Atlantic Monthly, page 19 by Various Authors
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fully apprised of the position of the delayed train, can readily form an opinion as to the propriety of doing so; and thus, while the delayed train is permitted to run without regard to the slow one, the latter can be kept entirely out of its way.
"The passing-place for trains is fixed and determined, with orders positive and defined that neither shall proceed beyond that point until after the arrival of the other; whereas, in the absence of the telegraph, conductors are governed by general rules, and their individual understanding of the same,--which rules are generally to the effect, that, in case of detention, the train arriving first at the regular passing-place shall, after waiting a few moments, proceed cautiously (expecting to meet the other train, which is generally running as much faster, to make up lost time, as the cautious train is slower) until they have met and passed; the one failing to reach the half-way point between stations being required to back,--a dangerous expedient always,--an example of which operation was furnished at the disaster on the Camden and Amboy Railroad near Burlington; the delayed train further being subjected to the same rule in regard to all other trains of the same class it may meet, thus pursuing its hazardous and uncertain progress during the entire trip."
The following table shows the rate and direction of subordination for a first-class railroad:--
General Superintendent.
Superintendent Roadmaster. Section men. of road. Roadmaster. Section men. Roadmaster. Section men.
Foreman of machine-shop. Machinists. Foreman of blacksmith's shop Blacksmiths. Superintendent Foreman of carpenter's shop. Carpenters. of Machinery. Foreman of paint-shop Painters. Engineers (not on trains). Firemen. Car-masters. Oilers and cleaners. Brakemen.
Conductors. Engineers (on trains). Ticket-collectors. General passenger-agent. Mail agents. Station agents. Hackmen. Switchmen. Express agents. Police. Conductors. Brakemen. Engineers (on trains). < previous next >