The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-05-24


without discussing the question of the cul.
inability or the blamelessness Of the driver OF
the truck or the motor-man of the electric
car involved in the collision OF Friday nign'
bv which Mr.. Powell. one of the most useful
popular and estimablc citizens OF our COM
munity, was so seriously injured, the Incl
dent is ons which should not be allowed 70
pass without the comment which IS demanded
by public considerations.
IL has for some time been the cause for gen.
eral remark that the electric cars are very ire
ouently run at higher rate of speed after
NIGHT has fallen than during the hours OF day.
the ostensible reason for this being that tho
streets are more unrestricted, and the APP
proach of a car is more distinctly observed on
account of the comparative silence prevailing.
Since the addition of gates TO the platforms
| has been made there has been very little
ground for complaint against the manage
ment of the electric railways with the single
exception of this increase in the speed with
which the cars are propelled in the hours i'm
Notwithstanding the time when they are
withdrawn from the street at night. This,
however, has been growing evil which has
been watched with increasing solicitude.
Whether the car involved in the recent ac-
cident was going at faster rate than was
permissible, and was therefore wholly or
partially responsible for the accident. it is
unnecessary now to remark upon. This fact,
however. remains, that the rapid locomotion
of the cars is a source of constant danger even
when the streets are apparently deserted, and
it is only question of time for some fatal ac-
cident to result from it unless prohibited by
the rigid enforcement of the law
The fire department should also bear in
mind that an alarm of fire doesinot justify the
drivers.of engines and trucks in rushing pell-
nell around corners where they are likely TO
encounter obstacles even though they have
sounded the danger signal for a square away.
The loss Of human life is a far heavier blow at
the interests of the community than the de-
struction of property by con1agraton. One
human life is worth an untold number Of
residences. stores and factories in the con-
temptation of the protective spirit of NUM-
cipal government. This is the just feeling Of
the popular heart, and all the love of worldly
goods cannot repress this instructive impulse
of human. nature.
The preservation Of property is one Of the |
first considerations of government, but |
the preservation of life is the very first Prop /
erty once destroyed can be replaced, but life |
once snatched away cannot be restored.
The eagerness of the driver to bring his |
truck or engine at the earliest moment upon
the scene where a fire has broken out is
worthy Of the highest commentator, whether
regarded from the point Of view Of the
to be saved or protected or from the
point of view of the natural pride of firemenin
showing promptness and efficiency. But at the
same time the liberty which is very properly
allowed the department in moving their
vehicles very rapidly through the streets
should be exercised with the strictest prud-
ence and caution. otherwise fatal accidents
may happen which public sentiment will con-
slider inexcusable and which they will censure