The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-04-17
Special Committee Discusses Grade
Crossing Dangers, but Decides on
No Report to Council.
NO INVESTIGATION IS NEEDED
PUBLIC OFFICIALS WILL NOT BE
ASKED QUESTIONS.
Chairman Wheeler Outlines Report as
to the Facts-shea Protests Against
NoePs Appointment.

the grade crossing resolution introduced
by Councilman Meyer met last night to dis
cuss its duties. The resolution instructed
the committee to investigate grade cross
ing conditions" and to ascertain whether
the city ordinances were being violated.
and If so, whether or not public officials
were negligent. The committee Is COM
posed of Councilmen Wheeler, chairman.
Wysong, Mcfarland and Rhodes, Repub-
licans and Councilman Meyer. Democrat.
After an hours talk the committee
seemed quite clear that Ii had nothing to
investigate. All the members except Mr..
Rhodes agreed that the ordinance regu-
lating speed-limiting 1t to four miles an
hour in the city limits-was being con-
stantly violated, and had been for many
years. Mr. Rhodes said he would not say
that he knew this to be a fact, or that he
did know 1t was not violated, but he didn't
intend. suggested, to station him
self at the grade crossings, watch in hand,
to find out positively. All the members
except Mr.. Rhodes seemed equally clear
that no effort had been made to enforce
this ordinance. Consequently the commit
tee ended by deciding that there was little
use to Investigate" what was a matter
of undfsputed common knowledge, and that
the committee was about as well prepared
10 report on the Meyer resolution last night
as IL would ever be.
MR.. MEYER INSISTED.
Mr.. Meyer. however, strenuously insisted
that it was the duty of the committee to
Investigate" the mayor, Board of Public
Safety and superintendent of police to as
certain why the ordinance was not en-
forced. He said public sentiment was de-
manding protection at grade crossings,
and that the speed ordinance seemed to be
the only one on the books that would give
relief 1t was not being enforced, as every
member of the committee must know. He
knew ii had not been enforced for fifteen
years; he knew of trains running thirty
miles an hour in the city. Chairman
Wheeler told of train on the 1. & V. that
struck one of his wagons loaded with
tierces of lard and distributed lard over a
large area of West indianapolis. Mr.
Wheeler said the train was running
twenty-five miles an hour.
Mr.. Rhodes remarked that ii was freight
trains and not passenger trains that caused
accidents Mr. Wheeler said he had wit
messed Illustration of the violation of
the law prohibiting the standing of freight
cars across street The cars were left
for half an hour and persons trying to
cross the tracks with vehicles had to drive
around another street.
THE men who had to drive around
should have flied an affidavit against the
company" said Mr.. Mcfarland.
Mr.. Mcfarland said nine-tenths of the
accidents were due to carelessness on the
part Of the persons injured. When trains
used TO run much slower than they do
now" said he. there were more accidents.
Now people are more careful because they
know there is greater danger"
Would you advise an increase in the
speed of trains a means of relief?'
asked Mr.. Wheeler.
Mr.. Mcfarland joined in the laugh that
followed.
ORDINANCE NOT ENFORCED.
Mr.. Wheeler said 1t was obvious that the
committee must report that the ordinance
regulating speed was not enforced, and that
the present city officials were neglecting to
enforce it. 1t was the duty of the COM
mittee to so report, and it was as well pro-
vided in its conclusions now as any time.
He thought such report should be made
to the Council and leave to the Council all
Every member of the committee expressed
the belief that the maximum of speed was
too low. but Mr.. Wheeler said while it
are not here to IT'S make
laws; said he. Our report should be re-
sponsive to the instructions of the resolu-
ton. and let the Council settle the rest.
Impeachment. new laws, or whatever else
IL may want to do"
The discussion disclosed that Mr.. Rhodes
and Mr. Mcfarland favored passing an or
dinance srequiring safety gates and flag
men at all crossings where there Is heavy
travel, at least. Mr.. Rhodes said he re-
garded this as temporary, for he believed
the ultimate solution of the problem was
in track elevation. Mr.. Mcfarland was in
clined to regard track elevation or depres-
sion as unnecessary. while Mr. Meyer ex-
pressed the opinion that the adoption of
safety gates would merely operate TO delay
track elevation, without providing even
temporary adequate relief. Mr.. Wysong
declared the four miles-an- hour ordinance
| unjust. but he felt something ought to be
done to protect the crossings.
The committee adjourned without decid-
| ing on a report, but II seemed to be un-
derstood by all that there would be no
| investigation. Mr.. Wheeler suggested that
| each member investigate the existing ordi-
nances bearing on crossings, the speed at
| which trains now run, and be prepared TO
| act at another meeting to be held next
week.