New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-11-10
AN IDEAL BLOCK SYSTEM.
OFFICIALS DISCUSS SUGGESTIONS AND
PLANS
INTERESTING MEETING OF COMMITTEES OF THE
AMERICAN RAILWAY AsSoCIArIoN-To
INSPECT THE APPARATUS OF THE

INSPECT THE APPARATUS OF THE
NEw-HAvEN ROAD TO-DAY.
4 matter which affects the lives OF the millions
Of messengers on American railroads was the SUD
iect of an animated discussion at an alday meet
ing of railroad officials, representing the operating
departments OF the largest railroad systems OF the
country. held in the rooms of the National ha
way Exchange. No. "a Park Place yesterday
The American Railway Association. comprising
IS, roads operating 1921 miles of track. the or
xarization which ten years ago induced the ran
roads of the country to adopt standard time ana
in 1887 introduced standard code of tram rules
on all the roads controlled by its members mas
for some time had under consideration the primer
pies which should govern the construction vi "h
ideal block system
This was the subject of yesterdays conference
Although no decisive action was taken. much light
was shed upon this subject. and much inforna-
ton Of value TO the standing committee OF the
association on Safety Appliances was eathereo'
The railroad present were members vi d
Joint committee of the association, VINO hau me-
10 hear the report of subcommittee on 'he pio'N
system This subcommittee has been collecting re-
ports from the operating departments of the COM
panies forming the association sent In reply 10
questions as the practice In TINS matter III Tue
past The answers varied greatly. some OIL inc
Western roads. it appeared. have no block system
at a--beyond the usual telegraphic orders pe'"ee"
stations-while others prefer various Xmas VI ap
paratus radically different in construction
The sessions were executive but Secretary Ailen'
of the association, said to Tribune reporter yes
terday afternoon that it was safe to say that TWO
systems which are more widely than favoraoly
known to railroad men would not be Endorsed by
the committee The object. Mr.. Allen s3ic was
not TO approve any particular system but 20 deelue
what are the essentials Of perfect block system
with intorockng switches and then 10 take ac'ioi
accordingly. - 49, - ,,s ,ros,
Among those present were Z. T. D. Myers pres pres,
dent Richmond Fredericksburg ana fotoHiae nan
road chairman Of the Committee on SaIety Ap-
piiances and of the Subcommittee; I, "a fiat.,
general manager of the New-York. New daVeh
and Hartford Railroad represen,ing uf p;a S
psny: c. A. Hammond, superintendent OF ne B9 9
ton Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad i; n. Ely
chief of motive power. Pennsylvania Halroaq; -
ID Hammond superintendent Delaware ana t1uu,
son Canal Company's Railroad; r Pitcairn; general
agent and superinteadent OF the Pittsburg Division;
Pennsylvania Railroad; ". II Cannin ,g enerai
superintendent OF the Lake shore ana hicmissn
Southern Railway; c. Dunlap general i 5npetc
intendent of the Chicago. Rock Island and Paehc
RAILWAY: j. c. Moorhead. general superintendent
of the Newly York. Pennsylvania and ONO DiVl so
of the New-York, Lake Erie and western tau
road: C. W. Bradley. general superintendent OF me
West Shore; T. f. Clarke, general superintendent
OF the Minneapolis and st. Louis Railway, and
F. c. Rice. of the operating department vi 'ne
Chicago Burlington and Quincy road; - g
The committee will inspect the block system OF
the New-Haven road to-day ana VIII Iook ~ ny
Central and Hudson River roads tomorrow: me
members expect to pass over the Sentrai .iachS
az far as Albany. returning to this city by Way
NJ, fb< West Shore There may be otner sessions
of the committee in this city on MONDAY ana Tues
day. .,. ~ tho rooas ~
the American Railway Association VIII go Hi'o
effect on December L.