 First, let us give a little
illustration. Assuming that a chain is made with about one thousand links made of one-half
inch steel, such a chain would safely hold a load of three tons. Assuming that by
carelessness of its master, or by defect of material one link is improperly welded so that
it would be only one-half as strong as it should be and as every construction is as strong
as it is at its weakest section or part, the chain will break at about one-half the load
for which it was constructed. Therefore if such a chain would be used for hauling loaded
wagon-trips out of a coal mine. the life of many men working down in the slope would be in
danger.
My Job forms a part of a locomotive, a locomotive forms a part of our Railway System,
hence I am a link in a chain-the Railway System. That such a system may work efficiently.
I who am a part of this system must be efficient for my own sake. Why? Because needs and
comfort of our own families, needs and comfort of people all over our country are
depending on the efficiency of our Railway System. As such a system is of great
importance, for mc. for everybody, my job is important that the chain may be strong, every
link must be strong.
If my job turns out badly, I may be replaced by another man, my job can't. Or I may have
the foreman behind me, watching me all day long. To avoid this, I must be trustworthy. To
become trustworthy, my job must be correct. Yet, I may be far from being efficient.
Suppose I handle a job that I could turn out by skill and will at a cost of $100.00. If,
by carelessness or ignorance, I throw many good machine parts into scrap, I would turn out
a good job with new machine parts at a cost of $600.00, such a job may be correct, but not
at all efficient, and would very little please the company.
If I were the owner of a Railway System and the cost of repairing, renewing and
maintaining of my rolling stock would cost me in one year more than it earns for me, I
would close down on account of inefficiency, and who pays for it? You, I; in fact, all of
us. For that reason, my job is important.
The railway system forms a part of the transportation system. In such a system that brings
need and comfort to people from country to country, culture and civilization from
continent to continent; in such a system, that genius of man has developed, perfected and
made beneficial for the cultured world, in such a chain, I am a link.
And you, fellow workers, boilermakers , blacksmiths, pipefitters, workers in offices and
shops, is your job important? Is my job important? Yes, and I am proud of it.
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