Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1912-06-29
Action of Central Vermont Road in TAX
ing It Off Severely Criticised
ACCIDENT AT CROSSING AVERTED
Auto Stopped Only After Determined Efforts of Crossing
Tender-As aNConvention City Plans Should Be Made
for Entertainment of Delegates Advertising Shore At
fractions Through Canadian Newspapermen

While 1t is generally conceded that
the grade crossing to the Groton ferry
at the railway station in New London
is one of the most dangerous in ex-
istence, though thus far free from ia
tally, this record came very near be-
ing broken last Monday evening, but
not through any fault of the crossing
tender. Captain Randall, of Groton
and a frequent user of the crossing,
he who owned the schooner Mary AIDE
laide Randall which was run on the
rocks near the Southwest Ledge light
house at the entrance to New London
harbor, the vessel that was subse-
quently totally wrecked at Block Is
land, would have been at fault if the
mishap had occurred at the crossing
and would been more serious than
any with which he ever had connec-
ton. directly or indirectly.
With a party of ladies' he was driv-
ing, his automobile at speed to connect
with the ferry for Groton. Regard
less of the lantern signal of the cross
ing tender he sped along. In an in
slant car inspector with a big
lantern jumped in front Of the ma
chine and waved signal and at the
same time shouted to the captain to
stop, but who seemed intent to get to
the ferry boat regardless of conse-
quences. Then the automobile was
suddenly stopped, when within two
feet of the rails. Just then along
came the train from Norwich on the
main line, sped over the crossing and
down the tracks to back back into the
siding which is its destination The
fraction of a second more in the pro-
gress of the automobile and it would
have been struck by the locomotive
and undoubtedly with loss of lives.
Had the mishap occurred those other
than eye witnesses would have proba- =
bly, laid the blame to the railroad com
pany and to the carelessness of the
crossing tender as is usually the case
when fatalities or accidents of this
character occur, but in this instance
Captain Randall and he alone would
have been responsible. He might not
have seen the signals Of the crossing
tender, but the writer and others who
were on the platform at the time did,
ana would have cheerfully given testi-
mony to that effect if the occasion re-
quired 1t was a narrow escape and
should be warning to all users of that
dangerous crossing to pay strict atten-
ton to the signals of the crossing
tender and exercise care to avoid pos
sible danger The railroad company
has been fortunate in securing careful
and alert men for the position Of
crossing tender at that place and the
dear public should exercise caution
and cooperate with the tender in the
effort to save life and not take IN
reasonable risks.
There is now and there always has
been much talk of making New Lon
don convention city but there does
not seem to be any standing committee
on conventions in the roster of the
local industrial or kindred associations
Agreement has been made to give the
delegates to the big waterways con
vention a royal reception when they
come 20 the city by the sea in Septen
Der and there is no doubt but that
agreement will be filed to overlooking
but there is no visible sign of activity
as yet and the event is rarely men
toned in the local newspapers, al
though one Of them promised to give
regular boom towards the reception
until convention day arrives anC
! to continue along that line until The
day after adjournment. Mayor Mah4T
headed the delega ton that went Il
Richmond and captured the conventitJ
| in New London and perhaps aetel
there is a lull in politics the mayOl
will set the wheels in motion 10 make
| the convention a credit and benef
| to the city.
In the meantime it would be we'll fCl
! the organizations that are engaged II
| making the city attractive 60 seiec
committees on conventions and Civ
| some attention to those thar are 70 y,
/ held here before the great big show
opens. They are reminded of TIE srOr!
| of the acorn and the oak.