The Washington times., 1913-09-04
RAILROAD BARRIER
OF SECRECY BROKEN
Agent of |. C. C. Forces Way
Into Investigation Held BY
Much Criticised Coroner.
tcontinred from Paee ono. }


Interstate Commerce Commission is op-
turn the light of publicity into the
whole affair.
A new angle developed today in the
announcement of Commissioner Nc
80 determine why the New Havens long
list of wrecks In the past two years
have been chiefly in southern Connecti-
cut.
All On "Death Strip"
Practically every one Of the horrible
crashes has been on the death strip,
not far from New Haven and Bridge
port.
The commissioner today declined to
speculate on the reason for this strange
geographical feature, but he declared
that this will be one of the points in
Vestigated
He will leave here tonight for New
Haven. In that city, he win be able
~ get his first full reports OF his in
fpectors findings. They are gathering
Information in preparation for the
Joint inquiry. Thus far they have
Submitted no reports of their innings,
except to notify the commissioner that
Ihe burning of the wrecked cars was
Gone under their supervision. follow
ing a thorough examination.
Commissioner McChord, however, re-
lies on them, and believes that they
win have for him tomorrow volu-
minous report
Legislation Sidetracked.
The problem Of wider Federal legis-
lation for safety, or the extension of
the L c. c. powers to order safety
equipment and safety operations, is
temporarily sidetracked.
''We win get the investigation over
first" said Commissioner McChord to-
day. Then we will be ready to take
up these subjects"
ae did rot indicate his method of pro-
cedure in obtaining new regulations, but
be is strongly in favor Of more adequate
protective laws, or wider power for the
commission.
The pullman company, of Chicago, re-
pied today to Commissioner McChord' S
requests for statistics on wooden and
steel cars in Operation or in building.
They declared that they would fur
niih all the figures which he requested.
These figures Will disclose the amount
of wooden equipment on the New Haven
and all other lines and, IT is expected
viii throw light on the transfer Of the
New Haven equipment TO the Pullman
concern. and its subsequent shifting
back to the New Haven under least
from the Pullman Company.
nave AL Data.
New Haven reports indicate that the
Federal inspectors have obtained com.
plete Information OF the train and crew
movements Of both the Bar Harbor and
White Mountain expresses. and are pre-
pared to show that there was a danger.
Gus operation of these trains after leay'
ing Springfield, MassL-both late.
McChord, however, has received no Of.
Ecil news on this angle of the in
quiry. It will be one of the main fea
turss Of tonorrow's Investigation.
The commission also stands ready Il
make an investigation into the subjec
of steel rails. The problem of tran,
verse assures" or breaks, in rails vii
probably be examined under the direc
tion Of scientists in the employ Of tht
commission to determine whether faulty
rail construction has had anything 70 dt
with the New Havens wreck series.
The commissioner today anticipates NJ
further reports from his inspectors. II,
is now playing q waiting game, and pre-
pairing for tomorrow's inquiry.