NP, RD 3/27/1862

From the Richmond Dispatch
 
March 27, 1862
 
A Sensible order
   The order we publish below will commend itself to every reflecting person. It is well known that it is necessary to have the utmost system in the management of railroads, to promote the safety of persons and the maximum efficiency of the machinery. To the Superintendent, who is best acquainted with the movement of the trains, the condition of the rolling stock and road, the grades, length of turnouts, and capacity of the several water stations, and to him alone, the subordinate officers look for orders; and when such orders are interfered with or countermanded by military officers, we are sure the interests of the Confederacy must suffer. Where the transportation is so great as it has been during the war, it is impossible to effect it without the best system, and any interference, however good the intentions, may, and probably will, prevent such system from being carried out. Whenever, as in this order, the whole responsibility rests on the Superintendent, we may confidently say, all that can be done towards expediting Government demands, with the facilities at hand, will be. This order leaves the military men to do the fighting, and the Superintendents alone to do the running, in which capacity we are sure they will each do their part well. Like all other orders emanating from its source, it is excellent, and will no doubt give universal satisfaction to the railroad officers throughout the Confederacy.
 
Headquarters, Richmond, Va.
March 20, 1862
 
General Orders, No. 1
 
   To avoid the danger, if not the certainty, of frequent collisions, and the consequent destruction of life and property, as well as obstruction to all transportation, it is absolutely necessary that the movements of railroad trains should be under one undecided control. These considerations make it imperative that all trains should be regulated in their movements and speed only by their conductors and engineers, in accordance with the regulations and time-tables of the company. All the operations of a road should be controlled by its Superintendent, or other authorized officer, and all orders for transportation of every kind, and the movement of every train, will be directed through him, when the exigencies of the service demand a variation from the regular schedule. Disregard of this rule will inevitably be attended with disastrous consequences.
By order of
Gen. R. E. Lee
W. H. Taylor, Asst. Adj. Gen

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