Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-26
DEMAND SAFETY GATES
Residents Of Langdon Dis
cuss Accidents on Railway.
THE INQUEST THIS MORNING
Inquiry Into Circumstances Attend
ing Death of George Congor.
FINDINGS MEET WITH APPROVAL
Commissioners Mcfarland and Attor-
ney Hamilton of B. and o. Rail-
way Hold Conference.
FINDINGS MEET WITH APPROVAL

Residents of Langion were wrought up
yesterday over the killing of George Con-
gor. the twelve-year-old boy, by Balti-
more and Ohio railroad train on the prin-
cipal crossing of the village, as stated in
yesterdays Star. Six years ago Mrs. Flor
ence George and Miss McAtee were killed
on the crossing while returning home from
chiidren's party at the house of Mr. Por-
ter Later boy named Scovel was killed
Inc people of Langdon believe it is about
time for the railroad company to erect
gates at the crossing. Late yesterday after
noon and last night residents of the village
Went TO the crossing and noted the condi-
ions. They were all of the same opinion
as 10 the needfof gates to prevent further
klinngs. An automatic bell that is not
always In order, the residents of the vii
iage say, does not afford ample protection
70 those who are obliged to pass over the
grade crossing.
Verdict Of Coroner's jury.
AT the inquest held over the remains Of
the boy at the morgue today the driver
OF the wagon declared that he heard no
Dell or other warning when he approached
the crossing yesterday morning. 1t was
IN evidence that the bell is frequently ont
or order and that there are no gates at
pedestrians or drivers. The station aeent
IL was stated, has numerous duties to look
AFTER, and he cannot give proper attention
10 20 tne crossing. The jurors were told of
the condition and trouble with the auto
matte bell and also that the crossing is
not a regularly defined public street
AFTER listening to the testimony the
Jurors reached the conclusion that the
driver of the wagon on which the Coneor
boy was riding did not use the proper pre-
caution IN passing over the crossing
The verdict met with the approval of
had been killed on the crossing and recon-
mended that the District Commissioners
compel the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
Company to have gates or other safeguards
erected at the crossing in order to protect
the lives of drivers and pedestrians.
They also found that a number of persons
most of the residents of Langdon who were
in attendance at the inquest. A copy of the
finding will be transmitted to the District
Commissioners. and it is likely a public
meeting will be held in Langdon to discuss
the question of better protection for the
people living there.
Undertaken Schippert took charge of the
remains of young Conger and removed
them to his establishment. zoos Pennsyl
vania avenue northwest. After being pre-
pared for burial the body will be removed
to the family home near Langdon, and the
funeral will take place later.
Conference Held Today.
Commissioner mcfarland asked Mr..
6coISc I1duuiitOu, SSHtidl CouiSCi VI lAO
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, to
talk aver with him this morning the sub
tect of grade crossings on the road named
within the District. with particular refer
ence to the Langdon case, and told Mr.
Hamilton that he felt very strongly that
every grade crossing should be adequately
protected. Mr.. Hamilton said such was
the desire of the railroad company, and
that he had recently been comforting with
Commissioner West, who has had charge
of the subject as a police department mat
ter. respecting the protection of Brookland
and other crossings, where the railroad pro-
posed to remove them altogether by sub
way construction, under section 10 of the
terminal act.
This. Mr.. Hamilton said, was the only
sure way Of preventing accidents, since
careless people would disregard the gates,
and 80 per cent of the accidents happened
at the crossings guarded by gates. Mr..
mcfarland added, however, that while he
had not previously handled this subject, he
thought every grade crossing that could
not be abolished ought to be guarded by
gates and Waterman, because no better
means of protection apparently had as yet
been developed. He asked Mr.. Hamilton
to take up the Langdon case with the rail-
road company at once.
Mr.. Hamilton said he would do so, and
that the company now, as always, Is anx-
ious to do everything that can be done to
prevent accidents.