The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1913-12-19
COMMERCE COMMISSION
SCORES RAILROADS
,Continu~d from Page Oaep.

All tue mistakes uoltu are Nlplutlonr
OF simple rules which should have
been easily understood by men OF sur
ficient intelligence to be entrusted
with the operation OF trains.
Then the commission turned TO the
responsibility OF railroad companies
The evidence" the report de
clared, lis that in many cases oper
ating officers are cognizant OF this
habitual disregard OF rules and nc
proper steps are taken To correct the
evil. On very many railroads there
is little or no system Of inspection Oh
/ supervision of the work OF train-ser
vice employees so far as pertains &c
those matters which vitally afreci
safety.
This lack OF supervision and in
spection is unexplainable when the
careful supervision OF all matters di
rectly affecting the revenue Of ths
roads is considered.
The auditing and checking system
used for detecting the dishonesty OF
Iemployes are marvel3 of ingenuity anc
careful attention 10 detail. bJt means
OF determining whether tfains are
operated In accordance within require
ments OF safety and in conformity
with the rules are almost entirely
lacking"
! The report pointed out that rail
roads seek to economize by careful in
spections on oil, fuel, supplies anC
! airbrakes for economy, but neglec
other considerations which would nc
tually result in greater savings no
only In finances but in human life.
1t would seem tha; adequate in
| spection and supervision OF the worl
of employees to insure safety in oper
alton would be amply justified frou
the standpoint OF economy alone tn,
report declared.
| The commissioners recommended
Standardization OF operating rules b,
| federal legislation To bring abou
safer railroading.
| Tagging by inexperienced men, dis
obedience OF signals and overspeed
ing were urged as other main causes
of accidents. The commission report
ed In favor OF use OF automatic traiI
control systems, when found perfect
and for wider use OF steel cars, fount
in the past year 10 be great safe
guards against heavy loss OF life.
| Further 1t asked that congress give
greater power over inspection of road
way and rails as a preventative meas
ure against wrecks.
| Vigorous enforcement of the Elkin
and Hepburn acts has led 10 de
cided decrease in violations, the re
port continued, although much eva
sion by shippers was noted along Wit
failure of railroads to collect prope
demurrage charges in order to re
around these laws.
The commissioners asked that con
gress provide explicitly the right u
the board TO examine papers AM
books needed in the prosecution o
its work against railroads
In commenting ON its fourth sec
ton cases, the commission held tina
a town or city should have the bene
fit of its natural location but not o
any undue preference conferred b.
carriers.
Regulation of accounting systems L
prevent railroads from -reporting- mis-
leading figures will soon be unde,
taken. the report declared.
Under the safety appliance division
the report noted the killing OF 10
employees in coupling cars and score'
railroads for failure to inspect prop
erly their safety device equipment.
The boards recommendation for
minimum fine of 500 for violations
of the hours.of-service act was re
peated, with another TO make IL bind
ing upon the railroads to give actua
causes for overwork.
Preparatory work on the physica
valuation OF railroads was reported.
In order to avoid a conflict be
tween its jurisdiction over expires:
companies. the board requested tina
it be relieved of regulations dealin:
with the parcel post.
Recommendation were as follows
A change in the statute Of limita
tions in favor Of shippers.
An act providing that carries
shall be guilty of rebating II it fails
to demand payment for services in 81
days.
Erection OF a suitable building OF
a 10-year lease Of quarters for thu
commission.
Elimination of duplication of effor
In judicial matters by having the In
terstate commerce commission mainly
responsible In legal matters involving
railroad cases, rather than have thu
department OF justice prepare sucl
cases.
Authority to issue orders for con
struction and maintenance OF physica
properties Of railroads, and TO make
rules for their operation.
Legislation upon the subject o
control over railway capitalization.
Renewal OF the plea for uniform
classification for the country.
Authority to order use OF block sig
nal systems and steel cars for safety
Relief from supervision over parce
post matters.
Power to force railroads to show &C
counts.
Legislation to fx the minimum pen
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