The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-11-04

6uCC98SlOn OF InlSbtNpW 0ppStttH - 80
companies and to the general public. va
rious reasons have been advances TO Ac-
count Tor this change, but mono that 10
have seen seems to be altogether salts
factory
IN nearly every instance where such
accidents occur. the railroad corporations
are mulcted In heavy damages. Then,
too, their officers being humane and In
tellsent persons r1ust suffer great dis
tress Of mind on account Of these mis-
fortunes.
And 90 every motive that can Influence
men OF sense to adopt measures to avoid
these accidents must influence them, but
still disasters continue. Whist IS the
reason? why should railroad travel IN
this country be more dangerous than u
Is in other countries? Ono answer readl-
ly occurs to us, and this ID that our trains
have to make so much greater distances
than European trains do: ours IL q coun-
try Of magnificent distances, and the av-
srase ride Of the passenger ID far greater
here than It IL elsewhere. With longer
tracks to maintain, It is quite possible
that We do not pay as much attention 70
them as We ought to.
In the matter OF safety appliances ana
mechanical devices to save human lie
the Americans are far ahead Of any other
nation on the globe. and comparing tho
intelligence OF our railroad employees With
that OF the employees Of European coun-
tries. We hava much in our favor. But
the general belief IL that most OF our
roads arc doins more business than their
equipment tustlfies. and that thus they
arc forced to take risks which would not
be thoushe OF for moment under other
circumstances.
Il may b that some Of the recent rail-
road accidents are attributable to this
cause. but others clearly have been the
result OF other causes, such 40 disooS'
dlence or neglect Of orders--ot the part,
too, Of men Of long experience ana faith
full records. IN some cases we have been
surprised to note what oareleseness mas
prevailed with employees who have had the
advantage OF long training, and excellent
discipline. It ID amazing what risks arc
taken at times and, that, too, by mon
Of approved skill and prudence.
1t is difficult to see what greater in
centiye railroad companies GOULD have
than they now have to avoid accidents
II any one ia killed or wounded suits Tor
damages are almost certain to ensue. II
any Of the c6mpany's property IL injured
or destroyed. the employe Is sure to DO
held to strict accountability. Then,
too. we have laws against criminal care
lessness. and from time to time we hear
Of persons being arrested. charged with
such offenses.
what. then, can be done to abate tbs
number and frequency Of railroad acci-
dents1 That Is a question: Ne confess,
VA cannot answer on the instant, II ct
all, It is a question. however, that the
most experienced railroad officials IN the
country are addressing themselves to.
We dare say, however. that the answer
will be found not In q sentenoe, not In
single cause, but In many, very likely
numerous causes, contribute to the re-
suit.
Speaking generally. the public must
continue to hold the companies to a strict
res non 81 billty, and the companies must
look to their en,ployes-they should select
good, capable men, and not overtesk them
ana should equip their roads rs vol ana
as promptly as possible: In that way
accidents may be lessened In number and
fatality; that they ever Will be stopped
entlrely Is not TO be eapected. Perfection
In that dlrection-or IN any other-is mol
to be hoped for from any mere human
agency.
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