Quote#Politics & Power
The enforcement of a rigid system of discipline in the government of…
Quote byDaniel McCallum · 1815–1878
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Report of the Superintendent of the New York and Erie Railroad to the Stockholders (1856), p. 40. Partly cited in: Chandler (1977, p. 102).
English (original)
The enforcement of a rigid system of discipline in the government of works of great magnitude is indispensable to success. All subordinates should be accountable to and be directed by their immediate superiors only; as obedience cannot be enforced where the foreman in immediate charge is interfered with by a superior officer giving orders directly to his subordinates.
— Daniel McCallum
More from Daniel McCallum
# Great promptness in the report of all derelictions of duty, that evils may be at once corrected.
# A proper division of responsibilities.
# The means of knowing whether such responsibilities are faithfully executed.
# Sufficient power conferred to enable the same to be fully carried out, that such responsibilities may be real in their character.
The road must run save first and fast afterward.
# Such information, to be obtained through a system of daily reports and checks that will not embarrass principal officers, nor lessen their influence with their subordinates.