Transcriber’s Note
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The TRAIL
of the
Swinging
Lanterns
A Racy, Railroading Review
of
Transportation Matters, Methods and Men
By John Morison Copeland
For additional copies of this book, or duplicate printsof the illustrations for office, den or mailing communicatewith
J. M. COPELAND
5 Dalton Road, Toronto
Telephone, College 185
TORONTO, CANADA
ADDISON & MAINPRICE
1918
FOREWORD
In compiling the miscellaneous array of facts embodied in the pen sketchesarranged within the covers of this book, the principal object striven forhas been to seek out, set down and thereby rescue from forgetfulnessand the danger of extinction, a grist of information pertaining to local railwaylife in Canada and to men identified with international railway affairs.
The data is necessarily incomplete, owing to the embarrassment of availablematerial clamoring for place and because the railways’ numerous departmentsharbor scores of brilliant officials and a host of yet undecorated aides,but the biographies, particularly, have revived some interesting early historywhich was the parent and foundation of present-day conditions.
The concentrated effort and predominant characteristics which eventuallywon prominence for the gentlemen herein featured may be an incentive andsafeguard to young men and the journal is deferentially submitted for perusalto all readers who appreciate how paramount among vital essentials to progressand comfort are the railroads, but it is especially dedicated to thosecosmopolitans whose duties are so closely interwoven with the daily transportof people and their natural and manufactured products.
In no other fields of endeavor does the spirit of genuine cameraderie andthe bonds of unconventional fraternity exist more generally than amongrailway men in all branches—among allies and competitors alike—and it ishoped the work will prove to this irregular army of “thoroughbreds” a bookof reference, a reminder later on of former devotees of the magnetic gameand also perpetuate those splendid standards, enjoyable gatherings and everchanging activities of their day.
For the courtesy of reprinting privileges, where my earlier articles areconcerned, I am indebted to “Busy Man’s Magazine,” “Canadian Century,”“McLean’s Magazine,” “Canada Monthly,” etc., etc., and gratefully acknowledgethe voluntary kindness of friends who unlocked the storehouses of memoryor cheerfully furnished desired