AMERICAN WOMEN AT WORK

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 214, 29 May 1918, Page 2

AMERICAN WOMEN AT WORK

ON THE RAILWAYS. American women war-workers-picture .»!$ T « ta m his 8 " out , (stales lhe Queen ). Millions of women tiiousQiuis of miles «iw«vv sewing typing, making bandages "and munitions, preserving food, motoring, mining, air-scouting— engaged in a multiplicity of activities, the scope of which varies and increases daily., The hum the buzz, the energy it generates is felt across the vast ocean which shall never again separate a people whoso ideals of freedom are now identical with those of kindred blood, whose sons are fighting side by side to make tho world a vafe and sane one for future generations. Imitation ,is the sincerest form of liom. age, and. majiy American womert's war organisations are run on lines originated by British and .French women, whoso wonderful achievements and indomitable courage meet in America with an admiration deeply felt and frankly express, ed. At the same time there are many particulars in which the work accomplished on the other side differs from what is being done here. For instance, in Great Britain, while women are encouraged by the Government to do indexing, clerking, and routine work of all descriptions, tho higher administrative posts are, with but. few and very recont exceptions, held by men; whereas, in America, women of approved capacity in pre-war times were trusted witli adnnnistrative posts immediately upon the declaration of war. This has not been done in a spirit of chivalry, for which .American men are so justly celebrated, but from a sense of expediency, of justice, of appreciation. The rapidity with which American women have organised is largely due to tho fact that existing organisations were utilised; so the machinery was ready, it only had to be set in motion and adapted to accomplish different ends. It lias been said that America is in this ivar with both feet. It can be proved that America is in to wiu witb heart, mind, and soul.

To release men from many responsible posts on the railroads so that thav can go to tho front, and to train women so ■ that they can take their places as quickly as possible bus been the aim of the_ Pennsylvania Kailroad Company ever since America came into the war. The American women have taken an immediate and enthusiastic interest in this training, and every day sees nn increase in the number of women telegfa* phists, signallers, train dispatchers, cto. For this latter work the girfc. aro'being trained by an original and intensive method. They are actually operating tlis block system on a miniature electricallyoperated road over which km toy goods trains, locals, and expresses all day long, according to the schedule used by. tlio Pennsylvania Railroad with which it is linked up by means of" file telegraph. Official reports and orders are made ou' exactly as though the students were ac tually at work, as they will be'ultimately between Philadelphia and Altoim.

This course in railroading is not 11 u easy one. It requires from six to eight months of steady application, and the operation of this toy railroad is only a part of tho work' wTiieli must bo done. There is much to be learned by '.hr student before she reaches this stage of her training. Telegraphy, block signal operation, all station offico dolnil work, must, be thoroughly mastered first. Classes are held morning and evening,' ko that 110 timo is lost from regular work, and tho expenses of the course arr vory light. Applicants must be between seventeen and twenty-five years old; they must have good hearing, keen sight, and a good education. > Graduates aro assured of a post with tho company immediately. Their prospects for advancement are only hounded liy individual capacity. So far the-stu-dents liavo been quick to learn, so that there is every possibility thai; they will fill most of the positions left vacant by the men who have answered their country's call for.exports iu tlm Army Signiil Corps. Hero is still another door which has been opened for women. This-work is not merely clerical, and therefore limited , as lo opportunities for advancement, for tho<e engaged in train dispatching and signalling in the United States have the chance of obtaining positions of executive importance. In fact, many men ivell known in tho railway world have begun'their successful careers in this way.