The drivers were taken from the lowest grades of the
establishment, and promoted to higher positions according to
their respective merits as opportunity offered. "Much surprise,"
says Bianconi, "has often been expressed at the high order of men
connected with my car establishment and at its popularity; but
parties thus expressing themselves forget to look at Irish
society with sufficient grasp. For my part, I cannot better
compare it than to a man merging to convalescence from a serious
attack of malignant fever, and requiring generous nutrition in
place of medical treatment"[5]
To attach the men to the system, as well as to confer upon them
the due reward for their labour, he provided for all the workmen
who had been injured, worn out, or become superannuated 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.
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