Omaha daily bee., 1889-09-22
LEGISLATION TO SAVE LIFE.
How it Ought to Compel the Use of
Automatic Couplers.
PRESIDENT ADAMS NEPOTiSM.
The Question Of Through Rates and
State and National Jurisdiction
Some OF the Trials Of
Pioneer Engineers.
PRESIDENT ADAMS NePoTlsM.
Automatic Coupiers.

Just at present, the longitudinal lines hold
the key to the situation in the railway world
Had any prediction been made of this CHAR
acter TWO months ago, it would have been
scoffed at by the matter-of-fact men of the
lines running in the opposite direction. The
change in the channels of traffic has been
the means of a change in the stock markets.
Four months ago the stock of the Chicago,
Burlington & Northern opened and closed
each day with n dull and inactive market.
Even the preferred stock failed to prove
very attractive to the capitalist and specula-
tor. When, not long ago, the late President
Touzalin endeavored to negotiate the sale of
the Chicago, Burlington & Northern to the
Chicago, Burlington 81 Quincy, the latter de-
clined, giving as a reason, that no railroad
property on the verge of bankruptcy was de-
srable. AS a consequence the deal fell
through, and now the Q. has an opportunity
to repent. The change in the direction
of the channel through which the
seaboard and export traffic has been
moving, has been the means of making
the Chicago, Burlington ~ Northern not
only the prime factor as regards the estab-
lishment ana maintenance OF through rates
from upper Mississippi river points to the
seaboard on the east, but has also created a
strong demand for its hitherto demoralized
stocks Almost similar has been the result
as regards the Chicago, st. Paul & Kansas
City.
"Cougress should not ignore the appeal of
the trainmen for legislation on car couplers
and coupling" said well known railway
official. "Ihe fact is that subject can be
disposed of only by congress. IL IS cues
tion too extensive for state legislation. This
is elf-explanatory. For instance a law might
be passed in Nebraska affordng the neces-
sary relief, while the state OF Iowa might
fail TO legislate on the subject The conse-
uuence would be that no foreign cars mas
much as they We're not equipped with auto,
matte couplings could be hauled or used
within the limits of Nebraska while IN Iowa
no distinction would be made. Ihis
would not only be undue discrimina
changing Of through consignments from one
car TO another at an intermediate point
But il law was passed for all roads In the
states and territories relating to the auto
matte coupler, all the disadvantages o
which have spoken would be done away
with Yes, / think the link and pin hav'
about run their career. They should be dis
carded at the earliest possible moment
They have been the means OF making thous
ands of cripples; of sending many man u
premature grave, and OF consuming
millions of dollars in more ways than one
General Manager Cunning, of the consoli
dated system, has just made an appointment
that fails TO be in keeping with the ''poilcy
Of Charles Francis Adams.
1t will be remembered that Mr. Adams
when in Omaha recently, stated that, hence
forth, favoritism would be shown old EN-
ployes as regards promotion. His words ha'
scarcely died away when u miniature piece o
parchment reached Omaha announcing tha
wv. T.. Green is hereby appointed superin
tendent of the Idaho division OF the Unio
Pacific vice John Rapelie, resigned, wit
headquarters at Pocatello.n IL was "signed
by G. M. Cunning. The appolntee
new man IN the service of the Union Pa
ciflc, having been with the road but fe,
months He left the Chicago, Burlington
Northern a short time ago 70 take the pos
tion OF trainmaster of tue Wyoming divisio
TO fhs Union Pacific. 1t is said that in hi