The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-03-26
RAILROAD NEWS.
Changes in Signal Code Insure
Greater Safety.
Much Good to Come From Re-
cent Convention.
PREVENTS DANGERS.
Uniformity Will Do Away With
Confusion.
Other Items of Interest in
Railway Circles.

Radical changes in the standard sig
nal code of American railways, propos-
ed Dy committee of the American
Railway Engineering and Maintenance
OF Way association, is said to he an
in1tlal step in a campaign to be con-
oucted by that organization in the in
terest OF safer and more intelligent
operation of railroads.
AS indicated in what was stated in
a dispatch heretofore published the
association has never before taken so
advanced a step upon this subject Re-
lore the convention in progress in Chi
cago has completed its work. it will
pIooaply pc found to be only one of
otner equally distinctive changes adj
Vocated in established practices gov
ernlng operation, maintenance and
construction. Perhaps pet precedents
will be discredited and repudfated as
erroneous and therefore unworthy of
further recognition. It seems to he
conceded at least by some of the mem
bersh1p. that demand for a better
record in the several branches of oner-
alton, construction and maintenance.
mas grown out of conditions brought
| into public notice in the mast few
years, and must have serious consid-
Grafton 1t is acknowledged, also. that
the American public wants and must
| have better assurances of safety when
riding on railroad trains; likewise that
Lie IcCOIu VI dCclQenCS is not such as
TO give this assurance, and that there
has been a deplorable destruction of
property
1t is rather unusual though decided
ly interesting to hear it suggested that
there is lack of harmonious co-opera-
ton between organizations of the diff
ferent grades Of departmental author
ity connected with railroads, and that
the time has arrived when questions
relating to safety of operation should
be referred to and settled by associa-
tons made up of men best qualified
to deal with them. For instance. there
is general regret that the association
of signal men has been criticised by
the American Railway association for
recommending changes in signal prac-
tice instead of accepting suggestions
from the best experts in the country.
Hence there is a rise of very plain and
vigorous language In committee re-
ports prepared for the convention now
being held in Chicago.
1t is asserted that a COMMITTEES of
outside experts could not have investi-
gated the various subjects with which
these reports deal and reported upon
them in a manner showing greater re-
gard for plain statement and concrete
truth, no matter who may be hurt.
The central idea and the disposition
has been to get at and bring out the
truth in straightforward manner
without regard to whom may be af-
fected.
In many respects the recommends
tons on subjects dealt with are the
most remarkable ever heard in a meet
ing of railroad officers and officials.
While their merit may not be ques-
toned, it is appreciated and admitted
that some changes 1t will be imprac-
ticable to effect for a long series OF
years, and will require heavy expendi-
lures of money. For example, this as
ISOLATION has made suggestion for
complete uniformity in signaling on all
railroads. This would cost millions OF
dollars, and yet it is stated that ar
guments have been advanced, in sup
port of the proposition, which are
seemingly unanswerable. The state
ment has been made that owing to
more general joint use of tracks, train
crews are often compelled to go over
long distances of roads with whose
system of signals they are not ia
miliar.
With uniformity of signals a man
would be able to work as well on one
road as another, without being com
PEELED in the event of changing his
service to make a study of the sys-
tenn of the road to which his new en-
gagement carries him. It would mean
more accurate Interpretation Of sig
nails and inspire confidence through
the united Endorsement of all roads.
Another recommendation deals with
steel structures, including steel bridges
and advocates their rigid, continued
and comprehensive inspection. 1t is
argued that the result would be fewer
wrecks and disasters due to bridges
being washed out or collapSing under
strain or defect. Still another recon-
mendation is for the installation of an
air brake testing plant in every freight
yard from which trains depart. 1t is
urged that brakes on cars in all out
going freight trains should be subject
ed to as rigid tests as those on pas
senger car equipment.