New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-06-16
GAZING LIFE BY RAILROADS
the Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
SIR: 1t was not singular circumstance that
I should have been witness to the killing of Miss Ida
Hanne at Morrisana by the NewHaven train, the morn
ing after riding with you In the cars when the subject Of
our conversation the insufficient protection afforded
to the public in this country at railroad crossings and at
depos for like the above very frequent
Within q month past eight persons have been
crippled killed by the trains of the Harlem and New
Haven Roads, over which have travelled almost daily
for 20 years.
Your reply to me in that conversation was in effect
that about all these accidents caused by rum,
want Of care absolute stupidity the part Of the
kied!or injured hardly agree with you, and sup
pose you may have replied without much reflection
Some allowance ought to be made for the nearsghted
who cannot read the warning sign in the daytime until
the crossings for the farghed who travel about at
Might and for the deaf partially deaf who cannot hear
the alarm whistle when sounded Then, too, many Of
our depots located In labyrinth OF tracks ana com
roads, where old travellers become confused In
getting TO and from the and often lose their lives WHAT
perfect traps they for the unwary occasional tray
elerl
We boast Of our great progress in the arts and sci
ences; we honor Mr. Bergb; and cannot some large
hearted, energetic scientific humanitarian he found TO
head movement which shall eventually force our rail-
to adopt such precautions as exist all over Europe
for the protection OF human life and lmbi Rum, care
Iessness, and stupidity exist there well as here;
human nature is the same the world over but as worth
less careless and stupid it is it is loved by somebody,
and they think quite rightly, that 1t Is worth saving
Thousands of lives quietly sacrificed and innumer
able crpples made year In this country for the
want OF few fences bars, gates and gatekeepers ana
the proper arrangements OF our depots These caain
titles are so scattered they fail to attract the attention
they deserve. Formerly Of people or less would
and then be plunged into an open drawbrdge. Inc
papers, in capital letters would parade the fact and
the Just Indignation OF the public in editorials
for weeks after the occurrence.
Finally, the trains forced 10 to full stop at
the drawbrdges, since which lives have been lost
from this cause where the rules have been enforced
The awful slaughter at Norwak still fresh in the mem
ory Ofm mar happeued
ago 1t is remembered, because IL wholesale sacrifice
the want of proper management But that railroad
is doing retail business the same account every
year, the magnitude OF that OF 1853 IN the line that
have marked out; yet IL passes unnOticed mention
the New Haven Road only an illustration OF bad sys
TENOR the want OF system which prevails over whole
country.
Now, Mr. Editor, you not lend your influence in
urging upon legislators the necessity Of prompt
ton in this matter If only thckypOpulaed state
the example Of adopting the European plan all the
others will follow travellers Will be spared the
witnessing Of these hearrendng scenes and thousands
of homes he saved from grief and desOlaton. Yours
truly, CoMMUTER.
Ne,o- York, June 49, 1871.