Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 November 1876 — A Conductor Who Was Living Within His Salary. [ARTICLE]

A Conductor Who Was Living Within His Salary.

There were several good stories told at the conductors' banquet Thursday evening, but the one that created the most laughter was that which was related by Conductor McElroy, from Pennsylvania. He said that a conductor on an Eastern railroad was approached by a seedy looking indi vidual, who wanted to get a free ride, as he didn’t have money. “All right,” said the conductor, “go forward into the smoking-car, and I’ll fix you all right.” Soon afterwards the conductor appeared in the smoking-car to collect fare from (he passengers. He took up faro from everybody except the dead-beat and another man, who happened to be the Superintendent of the road. The Superintendent noticed that he had overlooked this man, and asked him why he had done it. “Why, that’s a conductor,” was the reply. “ His appearance doesnot indicate it. Look at those clothes,” said the Superintendent. “Well,” said the conductor, “he can’t help that. He’s a conductor on a Western road, and he’s one of those fellows who are trying to live within their salary, and that’s what he has come to.” This was satisfactory to the Superintendent, and the man obtained his ride without further inquiry. Mr. McElroy stated that there was nothing personal in the story.— Omaha Bee.