"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). General freight-agent. Station agents. Weighers and gaugers. Yard masters. Supply agent. Clerks and teamsters furnishing supplies. Fuel agent. All men employed about wood-sheds. All subordinates should be accountable to and directed by _their immediate superiors only_. Each officer must have authority, with the approval of the general superintendent, to appoint all _employees_ for whose acts he is responsible, and to dismiss any one, when, in his judgment, the interests of the company demand it.