Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1889-05-25
IN THE INTERESTOF LABOR.

the Causes OF Accidents, and
Means Of Prevention.
WASHINGTON, D. c., May N.-The in
terstate commerce commission has issued
circular letter addressed to the labor Or
CARNATIONS of the country soliciting infor-
nation and discussion npon the question of
federal regulation of safety appliance on
railroads as follows:
The large numbr of accidents to employees
and passengers occurring on the railroads
of this country, and the public belief that
great part of these might he avoided by
the use of proper appliances, have led
many states to make the mechanical features
of the railroad making the subject of stat
utory regulations. It is well known, how
ever, that in respect to some at least of these
features, the conditions are such that reg
ulations, if attempted, can neither secure
adequate benefit to the public nor be just to
railroads themselves, unless it be uniform
Over. the whole country.
In view of this fact and of the request of
the railroad commissioners Of the country
as embodied in a resolution adopted at their
recent convention, the interstate commerce
commission desires to call out as full infor-
nation and discussion as possible upon the
question of federal regulation of safety ap-
pliances on railroads. The following mat
ter seem to be of special importance but it
is not intended to restrict discussion to
them.
First-The history in each state of safety
appliance legislation. How far such legisla-
ton has been enforced. What have been
the means used to enforce it. What obsta-
cles have been met with. What the general
effect has been.
Second-What is the present condition re-
garding automatic couplers? What pros
moot there q nf q uniform and safe NOnnIar
ccm ng into use. What progress the stand
ard coupler adopted by the Master Car
Builders association is making, and what is
the attitude of railroads towards it.
Third-w hat progress there is in the use
of train brakes on freight cars; whether
such progress is satisfactory, viewed as
means of greater safety to train men. To
what extent freight trains are now run with
out the necessity of brakemen traversing
the top of cars.
Fourth-What is being done to introduce
safe methods of heating and lighting passen-
ger cars?
Fifth-What is the state of affairs respect
ing other devices?
Sixth-Whether legislation looking to
federal regulation of these matters or any
of them is desirable and what the reasons
are for and against such regulations.
Seventh-M hat such federal legislation, if
any be desirable, should attempt to accom-
plish in regard to couplers; in regard to
train brakes; in regard to car heating and
lighting; in regard to ether matters. What
its provisions should be on each of these
propositions.
Eghth-If federal legislation be expedi-
emit, what special administrative agencies, if
any, should be provided to carry it out;
whether federal inspection should be at
tempted and to what exteEt and how; if so,
how such board chould be constituted in
regard to the number and character of it's
members; what its powers and duties should
be; what it's connection with other branches
Of administration.
The commission believe that justice to
"a lway employees and to all others concern
ed requires that this matter receive thor
ouQh consideration, and trusts that you will
be able to give it immediate and careful
attention.