THE CHAUFFEUR'S EMPLOYER.

The New York Times
December 15, 1909

Should Not Work Him Until His Hands Become Unsteady.

To the Editor of The New York Times:
Much has been written about the duties of the chauffeur to his employer.  Much of it is worthy of consideration, but little has been said on the other side—that is, in regard to the duties of the employer to his chauffeur.

It is often completely overlooked that chauffeurs are not machines, but human, and are subject to the same conditions and limitations that other human beings are subject to.  Other human beings get tired; so does the chauffeur, not only physically, but also mentally, and a tired brain will stumble as well as a tired body.  This is not enough thought of by the employer, some of whom are utterly unreasonable in their requirements, working their chauffeurs all day and then ordering them out nights.  Being worn out, why shouldn't they be subject to accidents as a result from the tired-out brain of some overworked switchman or an overworked engineer?

As a matter of safety to himself and to his companions when motoring, and of justice to his chauffeur, it becomes the employer to be reasonable in his requirements, and not exact beyond the ability of the body and mind to perform.
C. H. S.
New York, Dec. 12, 1909.