Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1916-06-09
EXPECTATIONS
IN HUMAN LIVES
IS MADE SUBJECT

lowing statement was issued today by
the four transportation brotherhoods
who are campaigning jointly for an
eight hour day.
Who pays for the depreciation in hui
man life, the result o. railway opera
ton?
When car or locomotive is smashed
up, a fund has been provided for its
renewal, but when in the same wreck
an engineer, fireman, conductor, or
brakeman has been crushed out of all
semblance to his former SELF, the other
employees of these classes whose time
has not yet come, dig down into their
pockets and pay for this human rail-
road wreckage.
The common law doctrine of "asum-
ed risk" has been forced on railroad
employees as part of their compensa-
ton. To use a western expression,
they have been educated to expect ito
die with their boots on"
In no other industry is the occupa-
tional hazard so great as in the max
irg up and transportation of railway
trains. The railroad industry, how
ever, reflects no recognition of this
hazard in the wages of its en-
ployes.
The records of the Brotherhood of
Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen
show that it has paid out to its mem
bers for deaths and disabilities, the
sum of $18,1O9,16775. More than 500
Of all deaths and disabilities of mem
bers of this organization are caused by
railroad accidents.
During the year 1915, the members
Of the Brotherhood of Locomotive En-
gineers we're compelled to contribute
the great sum of $2,27O, 276.92, to wild
ows and orphans of its members who
were killed during that one year and
Oh account of injuries and disabilities
incurred.
The members of the Brotherhood of
Railroad Trainmen during the year
Of 1915, paid out from their meager
earnings, on account of members kill
cd and disabled in service, the sum of
$2,421 ,55S.17.
Members of the Order of Railway
Conductors put up $1,761, 417.49, for the
relief of their human wreckage in
1915.
The extra hazardous nature of the
employe on freight train, makes alb
surd, any comparison of wages re-
ceived, with railway clerks, section
hands and other employees.
Considering the fact that train en-
ployes are the most skilled of all rail-
road wage earners and that they must
Fay out such enormous sums as above
on account of human wreckage," they
are entitled to a work day sufficiently
short to enable them to perform their
ardous duties with rested body and
brain.
Freight train crews should receive
as much as is paid in other trades. so
that they could better afford to meet
the losses occasioned by deaths and in
juries Of their members.
1t is certain that reduction in the
hours of labor with proper rest and
recuperation will better fortify the hu-
man mind and body against accidents
OF personal nature and men in
freight train service are now deter
mined to have a shorter work day and
to have their working conditions ap-
proximate as far as possible, that
which obtains in other trades.
Railroad officials claim that if the
demands of the train crews are grant
ed, it will mean an enormous increase
in wages paid and that the cost of any
increase will fall upon the public.
If the officials really believe this,
why their strenuous opposition? Does
the history of railroading show any
instance Of any great anxiety on the
part Of the railroads to protect the
public?
rrti,o oaansoi. oIoo s.,.r-o 80 to,,, e.,fe,