The sun., 1901-08-02

cial, who has direct charge of this mat
ter. received Il communication from Gen
eral Manager w. II. Chamberlain, of the
New York, New Haven and Hartford, on
this subject, in which Mr., Chamberlain
discussed signal lights, and set forth one
reason in particular for the change made
by his road. This reason is given as fol-
lows: I'VE had an accident, and, upon
thorough investigation, we proved be-
yond all doubt that the signal that WAS
represented to have been given by the
signal man in the tower to the engineer
by hand lantern with a white globe In
!, It was Il white light on crossing gate
beyond the tower but could be seen
through the tower windows, and the gate
twas raised at the time the train was com
! ing mp to the tower
| 1t is this possibility Of confusion of
white lights that has turned the minds
Of failroad men to consideration of the
question of change. Practically al lights
| in use outside of those for railroad sig
nails are white. These lights have be-
come so common along railroad lines that
| it is said the danger of confusing Il rail
road signal with other white lights has
lhecome serious, and is constantly grow
ing more so. Upon the light which indi-
Gates clear track much depends--somn
railroad men say more than any other
Hight. II is only that light which keeps
trains at high speed, and il is to trains
Mt high speed that accident is most likely
to occur 1t is contended therefore, by
the advocates Of the proposed change
THAT all possibility of confusion Of
lights should be entirely removed.
BREAKAGE OF LENS.
Furthermore. there is possibility OF
danger in the white light in another way
Every light back of its lcnse is, OF
course. white. TIA red or a green lens
should break the lamp would then show
I white light. and instead Of indicatina
danger Or caution respectively. would
give the engineer to understand that tho
track ahead was clear. and grave acci
dent might result. In fact accidents hav.
heen caused in Just that way. although
he possibility is very remote. Howevel
.emote. say those who argue for tn,
proposed signals. IL ought to be re
. moved altogether. If white lights did no
!. ,lay any part in railroad signaling ther
would he no accidents due to such
| .ause.
The white light IL is pointed out ha
no real significance or individuality, he
nuse of its common use. The othe
lights. red green and yellow. have YER
Instinct individuality. which is give
hem by design and for an evident pm
,ose. Their use would do away with tn
possibility of confusion Furthermor,
T any lens breakage occurred the eng
iecr, getting no individual light b,l
My white light. which would he II
.ignal. would stop until righted.
CONSIDERATIONS OTHER y, Al
There are some considerations whic
tnnd in the way Of the proposed chang
avs General Manager Hutchinson. ,
he Pennsylvania. One Of these is til
:. met that signal lights change in sign
icancc according to where they are nsc
1or instance n green light il on freigl
!" n a switched train. tells the engineer
N approaching express that the freigl
!, " the switched train as the case ma
he. is not on his track. but that his wa
$ clear. Consequently he does not +
luce the speed Of his train. But. il
! aid. like arrangement could he mac
the signal lights We're changed, an
!, therefore,, that is no real objection.
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