It has been before urged that a separate order should be given for each separate transaction. This, however, need not be pressed to extremes. Circumstances may arise in which forms may be combined with advantage. For instance, an order may be given:
Engine 530 will run extra to Brighton, and will meet train No. 2 at Lisbon.
This serves the purpose of an "extra" order and of a "meeting" order, and is not in any way confusing.
Ordinarily there is little to be gained by departing from the general rule laid down, but experience and good judgment will soon determine where it will be proper, if the principles upon which safety may depend are kept steadily in view.
Attempts have been made to introduce printed blanks for the several forms of orders, with spaces for the words which vary with each case, such words only to be telegraphed. This plan does not appear, however, to have met with much favor. The brevity possible in forms is such that little is saved by this method, in the amount of telegraphing. The words sent are disconnected and unsatisfactory, and the care and attention required in having a number of books on the operator's table from which to select the proper form would be considerable, especially if the manifold is used. A supposed advantage is in having explanatory rules printed on each blank. It is better to have these printed together with all the forms for circulation among the employés, who can then discuss and become familiar with them and come to a uniform understanding as to their meaning.
Much variety has existed in the forms of orders in use. Prior to the quite general adoption of the "Standard" code there were probably no two roads on which they were in all respects alike. This lack of uniformity was unfortunate, and some of these variations assumed serious importance in view of the time occupied in telegraphing superfluous words. A very few forms suffice for the most of the orders issued.
Those here considered are the forms issued with and forming a part of the Time Convention Rules. They are the same in principle as those given in the former edition of The Train Wire, and not greatly different in their construction. Some have been amplified and some additions have been made.
They will be considered under the following classification:
A. For trains meeting.