Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-11-18
The Fatal Grade Crossings.

To the Editor Of he Evening star:
II Congressmen, the authorities OF the Dis
trict and the public in general were aware of
the number OF accidents which happen at these
grade crossings decisive steps would surely be
taken toward eliminating them from the streets
OF the city.
] wish to mention through the columns of
your valuable paper two accidents which have
come 10 my notice within the past week at the
crossing at Delaware avenue and street north
east. On the 9Th instant at about 945 I'm. an
accident occurred which might have been more
disastrous and shocking than the one which
caused the death of Mr.. VIM. II. Brahler.
When | arrived at the crossing. few minutes
after the accident happened, found a pile Of
prepared for kindling wood and the body
Of vehicle so broken and distorted AS
to make il impossible to discern as to
what style OF vehicle it belonged. From
TINS pile Of debris under the cars three men had
been extricated. One escaped without injury
one was slightly injured causing him to appear
the next day with his head bandaged. and the
third was badly injured. causing him to place
himself under care of his physician but they
all expressed themselves as thankful Mt having
escaped with their lives.
From statements Of the occupants Of the
vehicle it appears that they were driving east
on F street, and when they reached the crossing
the gates were up and they did not see the
gateman, but when the horse got on the track
the gate was suddenly lowered the team.
The gate was broken down and the horse had
Just crossed the track when the vehicle was
struck by freight train. When arrived the
gateman was talking very loudly and excitedly,
apparently trying to exonerate himself from
blame. He said that the gates were down and
the driver drove right through them. Other
railroad employees who were present cautioned
the gateman TO keep quiet, as he would make
the matter worse by talking so much.
On the 14th instant at about Z am. coal
cart while crossing at the same place was struck
by Q train, but owing to the fact that the train
was moving slowly the cart escaped with slight
dsmAge.
It is not my desire to censure the ga.emen
for either of these accidents or to eXonerate
them from blame, because am not familiar
enough with the circumstances to pass my
opinion on that point. The blame should rest
upon the railroad company for maintaining
within the limits Of our city such public
nuisance, which not only puts the lives Of our
people in jeopardy, but blights large section
OF our city by Encouraging improvements, re-
tarding growth depressing business and causing
general Inconvenience to the public in blocking
crossings and otherwise.
The way to prevent these terrible accidents
which occur SO frequently is to remove the rail-
road tracks from the surface of our streets. In
Baltimore, am informed, the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company has expended %, 000. 900 for
bridges, tunnels and other Improvements, and
the Baltimore and Ohio company, in addition
to other improvements, il now constructing an
immense tunnel, which will cost in the millions.
II these companies viii do 90 much for the
safety and convenience Of the citizens Of Balti-
more why do they totally disregard tho safety
and convenienes Of the citizens Of Washing
TOM e. H 7.