Page:Hine (1904) Letters from an old railway official.djvu/36

 good man the creature of accident all his days. The company is the loser as well as the man. We complain because the trades unions advocate a closed shop, a restricted output, a limited number of apprentices. Is not their attitude a logical development of the example we have set? Like master, like man.

Let your new chief clerk understand that he is never to use your signature or initials to censure or reprimand any employe, either directly or by implication. That is a prerogative you cannot afford to delegate. It is all right if a complaint comes in for the chief clerk to investigate by writing in your name and saying: “Kindly advise concerning alleged failure to do so and so;” or, “We have a complaint that such and such happened and would like to have your statement;” but he should stop right there. It is all wrong for him or for you to add, “We are astonished at your ignorance of the rules;” or, “You must understand that such conduct will not be tolerated.” Wait until both sides of the case are heard. Then you alone must act. The division will not go to pieces while such matters await your personal attention. While you are learning that even a