Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1894-05-10

The coroner's jury which has been
investigating the death of Miss Ella G.
Collins, who was injured BIZ a south
bound Royal Blue express striking tho
wagon in which she was riding on April
25th, at the crossing beyond West juno
ton, and who died from Der injuries at
the Delaware Hospital, reached verdict
last Friday. The inquest had been post
poned in order that the jury might OBJ
tain all the evidence possible and form
the proper conclusions from the testi-
mony adduced in the case.
The witnesses summoned on Friday
were Drs. l.. II. Ball Of Brandywine
Springs, and Henry M. G. Kollock Of
Newark and Albert b. Vernon of Will
mIngton. The latter was u passenger
OH the train which run down the wagon
in which Miss Collins and her uncle
were riding the morning Of the accident.
The jury had hoped that the witness
might be able to Inform them whether
or not the engineer had properly
sounded his whistle that morning, and
whether there was the proper warning
given the couple by the approaching
train, but Mr.. Vernon stated that he
was eating his breakfast on the train at
the time and did not remember whether
he had heard the whistle blowing or not.
Or. Ball testified that it was about
6.10 o'clock when he reached the house
of ex-United States Marshal Newlin,
and the injured girl had just been re-
moved while Mr.. Eastburn was still
lying on the bank at the side Of the rail
road when DR.. Kollock arrived from
Newark. The accident occurred about
o'clock. The physicians testified that in
all accidents of this character the rule is
| to remove the victims as soon as posi-
bic to the nearest place of safety where
they can obtain the best surgical treat
ment and their suffering made as light
as possible under the circumstances.
In regard to the condition Of Newlin's
crossing, the jury were unanimously
agreed that steps should be taken to
afford better protection to the public at
this point.
In view Of the fact that the engineer
and fireman, together with other
members of the crew, had sworn that
the whistle was sounded no less than
four different times, coupled with the
fact that Mr.. Eastburn had stated to DR..
Kollock that he heard the whistle al
though he was under the impression
that the train was up about the junction,
the jury could not go behind the testi-
mony regarding the blowing of the
whistle.
The greatest stress was laid by the
jury on the condition of Newlin's cross.
ing which had been thoroughly ex-
amined by them and testimony taken
regarding its unsafe condition. While
the Jury was at the scene of the accident
on Tuesday n south-bound train passed
without whistling for the crossing, and
the jurymen were able to sec how
hazardous the crossing was unless pre-
cautions are taken to avoid further acct
dents. For this reason the jury resolved
TO draw the attention of tho Levy Court
Commissioners to the condition of the
crossing with the hopes that the latter
will look into the matter and perhaps
lay the case before the next Legislature
in order that an electric gong, safety
gates or hagman may be placed at the
crossing.
The jury returned tho following ver-
dict:
ave find from the evidence that the
engine of train No. SIS of the Baltimore
" OulU FdllTOdl slTllCk tuG wagon III
which Miss Ella Gertrude Collins was
riding on the morning of April 25th
1894, at Newlin's crossing, Christiana
hundred, New Castle county, Della.
ware, causing her to be violently thrown
to the ground and producing injuries
which resulted in her death.
"The jury after viewing the scene Of
the accident are convinced that IL flag
man or safety gates should be placed al
Newlin's crossing to insure safety tc
the travelling public and prevent loss Of
life.
"And further, this jury deem it theii
duty to direct the attention Of the Levy
Court Commissioners of New Castle
county to this crossing, hoping that tha
body will take action regarding thu
matter"
A motion was adopted requesting the
secretary Of the jury to send copy O
the verdict to the Levy Court.