The Washington times., 1915-04-22
Fewer Persons Killed
In Railroad Accidents
Strict Supervision by Officials Plus Rigid Insistence
on Safety Regulation by Government Have Had
Decided Effect in Reducing Death
By JUDSON c. WELLIVER.

to attempt to enforce rules against
trespassing. There are records of
county officials being hopelessly de-
feated because they demonstrated too
public on the tracks. This Is an atti-
tude Of mind that is unknown In
Europe, and that is responsible for the
great majority OF deaths OH railroads
common in Germany and other parts OF
the continent, but trespassing on the
tracks. turning them into highways
for pedestrians. Is almost unknown.
One Of the most remarkable testi-
monies to the efficacy of strict super
vision over the railroads in the matter
Of travel-safety comes from the New
England section. 1t requires no very
acute memory to recal the series of
fearful accidents on tho New Haven
the country. As result, the Interstate
Commerce Commission busted itself
and Commissioner Charles &. McGhord
In charge of the division that deals
England to sec what was the matter.
He found condition of disorganization
and demoralization that was very seri-
GUS: and there was grave doubt about
the power OF the commission to re-
qutre the neoessary things.
I'VE Insist that these short cross
overs be heightened, and that trains
shall be stopped before entering them" >"
Sal0 Mr.. McCnOrd.
you have no power to require any
thing OF the Sort retortcd the old
management of the New Haven.
Haven't we?' rejoned the commits
sioner. 'Well, we have a hundr ed mil
lien people back OF US in demanding
that you put an end to these condi-
tions. and we demand it," There was no
threat; Just a general intimation that 1t
would be a good thing for the road
TO obey. whether there was power back
~ t.n NFIn h. tI,.1, "A
| company. still protesting, consented and
| fixed the cross-overs. There was q bad
disciplinary and organization condition.
| The commission demanded that it be
remedied: and it WAS. AS result the
New Haven has killed no passengers
| since the new regulations We're put into
effect. according TO the commission au-
| thorities.
Analysis OF the returns from rail-
roads shows that there is a steady
| cidents from all causes. Very much the
| greater share OF these arc industrial
| accidents" that is. accidents of She
sort that might occur in any industrial
establishment. and having nothing to
do with the movement Of trains, OF
| with the safety of transportation. In
fact. out of more than oo2. ooO accidents
| fatal or otherwise, in the 1914 year. Az
| employees were killed and the immense
| total of 1l3.27i we're injured in indus.
| :rial accidents
| The definition OF industrial accidents
it that cover accidents to railway en-
| ployes. not involved in train operation
| on railway premises. There is no doubt
that the proportion OF these is very
nigh. compared to railroads in Europe
but SO is the proportion of industrial
accidents generally in America. whether
| on farm or in silk mills or in powder
| factories or on railroads. American
carelessrcss of life and limb is pro.
verbal; and the railroads suffer b.
reason OF 1t, just as do all other indus
tries.
Entirely aside from the satisfact tior
which the public enjoys in its grea tel
| safety in travelling under improving
conditions. Is the fact that the saving
of life and limb represents vast econ
omy TO the railroads on account o
damages. destruction of property. anc
the Ike. The bill for property wrecked
and for legal damages to people ltllcc
or injured, or to their heirs. rurs
long way into the millions annueIlv
Every improvement that reduces th
expense adds to the security of railroa,
investments and earnings. TIE re
ports most recently at hand make Yer,
plain that matters are steadily CROWN,
!, better. The public is losing less o
life and limb. and the railroads less O
money, because of the rapid bcttermen
!; OF conditions.