which leads in the end to want
n respect
selves to forget the cardinal principles
and purposes of the passage of such
laws While violations do occur, still
the people do not in the face of all
this exercise care for their own pro-
lection.
There are very few of us who have
not at times been placed in perilous
positions where we should exercise
cur minds in the direction of personal
safety, and with a slight acumen of
what should be done accidents would
necessarily be averted or at least re-
duced to a minimum.
One of the greatest railway systems
of our country and product of our
own state, is engaged in the work of
teaching it's employees principles of
Get the Safety Habit" and is con-
tinually preaching the safety doctrine,
doing much evangelistic work in this
particular.
The time is now at hand when
young men seeking employment, espe-
cially work of a hazardous character,
or the safe passage OF human fre1Sht
on railways, must possess qualifications
of care, in fact this will be one of the
first prerequisites, as "a little care
now and then, must necessarily save
the lives of men, The intricacies of
machinery, propelled by either steam
or electricity or other power, all come
under this class and must be manned I
by men who will exercise a high de-
gree of care; and it does seem that all
persons, it matters not what their
chosen vocation may be, should be
skilled in the performance of the du-
ties required of them, and possessed
with the mental safety valve of care.
The records of our country show
many casualties, and there are left as
survivors many who must go through
life. bearing it's burdens and hard
ships, who, if the study of care had
been practiced, would not themselves,
or their fellows or families have been
cast out into the world to assume its
responsibilities and uncertainties, that
might in the march of Industrial
progress have been averted.
Why then cannot all practice the
conservation of life" Why cannot
the man in the shop, or the operative
of the train. and all persons brought
in close contact with these instru
mentaIities of danger. practice and
preach it. 1t is the gage by which
our thoughts should be regulated and
the companion of protection. All men
who direct or have charge of the vast
army of labor, or who come in contact
with such people, should teach care to
those whose daily work they direct.
BY so doing it will not be long until
the employee will consider it as part
of his work in the performance of his
daily task.
Our educators, preachers and others,
who are continually striving to save
thoughts into their minds to save their
lives. 1t is as necessary to prepare
for the longevity of life on this earth
as to prepare souls for the future
state. Both are for the betterment of
all, and should go hand in hand with
the life of each and every individual.