Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1906-12-23

Electric Motors at Railroad Terminals
1HE New York Central company
has substituted electric motors
for locomotives on passenger
trains in and out OF the New
49, York City terminal. The change
was inaugurated on December 10 and the
result appears to be satisfactory. Though
anticipated for some time, the change is
hailed as the beginning Of the end Of loco
motive smoke clouds and gases which have
been chronic nuisance to people living
near the right-of-way over which enor-
nous traffic passes day and night. The
revolution makes for a cleaner city and
increased comfort for passengers. It means
much more in a general sense. II furnishes
an example which other cities will follow.
The commissioners OF the District Of Co
iUmbia have notified the railroads inter-
ested that steam locomotives must be dis
pensed with In Washington and will not
be allowed to enter the new Union station
when ready for business next year. Chi
cago takes courage from these examples
and hopes some day TO see it's beautiful
lake front unsmudged by putting locomo-
tives.
plans for a more beautiful Chicago"
says the Tribune SHOULD include provision
for the Punishment of all steam locomo-
tivas from the city limits. The daily list
OF Offenders against the anti-smoke ordl-
ance usually contains the names of several
OF the railroads, Individual engines being
reported by watchful public agents. These
occasional citations DO not begin to sug-
Fest the great nuisance which Is main
tanned BY every railroad which enters the
city. People whose homes are near the
tracks long since gave up the idea OF keep
ing things clean. They have tried to ao-
custom themselves to the noise or have
become reconciled to it. Hundreds Of com
muters every day I'm the year are forced
70 endure the smoke and the cinders.
Many OF the suburban stations are so ar
ranged that passenger coming up the
stairs OF going down them gets the full
benefit OF the belohings OF the engines A
clean platform Is a rarity.
These conditions have been accepted in
the past as necessary. But that day has
gone now, for the successful employment
OF electric motors has pointed a better
way. The evidence OF the elevated rail-
roads is visible to ali. In some cases the
third rail- has been laid upon the surface
permitting rapid transit without the dust
and smoke and noise. The presence OF
warning signs, "Dangerl Look out FOL
the live third rail-" at crossings or al
other places along the line points TO ar
element OF new difhculty but the advan'
tages far outweigh the dangers. The New
York Central lines are being electrified fol-
forty miles or more from the central sta
ton. and the patrons are looking forward
20 an early elimination OF the smoke
nuisance and a marked reduction In thu
amount OF noise.
what Is being done elsewhere ought L
be done here IN Chicago. II all locomo
tiyes were stopped at the city limits an'
none but electric engines permitted within
those bounds the gain would be wonderful
The dangers win be minimized on the ele
waited tracks and proper precautions OF
surface lines viii lessen the likelihood o
accident 20 the individual who keeps OF
the tracks where danger signs abound
There would BE- considerable initial ex
pense OF installation. but the beneficial re
suits would be so many as TO make tn
natter OF expense entirely secondary.