New-York tribune., 1907-11-15
r. R. WRECK CAUSES.
Erie Surgeon on Psychical and
Physical State of mpIoyes.

DR.. R. S. Harnden, OF waverly. N. Y, Erie
Railroad surgeon in addressing the annual meet
ing Of the New York and New England Association
of Railway Surgeons the Academy of Medicine
yesterday said that a contributing cause for the
increase in accidents on railways the fact that
the limit OF safety in speed and weight Of equip
ment had been passed. Other causes, in his opn-
ion, the neglect of the railway companies to
provide for a sufficient amount of rest for en-
ployes and the failure to take into account the
psychical and mental condition of a man. we'll
his physical condition at the time of employment
DR.. Harnden believed that there should be
full supervision of the environment OF all employees
at all times, citing a reason for this the case
of n recent wreck in which the engine driver, on
account Of domestic troubles was in no condition
to undertake the responsibility for his train. In
this case hfty-four persons killed.
DR.. Harnden said that men employed on the fast
est trains were frequently unable. on account of
the great nervous strain. to get enough sleep. and
said that he seldom travelled on such train with
out being consulted by train men on account Of
some nervous trouble Too much is expected of
the human machine, according TO DR.. Harnden.
and this he thought, was the first reason for the
increase In accidents Dr. Harnden believes that
the law and railroad regulations should forbid a
man TO work overtime to increase his earning ca
pacity. Vacations too. he thinks. should he moro
frequent Dr. Harnden dwelt at length upon the
evil effects of alcohol when used by railroad en-
ployes. He said
vitality important is the failure Of the manage
ment to- choose men of proper mental and physical
caibre. Many men constituted mentally
that they will never become safe railroad employees.
The accidents due 10 mental not under
stood: and the likelihood Of their happening is
seemingly an unknown quantity. II could
only fathom or discern the mental conditions in
the operative that make him for the time being
psychCally and physically defective and ncompe-
tent an important step would have been taken.
These lapses suddenly to the most skilled and
longest trained employees The environment of every
employe should be thoroughly Investigated and con-
stantly observed. Many dangerous employees would
thereby he eliminated.
DR.. Harrden said that the functions Of railroad
men were much more mental than physical They
have to think and act for themselves I'm many
crises, he said, and a result need mentality
and qualities Of Judgment TO enable them to
beyond the limit line Of duties assigned 10 them
Their perception and judgment. said the speaker
should he alert, keen and constant.
Seventy members Of the association were present
at tho meeting and the following officers
elected: President. DIR. F. A Stillings. Concord,
n. II; first vice-president DR.. J. NJ. Wainwright
Scranton, Penn: second vice president, Or. c. A.
Pease, Burlington. VT corresponding secretary. Dr.
George Chaffee. Brooklyn recording secretary. DIR.
G Il. Herrick, Troy. n Y; treasurer Dr. ]. X.
Stockwell Oswego. N. Y. Clinics will be the feat
ure of the meeting which Will be held to-day.