Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 September 1896 — Contempt for Death. [ARTICLE]

Contempt for Death.

A bulky locomotive was puffing and blowing and tearing up and down the neutral ground on the river front, conveying cars to end from the big transfer vessel. On account of the steep grade on the Incline the engine is compelled to put on a full head of steam, and consequently travels very rapidly for a short distance. While this was going on I observed one of the switchmen with a lantern on his arm step Immediately in front of the locomotive. The big animated piece of mechanism came rolling along, ana just as it seemed that the man would be overwhelmed he nonchalantly raised one leg, inclined his body at an angle of 45 degrees, and the next instant was on the fender and out of ganger. The slightest slip would have meant the switchman’s death, for had he missed his footing he would have gone under the wheels, and yet I have no doubt but that he has been doing the act for some years, and will continue to do It until he is finally crushed to atoms. Thousands of other railroad employes, like him, literally carry their lives in their hands, and really do not appreciate their danger. Constant Intercourse with their occupation has rendered them hardened, and they step on and off moving trains with as little fear of the result as when an ordinary man steps over a doorsill. —New Orleans Times-Democrat.