The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-03-21
Railway Men and Manufacturers
Combine on Rail Situation.
Result is Better and More Sat-
isfactory Steel Today.
EXPERTS ON THE ROAD
Skilled Engineer Continually
Making New Tests.
Other Items of General Interest
in Railroad Circles.

Some time over two years ago the
" heel ad rail committee of the Ameri-
can Railway association called a meet
ing. to which were invited presidents,
general managers and other officers of
the various rail manufacturers. for the
purpose of joint discussion of the rail
question. It was announced at the OPP
ening of the meeting that a free and
full discussion was desired, says the
Railway Age-aGzette. Every one tax
ing part was expected to speak his
mind without reserve. and that privi-
lege was quite freely exercised.
The result was something of an
awakening as to the true situation re-
Esrding this subject, both on part of
the makers and users of rail. The
mutual understandings between the TWO
PARTIES that grew out or these meet
ings were the beginning of the great
est advance step toward better and
more satisfactory rails of recent years.
II was the initial move of what has
since developed into a tacitly under
stood cooperation between makers and
users of rails.
Instead of standing aloof from each
other, as was formerly the case, and
each accusing the other of being most
&c blame for rail failures. the dangers
and damages resulting therefrom, they
are working together for one common
end. namely. rails of size, shape and
srade of steel best suited to present
needs for safety and economy.
As investigation of the technical side
of the rail question, relating to their
manufacture and use. naturally falls to
The engineering department of the rail-
ways. this whole subject has by gen.
cral consent eventually fallen into the
hands of the rail committee of the En-
Eineeriug and Maintenance Of Way as
ISOLATION.
This committee consists of 20 or more
of the leading civil engineers at pres
ent in active service throughout the
country, and they are doing most eX-
ce1lent work. Part of their plans are
TO confer and Cooperate with rail man
ifacturerS in arrangements for tests
and trials of rails in service. thus OPP
ening the way for each party to fully
understand details on which the final
welfare OF rails depend. and for which
the other may be responsible.
BY such mutual understanding and
cooperation the best results are bound
TO be reached Nearly every man, Wo-
man and child in active life, constitut-
ing the great travelling public, has
direct interest in any effort put forth
to improve conditions and safety in
travel. Tie travelling public may be
regarded as third party concerned in
the rail question.
On its behalf it is gratifying to note
that the best available engineering tall
ent among railway men, as we'll as the
most skilled workers in the art of
lail manufacture, are Jointly engaged
In this most important undertaking.
All may rest assured that this matter
Is in competent hands. that investiga-
lions are being carried on in a thor
auehly fair and reasonable manner, and
Hnat the outcome from such efforts will
bring about bettermentS in rails and
track construction. giving improve
ments and safety in travel which will
rebound to the common welfare of all
concerned.