New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1850-06-18
Ra,lrand Accidents.


Whenever trains in motion have run oil the track
or met with Instructions, resulting IN injury 20
messengers. it is well known that IN almosi all
cases those in the forward cars have been the
sufferers Cases have occurred where an engine
has been nearly smashed TO pieces ut the head OF
long trnin and persons in the last car were under
the supposition that they had been merely stopped
NJ some way station, so slight TO them was the
conclusion. In the accident at Princeton about a
wear since, two cars Immediately before that in
which was the writer were completely locked,
dove-tailed together their entire length, causing
death TO tive and severe injury to many passengers
and vet in tins third car no person was even
bruised old travellers generally select the rear Of
train from opinion Of its greater safety, and it
seems to the writer a little singular with the light
Of experience go long before them, Railroad man
ages have not taken more eiieciual means 10 guard
against the force OF concessions.
As no one seems disposed to move In this matter
the writer will venture to throw out some sugges-
tons for the inv estg alton Of the public.
First That not only the front and rear OF each
car be provided with more eiiectual lenders than
the tenders now in use present, but that there be
run between the baggage and secondclass car a
fender car, expressly constructed for the purpose
aud composed OF masses OF springs, or OF properly
combined materials suited 10 deaden the force OF
collisions. For sufficient nducement the inven-
tive genius Of the country would produce the thing
desired; and in view Of accidents, where Compa-
MES would be held liable, motives of economy, if
lot humanity, should prompt the offer OF such IN
ducement
Second: That the platform and framework of
cars be constructed OF iron. These, If properly
padded aid cushioned interiorly would save the
passengers from bruises in case Of collision. They
should also be protected at the top aud sides ~
framework, which would give to outer force or
pressure, instead Of breaking up into dangerous
splinters and under foot BY flooring which would
let through neither sHske-heads broken rails,
wheels nor axletrees. They would remain safe in
case OF almost any accident.
IL found more expensive than those now in use,
they might be termed Safety Cars, and extra
prices charged to those who chose to occupy them
this would be readily paid by many, particularly if
in addition pains were taken TO deaden the sound
of the wheels so disagTeeable to the invalid or
those who wish TO converse, through the construc-
ton of double floors stuffed with cotton refuse, ian
experiment already tried) and other suitable
means.
Third: 1t is the custom TO pass the Safety Cord
Ia rope intended 10 give the engineer notice when
anything is wrong in his train behind HIM over
the roof Of the cars instead Of under and within
the reach Of the passengers in case OF breakage
of an axletree immediate notice ought 10 be given.
When it is considered that there are usually but
two brakemen to half dozen cars, and they may
De thrown Off or not be ct the right spot at the right
moment this seems TO be a great oversight
FoUrth A system OF signals through the motion
Of the arms or waving OF an handkerchief or Ian
terms should be generally adopted and universally
published, so that individuals not connected with
Railroads may undeutandingly convey to those
conducting train in rapid motion, information Of
any danger which may await them.