Confessions of a Railroad SignalmanFagan, James O. (James Octavius)
History
Confessions of a Railroad Signalman
Fagan, James O. (James Octavius)
Railroad accidents; Railroads; Railroads -- United States -- Employees
Here, and elsewhere in this volume, it seems to me that it is
demonstrated, beyond possibility of question, that thousands of
lives have been sacrificed by reason of the palpable neglect and
inefficiency of certain railroad employees. It makes not a particle
of difference whether we conclude to call these careless men a
majority, a minority, or a scattered few. Fundamentally it is also
quite a secondary consideration that rules and methods of management
at times can be shown to be partially responsible for accidents that
result from this inefficient service. For the time being also, let us
forget that elsewhere I call attention to the conduct and influence
of the railroad labor organizations as an important factor in the
situation, and to the absolute necessity, under existing conditions, of
governmental interference. Let us put aside all these considerations,
and as thoughtful, well-intentioned railroad men ask ourselves if we
are socially and morally interested in this safety problem on American
railroads. Do we consider the matter important enough to give to it
more than an occasional thought or passing comment? When the lives of
our fellow employees, or of passengers, are sacrificed by reason of
personal forgetfulness or negligence, have we, the principals, or at
least those most nearly concerned in the accidents, any remarks to make
or any suggestions to offer? For the future, as in the past, are we
going to allow this business to drift? Are we all of the same opinion
as the train-master who said to me: “What’s the use of writing up these
matters? We always have had careless men. We can’t expect to get rid
of them altogether. Like the poor, they are with us always.” This man
forgot, as many of us are liable to forget, that “writing up,” as they
call it, is the only known method in modern civilization by means of
which enlightenment and education can be passed around and disseminated.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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