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 app