The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-07-20
NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, JULY 20, 1856.


attachments as to his political elevation 1t was he
who set on foot the exploration of the rivers and
coasts of the Pacific, and made himself famous
by the expedition Of Lewis and Clarke. COL
Fremont has followed in the footsteps of Jeffer-
son, and has gained never dying honor by his
scientific researches and his valuable discoveries
Other nations, who have become great by the
sudden elevation Of extraordinary men-with their
CAESARS or their Napoleons- bear witness to the
truth that such are not made great by servile
training or long subserviency to ancient and
corrupt combinations.
The admirers and supporters of Col Fremont,
equally convinced, offer fresh vigorous, uncor-
corrupt man. He is made for the times-the times
demand bis services young heart of the ma
ton recognizes him of its own blood, and beats
in sympathy with his own. We have in him the
assurance Of a thorough reform, and renewal of
the strength and youth of the nation.
RAILROAD BUTcHERY.-We have recorded
another instance Of railroad butchery. Fifty
lives have been taken, and one hundred persons
are seriously injured, uncertain whether they too
will not shortly follow the slain. This occurrence
on the North Pennsylvania Railroad may be
styled the massacre of the innoeents, for most of
the sufferers were in the bloom Of youth and in
the morning Of their days. A whOle school has
been deeimated in the most shocking manner
crushed, torn limb from limb, and burned alive
Humanity shudders at the thought How long
| In 70 v.Io rai
and who should be held up to execration as the
authors Of this tragedy! Who else but the d.
rectors and officers of the company? Let them
be held to the extreme of their responsibility.
The causes of these accidents are obvious. In
the first place, the conductors are not first class
men. A conductor Of railway should be as
skilful as the commander Of ship, with as much
prudence, courage and ability. He should have
even more of these qualifications, for he is every
moment in danger, and exposed to the most terri
BILE Of calamites. But, rnhappily, from motives
Of economy, they are not so selected, and in
every instance almost. these accidents are occa-
stoned by ignorance, insttention and foolhardi-
ness
In the next place, no railway with single
tfdch snulll DC COHsiufTtu cOHlplctc VI Ttduy IOI
the transportation ofpassHgers. No grants should
be made to companies except with the proviso
that double tracks should be constructed before
they are opened for business Again, on every
line signal men should ks stationed at points
near and visible to them and to the passengers.
Teleeraphic wires should be maintained and con-
slant notice be given of Che progress of the
trains.
The most stringent rules should be enforced
in those cases where train is behind time, and
the movement of each train should be regulated
accordingly. Signal poles, of sufficient height,
should be erected, on which flags should be dis
played, 10 indicate the approach Of danger at
distance, and breaks of greater power than are
now used should be attacked to the ears. The
heavy buffers, which are foand on all the best
European roads, have been almost abandoned in
this country, and should be insisted upon. And
above all. none but the best and most experienced
men should have charge of the trains. But rail-
way corporations have no souls to feel, no bodies
TO be kicked and they will continue TO trife with
human life, without feeling and without punish
ment. The present system is as disgraceful as il
is inbuman. II is to be hoped that in this case
the most exemplary damages will be given 10 all
who survive the calamity and seek redress.