perannuated in his service. The drivers
could then retire upon a full pension, which they enjoyed during the
rest of their lives. They were also paid their full wages during
sickness, and at their death Bianconi educated their children, who grew
up to manhood, and afterwards filled the situations held by their
deceased parents.

Every workman had thus a special interest in his own good conduct.
They knew that nothing but misbehaviour could deprive them of the
benefits they enjoyed; and hence their endeavours to maintain their
positions by observing the strict discipline enjoined by their employer.

Sobriety was, of course, indispensable--a drunken car-driver being
amongst the most dangerous of servants. The drivers must also be
truthful, and the man found telling a lie, however venial, was
instantly dismissed. Honesty was also strongly enforced, not only for
the sake of the public, but for the sake of the men themselves. Hence
he never allowed his men to carry letters. If they did so, he fined
them in the first instance very severely, and in the second instance
dismissed them. "I do so," he said, "because if I do not respect other
institutions (the Post Office), my men will soon learn not to respect
my own. Then, for carrying letters during the extent of their trip, the
men most probably would not get money, but drink, and hence become
dissipated and unworthy of confidence."

Thus truth, accuracy, punctuality, sobriety, and honesty being strictly
enforced, formed the fundamental principle of the entire management.
At the same time, Bianconi treated his drivers with every confidence
and respect. He made them feel that, in doing their work well, they
conferred a greater benefit on him and on the public than he did on
them by paying them their wages.

When attending the British Association at Cork, Bianconi said that, "in
proportion as he advanced his drivers, he lowered their wages."
"Then," said Dr. Taylor, the Secretary, "I wouldn't like to serve you."
"Yes, you would," replied Bianconi, "because in promoting my drivers I
place them on a more lucrative line, where their certainty of receiving
fees from passengers is greater."

Bianconi was as merciful to his horses as to his men. He had much
greater difficulty at first in finding good men than good horses,
because the latter were not exposed to the temptations to which the
former were subject. Although the price of horses continued to rise,
he neverthele