The manager of one of the great Indian railways, in addressing a European
subordinate given to indulge in needless strong language, wrote as
follows:—“Dear sir, it is with extreme regret that I have to bring to
your notice that I observed very unprofessional conduct on your part this
morning when making a trial trip. I allude to the abusive language you
used to the drivers and others. This I consider an unwarrantable
assumption of my duties and functions, and, I may say, rights and
privileges. Should you wish to abuse any of our employés, I think it
will be best in future to do so in regular form, and I beg to point out
what I consider this to be. You will please to submit to me, in writing,
the form of oath you wish to use, when, if it meets my approval, I shall
at once sanction it; but if not, I shall refer the same to the directors;
and, in the course of a few weeks, their decision will be known.
Perhaps, to save time, it might be as well for you to submit a list of
the expletives generally in use by you, and I can then at once refer
those to which I object to the directors for their decision. But,
pending that, you will please to understand that all cursing and swearing
at drivers and others engaged on the traffic arrangements in which you
may wish to indulge must be done in writing, and through me. By adopting
this course you will perceive how much responsibility you will save
yourself, and how very much the business of the company will be
expedited, and its interests promoted.”