Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1865-03-01
Railway Intelligence.

IEouIRIEs RESPECTING ONO RATLROADs.-
During the past season there have been
so many railroad accidents that the atten-
tion of the Legislature of the State has
been called to the matter, and the Select
Committee of the Senate have issued the
following circular of inquiries which will
be read with interest by all:
CoLUNBUs, o, Feb, Is, 1865.
DKAR SIR: On the 10th inst. the Senate
of Ohio adopted the following preamble and
resolution:
WEEREAs, Accidents upon the railroads of
the State are becoming frequent occur
renee, resulting in terrible and alarm
ing sacrifice of life and property; and
whereas, many of the lines of railway are
IN such a condition, by resson Of fail
ure to keep them in proper repair, as to
render the transportation of freight and
passengers over them destructive and
dangerous; and whereas, also, many of
the railroad companies of the State, not
withstsnding the condition of their
roads and the provisions of the law, are
charging for local freight and passengers
exorbitant and illegal rates, making un-
fair distinctions between through and
local business, and thereby doing great
injustice to the people VINO live along
their lines of railway; therefore,
ReSotUed, That select committee ofhVe
be sppointed to inquire-frst, what legis-
lstiOn is necessary 70 procure the better
protection of the persons and lives of the
people who travel upon the railroads of the
State; second, what legislation is necessary
to protect the local interests and rights of
persons doing business upon the several
railroads of the State, and secure them
against illegal and unjust eznctiOns, and
report by bill or otherwise.
The undersigned were appointed said
Committee, and being desirous to obtain all
the information possible, in regard to the
subjects above indicated, they beg that
you will furnish them, at an early day,
such facts as are within your reach, touch
ing the following interrogatoriea
First. How many, and what accidents
have occurred upon
within the last six months, resulting in in
jury to persons or property, and by what
were the accidents caused?
Second. What is the present condition Of
the track, bridges, culverts, rolling stock
and machinery Of the
Third. What are the rates of fare charged
to passengers for distance of one hundred
miles or more, and what the rate for dis
tance of ten miles or less also, what diff
ference is made between passengers who
purchase tickets and those who pay fare on
the train, on said railroad9
Fourth. What are the rates of tariff
charged for the transportation of freight
per mile for one ton weight, for distance
of one hundred miles or more; what the
rate for distance of less than twenty miles,
and what the rates for less than ten miles
on said road; also, the rates for the same
distance for one busheI and one car load of
freight, and under what law are the charges
NADER
FiftE-What have been the monthly re-
ceipts of said road arising from trsnsports-
tion of passengers and freight for a period |
of six months; what the expenditures for
the same time, and how much of said sx-
penditures went for repairs upon the road |
SiEtE-How much of the stock of said |
road is owned by citizens of Ohio, and how |
much by non-residents of the State?
All information you can give to the COM |
mittee in regard to the matters above re-
ferred TO, and all facts you can furnish |
them will be gladly received. They desire |
to obtain as much and as accurate inforRa- |
tion ss possible, so that the rights of the |
people, and also the rights of the several |
railroad companies IN the State may be |
properly protected and guarded by legisla-
tion.
Send the official reports of railroad COM
panies; also, tables showing tariff of freight |
and passenger fares, whenever they can be
obtained, and greatly Oblige as. Address
the committee, or any member thereof, at
Ohio.
Very truly yours,
ALPHoXsO HART,
SAMUEL WILLIAMSON,
W. H. WEsT,
WN. LANG,
H. s. MARTIS,
Select Committee,