The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-05-04
SERVICE BOARD URGES
CHANGES IN THE law
Would Require Steam Railroads to
Make Just Compensation for Loss
of Property From Fires Occurring
Close to Their Lines

An interesting feature of the report
of the Public Service Commission for
the year ending June 80, 1914, is that
bearing on grade crossings.
During this period.' says the re-
port, meaning the year of the report,
'sixy-one crossings which had exist
ed where railroads and railways crossed
other railroads or railways at grade
were abolished entirely. In six other
! instances under-grade crossings, and in
eight other instances overhead crossings
were substituted and established. When
the danger of life, person and property
is given due consideration it is impos-
sible to overestimate the benefit to the
community which has resulted and is
| likely to result in the future from such
action.
Having regard to the comparatively
short time which the Commission has
| been inexistence, it must eb conceded
that in this direction much has been
accomplished. Had nothing else been
done, this result alone would appear to
be q justification of the Judgment of
those 'wbe-wero responsible for the ere
alton Of the Commission.
"The provision of the act of July
! 26, 1913, with respect to the abolition
of grade crossings is the first and only
comprehensive plan ever established
under legislative authority within the
State for the elimination of these dan
gerous conditions, and it is to be hoped
that every effort will be made to con
tinue and increase its effectiveness.
1881 Persons Hurt in Year
Regarding the appalling number of
railroad and railway accidents, the re-
port says that during the year 1885 1
persons were more or less injured; 15
passengers, S2S employees, $50 trespass-
crs and SO unclassifed persons were
killed on the railroads, and Is en-
ployes, 10 passengers, 20 trespassers
and 116 unclassifed persons were killed
on the railways. One hundred and
twenty-four persons were injured or
killed at grade crossings.
In referring to the tunnel accident
at Phoenixville, where several persons
were asphyxiated by the accumulation
of gas, the report says that an investi-
CATION with regard to the method of
constructing and the existing condition
of all tunnels in the State is now in
progress with view of ascertaining
whether they are adapted for the traf'
fc of to-day.
! During the year PSI complaints we're
filed. ranging from discriminatory rates
to inconveniently high steps on ears,
and. of these, 129 were finally decided
often to the satisfaction of both par
ties. The Commission is of the opin-
ion that excessive rates and imperfec-
| oh hn a
by competition, accompanied by mnch
expense, but by the exercise of the Com
mission s power in the premises. This
has led to an attempt to repeal that
part of the law giving the Commission
such powers. The requirement that con
sideration of contracts between public
service companies and municipalities
must be advertised has been the means
of protecting interests and avoiding lltl'
CATION, the report says.
New Legislation Urged
Following list of its achievements
which were made public from time to
time as they occurred, the Commission
says legislation covering the following
matters is recommended:
i Enabling the Commission to prevent
tariffs and rates from going into effect
until after the expiration of ninety
DAYS in order to give the Commission
time to determine their reasonableness
Regulating the payment of witness
fees and costs incident to hearings be-
fore the Commission.
Amending the section relating to
discrimination and preference as to
service by striking out the word Gin
adequate."
Making trespassers upon railroads
liable to arrest and punishment.
Requiring steam railroads to make
Just compensation for loss or damage
of property resulting from fires caused
by railroads and arising within one
hundred feet of their rights of way
outside of the territorial limits of cit
les and boroughs.