Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 274, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 November 1913 — MUCH DEPENDS ON OFFICIALS [ARTICLE]

MUCH DEPENDS ON OFFICIALS

Railroad Workers Welcome Discipline of the Right Sort Under the Right Man. In a communication to the New York Sun a veteran railroader remarks: Whenever a railroad accident occurs there is usually much talk about regulation of speed, a closer supervision by state and federal boards, the installation of various mechanical and signal devices, etc., all of which, while being well enough in their way, are tinctured with hysteria and often founded upon little or no knowledge of the business. Such suggestions fail to touch the most important element in the whole safety proposition; namely, that improved devices and the best form of construction are valueless without the enforcement of a strict, observance of operating rules, simple discipline. The maintenance of discipline does not involve, as is often popularly supposed, arbitrary methods or harshness. A discipline founded upon such methods is but little better than no discipline at all. The right kind of discipline is severe but just, and it must have in it an element of kindness and decent treatment. The -right kind of discipline is generally desired by the rank and file of railroad employes, because they appreciate the fact that it is essential for thelr own safety, not to speak of the lives of passengers committed to their care. A discipline so administered dpes not create antagonism and disloyalty, but on the other hand carries with it the confidence and respect of railroad employes for the management. It is not possible to say precisely how all of this is accomplished and maintained, but it is all summed up in the art of handling men. One of the es sential qualifications of a railroad officer is that he shall so lead liis men as to secure their obedience to 'the rules, and also their confidence, esteem and support.