New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-09-18
4 NOVEL EXHIBITION.

The social movement in Germany, looking
to the better protection of worEingmen against
Sickness accidents and want in old age, under
the supervision of the Government. is one OF
great interest to all students Of the human
problem. A fresh development of the measures
against accidents is to be seen in curious
and interesting exhibition, which will open in
Berlin in April next. This is an exposition of
machinery, apparatus and devices OF all sorts
for the prevention Of accidents, the idea being
not only to stimulate the production of such
inventions, but to make a popular demonstra-
ton of their usefulness and give instruction in
the art of employing them. Consul-Gen-
eral Raine, in communication to the State
Department, gives detailed account of the
plan of the exhibition. This is not likely.
however, owing to the delay in printing, to
be of much value to Americans who might
have wished to compete. unless they have al
ready acted upon information conveyed in the
newspapers. The period for applications for
space ended July /, and applications after that
date, it was announced, would be considered
only if any vacant space remained. 1t should
be added that the prospectus issued by the
Commission shows especial anxiety that in
ventors shall not hesitate to exhibit any de-
vice out of the fear that it may seem inSignif-
cant. We quote its words Nothing is Of so
very little value as not to serve to protect and
preserve human life.n
The project originated with the masters and
brewers of Berlin. and received promp6 en-
enlargement from The Government. IL was
regarded by the press and public generally
as an excellent idea to bring forward at "A time
when social legislation is attracting much at
tention. a guarantee fund was at once sub
scribed, and it was announced that if any sur
plus remained from the exhibition, it would be
devoted to founding a permanent exhibition
upon the same plan. If the exhibition covers
adequately the lines laid down by the pro-
jectors, it cannot fail to be Of great value.
1t will be divided into three departments, con-
tanning, in all, twenty-five groups. In the first
department, protective measures are illustrat-
ed in connection with the following subjects,
each requiring group to itself: The preven-
ton Of accidents near movable machine parts
generally; disengaging, braling and lubricat-
ing devices; elevators, derricks, cranes and
filters; motors; operation Of steam boilers and
other apparatus under pressure; fire; good
lighting, and the prevention of accidents from
lighting devices accidents from poisonous and
corrosive substances, noxious gases etc. per-
sonal equipment of working people, such as
work dresses, eyeglasses, masks, gloves, respi-
rators and countless other devices: provision
for injured persons. The second department
exhibits the steps taken for the protection and
well-being of working people in the leading
industries, each industry making a class by
itself. The third department will comprise
all the literature that can be collected on the
subject.
SO far from limiting the inquiry strictly to
the prevention of accidents, the prevention of
disease is also taken into account. A laborer
suddenly overcome by poisonous gases is re-
garded as the victim of an accident. while the
slow action of the same agency produces what
is known as industrial disease" Good VEN
tilation, for example, is to be regarded as
preventive Of accidents. The man whose head