Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-01-04
No Action Taken to Protect the
Takoma Crossing.
INSPECTOR BRADSHAW REPORTS.
Danger Spots on the Metropolitan
Branch Pointed Out.
SCENE OF MISS CURTIS DEATH

Up to the present time the Baltimore
and Ohio railroad officials have made no
effort to comply with the recommendation
of the coroner's jury, that better protec-
ton be afforded the public at the Carroll
avenue crossing at Takoma on the Metro
politan branch.
1t will be recalled that it was at this
crossing that Miss Ethel Curtis was run
over and horribly mangled to DEATH The
Commissioners are not disposed to forget
this case, and recently Inspector Brad
shaw was sent to the scene Of the accident
to learn what. If any, move the railroad
company had made In the direction Of pub
lie safety at that point.
Inspector Bradshaw submitted his report
this afternoon, and does not mince words.
He says:
The recommendation Of the coroner's
jury In the case of Ethel Conroy Curtis
urging the necessity for better protection
at the Carroll avenue crossing, Takoma
Park, ID. c.. is but a recognition of the de-
mands Of the public welfare at that point
ana thoroughly In accord with the tenor
OF recommendations heretofore made by
TINS ofhce with respect to that and other
crossings on the Metropolitan branch of
the Baltimore and Ohio railroad beyond
the city limits, none Of which up to this
time have received, by way Of practical
demonstration at least, the consideration
at the hands Of the railroad authorities
that matters directly concerning the public
safety and welfare should demand
"Twenty-one days have now elapsed since
death Of Miss Curtis. but as vet there has
peen no effort on the part Of the railroad
10 provide against similar accidents while
the same danger continues to threaten
IN view of this and the Importance Of
Carroll avenue as a thoroughfare. it would
seem obligatory upon the railroad comDany
10 lay aside Its dilatory tactics and antag-
onlstc spirit with respect to such matters
and at once equip this Crossing with the
necessary requisites of safety
RecOmme ndatiOns Made,
Therefore. in lieu of the present mad
equate means of protection here / would
urge as necessary to meet the public re-
qu1rements OF safety and convenience:
Flrst-As protection to pedestrians the
erection OF double gates with side arms to
extend over the north and south footwalks
of the crossing.
"Second-The erection and maintenance
or three additional lamps respectively at
the northwest, northeast and southeast cor
ners of the crossing
"rhird-The laying of footwalk across
the tracks to join the station platform as
a continuation of the south sidewalk of
Carroll avenue.
"Fourth-The solid planking of the cross
ms ioduWdy W d ieNel WIN the TOD OF the
rails between and to meet the footwaiks of
the crossing.
Other Danger spots.
I'm the further interest of safety I deem
II my duty in this connection to renew the
previous recommendations with respect to
the Chestnut avenue and Lamond cross
ings. The requirements Of travel over
these crossings demand proportionate pro-
lection at least, and 1 believe those recon-
mendations will afford it IL put into practi-
cal effect. They are in substance as fol-
lows: At Chestnut avenue additional to
electric alarm signals previously erected,
the maintenance of two lights the laying
of plank footwalks for pedestrians the bal
lasting or planking of the crossing between
the footwalks.
AT I.amonds the erection of electric
alarm signals and the ballasting or plank
ing Of the crossing to the width of rs feet"
These recommendation are now In the
hands of the Engineer Commissioner, who,
1t is understood, will bring the matter to
the attention of the board at it's next regu-
lar session and urge that the railroad COM
pany be compelled to make the improve
ments recommended.