New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-06-18
SELECTIONS FROM THE MAIL.
RAILROAD CAR COCPLERS

THE URGENT NEED OF An IMPROVED DEVICE.
TO the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: 1t Is stated in tho public prints that bill
vding for the adoption Of uniform system Of freight
car couplers passed the United states Senate two
weeks ago, Nav 81. This is move in a very desIr-
able direction there can hardly be any more serious
question concerning practical methods in railroad ng
factory 10 secure general adoption.
Two notable conventions OF practical railroad work
crs are 10 be held this week at Saratoga. beginning
the 18th. where 1t is probable that the question Of
safety appliances for the preservation Of life and limb
discussed and II Is agreeable sign OF the times that
this question OF automatic couplcrs has received much
attention in recent conventions Of wording railroad
men. although no final and unanimous declsion has
set been reached and particular device out Of the
many presented has yet seemed sufficiently salts
merely OF the travelling public but more especially
Of the vast army OF railway employees engaged In this
great b:anch OF Industry. will receive its due share Of
consideration. At meeting held last November in
the New York Chamber Of Commerce Of The commit
tee appointed BY the National Convention OF Railroad
Commissioners 10 take measures for securing action
by Congress for tho adoption Of some uniform syst m
Of carcoupcrs and train brakes. hege questions were
very fnllv canvassed. but no decision reached.
The fact there stated that 5000 railroad employees
were killed and 10000 injured during the yc;r ending
June 30 1889 would seem 10 call fer the most prompt
and decisive action to secure a settlement Of these
vexei questions. Railway men themselves hive a
deep interest and large stake In their prompt and
successful solution.
The difficulty seems TO be that no type OF appliance
has yet appeared Sufficiently mcritorous TO justly
its immediate AMI universal adoption especially Is
this true in regard to car-couplcrs. Leading rNprc-
eentatives OF the Switchmen's Mutual Aid Ass0ciation
who were present AZ that conference in The Chamber
OF Commerce last November. when asked 10 give their
opinions unhestatngy and unanimously Denounced
all the new devices for coupling. including the
Master Car Builders Association and now largely In
use on passenger cars, to which il seems ESPECIALLY
adapted. They unanimously advocated the rctun TO
the old link and PIN coupler. As they are least
dangerous - life and limb and the only one worthy Of
consideration They were supported In that position
by the unanimous action Of the National convention
of Svitchmcn. which had recently been held IN Ihh-
delpha, which had taken the ground. CONCERNING
the improved coupers and commenting the exclusive
use Of tie old link and pin q matter Of safety.
OF the supreme Council Of the United Orcc: CT Railway
Fmpcycs and by the master carbuilaci> OF SOM pi
the mpc rtant Eastern roads, who were also prcecnt
Apparently what Is needed is device whereby the
OH link and pin coupler will be made automatic ana
ali danger In coupling thus avoided
The President in his last message to Congress- urged
upon the National Legislature the necessity Of some
action calculated 10 put an end 20 the fearful srrnc
Of life and constant peril OF manning to winch inc
men who conduct oar domestic commerce are 50
steadily falling victims. il Is 70 be hoped that this
weeks convention Will make some disposition OF this
pat into universal use at the earliest possible moment.
NcW- York, il ne IA, 1632. ~ ACt.