The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-12-06
Recognition of HerOism.
ACCIDENTS ON RAIL
CALL FOR REMEDY

The ever-increasing casualty list upon
our railroads is a matter of grave pub
lie concern, and urgently calls for ac-
ton by the Congress. In the matter or
speed and comfort of railway travel our
railroads give at least as good service
as those of any other nation, and there
is no reason why this service should
not also be as safe as human mgenu-
ity can make it. Many OF our leading
roads have been foremost in the adOp-
ton of the most approved safeguards Tor
the protection of travellers and en-
plOyes, yet the list Of clearly aVOidable
accidents continues undu'y large. Inc
passage OF a law requiring the adoption
of a block-system has been proposed 10
the Congress. / earnestly concur IN
that recommendation, and would also
POINT out 10 the Congress the urgent
need OF legislation in the interest or
the public safety limiting the hours or
Il Dor in interstate commerce. and pro-
Yiding that only trained ana experienced
persons be employed IN positions or re-
spOnsibility connected with the opera
ton of trains. OF course nothing can
ever prevent accidents caused by human
weakness or misconduct and there
should be drastic punishment for any
railroad employe, whether ONCE or
man. who by Issuance OF wrong orders
or by disObedienCe OF orders causes dis
aster. The law of 1901, requiring Inter
state railroads 10 make monthly reports
OF all accidents 10 passengers and en-
ployes on duty, should also be amended
so as to empower the Government 10
make a personal investigation. through
proper Officers, OF all accidents involV-
| ing loss OF life which seem 10 require
investigation with requirement that
the results Of such investigation be
made public.
The safety-appliance law, as amended
/ By the act of March 2 1908, has proved
| beneficial 10 railway employees, and In
/ order that its provisions may be prop
/ erly carried out, the force OF inspectors
I provided for by appropriation should
be largely increased. This service is
analogous TO the Steamboat Inspection
i Service. and deals with even more i'm
portant interests. IT has passed the
I experimental state and demonstrated it's
I utility, and should receive generous rec
ognition by the Congress.
Government Workers.
There is no objection to employees OF
| the Government forming or belonging TO
: unions; but the Government can neither
! discriminate for nor discriminate
, against non-uLiOn men who are in its
employment or who seek TO be en-
ployed under #. Moreover. IL is a very
/ grave improperly for Government en-
I ployes TO band themselves together for
/ the purpose of eXtOFting improperly
! high salaries from the Government. Es-
/ peciany is this true OF those within
I the classified service. The letter car
riers. both municipal and rural. are as
a whole an excellent body OF public
/ servants. They should be amply paid
I But their payment must be obtained by
/ arguing their claims fairly ard hon
/ Orably before the Congress, and not By
4 banding together for the defeat of those
/ Congressman who refuse TO give prom
/ ises which they cannot In conscience
! give. The Administration has already
4 taken steps 10 prevent and punish
/ abuses OF this nature; but fl will BE-
| wise for the Congress 10 supplement this
action by legislation