Confessions of a Railroad Signalman

First published in The Atlantic magazine, the following chapters are intended to give the readers an insight into the working habits of a railroad signalman. An occupation mostly extinct today, a railroad signalman plays a crucial part during the heyday of travels with the American rail system, oftentimes being the only factor that stands between a catastrophic accident and a safe voyage. The author shares many of his qualms regarding his industry's practice in handling railway accidents, as can be seen through this excerpt: «The story of one accident is the story of them all. There is a smash-up. Property is destroyed, perhaps passengers are hurt. The superintendent at once starts an investigation. It is practically secret. Not a word in regard to it is allowed to leak out. After a while, a decision is arrived at and a verdict is rendered,—in secret. Then discipline is administered. A private communication containing the verdict and penalty is sent to the accused party. This, of course, he keeps to himself, and the incident is closed.»