Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1907-08-29
Central Railroad Wants Perth
AmbOy Held Responsible for
Injuries 10 FIagman.
LETTER TO THE MAYOR.
He Replies That He Is Invest
igating The Matter John
Serina Was Run Down.

! The efforts of the Central railroad
to collect damages from the city be-
cause of the injuries of John Serina, a
fiagman, who was run over by one of
the city wagons at the New Brunswick
avenue crossing August 6, are being
opposed by the city officials. Mayor
Bollschweiler has received the fol-
lowing letter from W. G. Besler, vice
president and general manager of
! the railroad:
Hon. A. Bollschweiler. Mayor,
Perth Amboy, n J.
Dear Sir
| desire to call to your attention a
matter of considerable Interest to
your city and this company. 1t is
the serious injury to our crossing
watchman, John Serina, resulting
from one of your city drivers tllnping
over him in crossing our tracks. aQur
watchman was very seriously injuAed
and is still in the hospital, as AIN
informed
The watchman warned your driver
OF an approaching train and endeav-
ored to prevent his crossing the
tracks, but in spite of the warning
the driver recklessly proceeded across
the tracks, and at such a speed as to
run down the watchman in spite Of
his efforts to get out of the way.
Friends and sympathizers OF the
watchman are disposed to present the
matter to the next grand jury, 50
far as the drivers personal RESPONSE
bility is concerned, and there has
been some talk of the watchman him
self bringing civil suit for damages
against the city.
] In nur friendly ra1o }i11r x,,;%t
city l shall regret if such action
appears to be necessary. We have en-
deayored to cooperate with you for
the protection of your citizens in
crossing our tracks in your. city. II.
however, others should follow e. ~.
ample of your city employe IN dua1 =
tlon and insist upon crossing or
tracks in spite OF the warnings Of tho
| fiagman, frequent and serious acci-
I dents would be bound to ensue. 1t
therefore seems to me that the ac-
ton of this particular driver merits
a severe reprimand and that he per-
sonally should be disciplined in such
a manner that it will amount to a
real punishment to him.
l Furthermore feel that the city
should forestall any suit by the
watchman and make provision for
his lost time and necessary expense
involved in his injury, together with
"ome money payment for his pain and
..Eering.
l shall be glad to be advised as to
what course you adopt towards your
driver, and as TO your disposition re-
specting the suggested payment to
our watchman. Yours truly.
w. G. Besler, vice president and
general manager
The mayor has consulted with an
attorney in the matter and has learn
ed that the city cannot be held re-
sponsible for the accident. His replE
to the company was as follows:
W. G. Besler, ESQ.,,
New York City.
Dear SIR
| beg to acknowledge receipt Of
your favor of 23rd instant regarding
injuries to crossing watchman, John
Sarina. | am having a thorough in
yestigation of the matter made and
shall be pleased to deal with this de-
plorable affair so far as my authority
1 permits me to do. l have been re-
/ peatedly advised that the city was not
| liable for damages in cases of this
sort, and hence it will be impossible
Tor me to entertain any proposition
! for the payment of any money to Mr..
Serlna. Yours very truly,
A. BOLLSCHWEIL
4 MavOr