The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-01-19


side of the great Divide.
Evolution of Methods.
The evolution of railroad methods,
improved equipment and the constant
adjustment TO new conditions is
most interesting topic of conversation.
An anecdote in connection win the
growth In size of the coal cars--the
carriers of the dusky diamonds--was
related Chalked on the side of a new
and more commodious coal car ap-
peared this poetic sentiment
Hush a bye coal car.
Don't you cry;
You'l be a box car
Bye and bye
The old days Of the link aud pin
and when the hrakemen had To scran-
BILE over the icy tops Of the box cars
and topple around in the coal of the
"hoppers to twist the brakes" in
answer to the engine whistle signal, are
interestingly centrasted with the mod
ern automatic couplers and r-brakes.
The day will come when all freight
trains will be equipped with air-brakes
and automatic eouplers.' WAS once con-
sidsred rash prophesy or little pipe
dream---but. lot 1t Is here, The broth
erhoods" and unions" were in crude
state of formation. but they. too, have
evolved into their present power and
prestige with the advancing years.
Change of Viewpoint.
One time the term of brotherhood"
or union" was associated chiefly with
the idea OF force" but the conserva
tive and sensible men who have been
the real friends of the fraternal flag
have stressed the idea OF the mutual
help of good comradeship and better
ment of service for the like adj
vantage of employer and employe And
the Railway Y NJ. c. AS. which have
the cordial support Of the railroad off,
Gals. Is an earnest OF the beauti
full spirit of harmony that exists be-
tween the railroad corporations and
their men Sensible, we'll thinking men
OF business acumen realize the truth
that the esprit de corps Of an army is
an essential Of It's efficiency. and the
day of the "fire-eater" and selfish strife
fomenter in the ranks Of the brother
hoods has passed.
In this day Of prevailing compare
tive statements to get a line on the
status OF affairs and measure results
with view TO increasing efficiency
and promoting economys there are
marked improved conditions without
the sphere of cold figure columns. To
the Railway Young Mems Christian As
citation is very largely due the improved
morale OF the rank and file. The
saloons of the places where the crews
lay over were freQuented by many of
the men and made for mischief to the
employer and empioye. The birth OF
Y. NJ. c. A. at such points has marked
the beginning of a new era. When
sufficient interest Is manifested in men
ff+fa h o,.I
attractive place of gathering around
which is thrown the sacred influence OF
high. manly ideals and religion, 1T Will
be always found that the uplifting
institutions Will prove more attractive
than the degrading ones. Neverthe-
less, the existence of a drinking joint,
gambling hell or brothel anywhere is
ever attended with its lnsidious temp
tations. and the ever-increasing public
| sentiment OF disapproval OF these pes
tiferous social menaces win ere long
run them out of existence.
Evolution of the Hospital.
The evolution OF the hospital lis an
other interesting phase of the won
derfui progress in railroad life. And
the moderniy equipped retreats for the
disa bled and sick have grown up along
with the spirit which developed the
Y NJ. G. As along the great trunk
lines
And so IT is an inspiration TO sit
awhile at the table wherein this
article is penned and listen to the
music of the CHEEKY greetings Of COM
rades. their jolly laughter over clean
stories and good -natursd jokings of
one another, the recounting of the
old days and the evolution OF railroad
life
But bark, the call TO lunch! Seated
around the board ara officials, heads
OF departments and mployes--offica
men and knights OF the rail-and when
the appetite is satisfied with the sub
stantial meal the chairs are tilted back
and attention given to a delightful.
snappy talk by Rev. DR.. Bowie on the
life OF the Great Man OF Galiiee" and
then the company disperses. each to
his respective task. with greater xest
for their labors
Those who follow these sketches viii
shortly learn of interesting stories
of helpfulness that have attended the
| evoiutions OF the Railway 7. NJ, c As
and become more acquainted with tho
great scope of an institution that
10 of much benefit TO the railroads,
their men and the public