Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1915-07-26
WAR DECLARED ON
GRADE CROSSINGS
Public Service Commission Plans
to Take Vigorous Action
at Once
The Public Serv-

8seSSSSSS Monaghan present.
ed the matter and
his resolution was
unanimously adopted. 1t recited thai
there are large number of dangerous
grade crossings in Pennsylvania, that
under the law il is the duty of the
Commission to investigate and remedy
the situation and to that end without
unnecessary delay to formulate q
policy by which ultimately all grade
crossings in Pennsylvania shall be
eliminated and presently such protec-
uon by gates, bells or watchmen, as
might be required to safeguard the
public, should after examination, be
installed. The resolution calls for re-
ports covering information collected
by the Chief of the Bureau of Ac-
cidents, John P. Dohoney. and by Chief
of the Engineering Bureau, +. Herbert
Snow. and the reference of this in
formation to a subcommittee for I'M
mediate preliminary reports.
All complaints concerning grade
crossings now on file with the Com
mission were directed to be noted for
hearings. Following the adoption of
resolution, the acting chairman named
subcommittee composed of Commits
sioners Monaghan, Killing and Brecht.
and they have been busily engaged in
preliminary examinations.
Commissioner Monaghan's resolu-
tion contemplates the careful examina-
ton and classification of all the grade
crossings in Pennsylvania, both with
respect TO the danger and with respect
to the nature of the protection to be
Afforded. Some are over unfrequented
highways, others are iocated where
here is extended unobstructed view;
some can easily be eliminated by over
head or undergrade constructions and
others by changes in location of rail-
road or highways. This will furnish
the basis for classification.
In speaking of the grade crossing
matter to-day, Chairman Ainey said:
Mr.. Monaghan's resolution focuses
our attention on, and directs our
energies toward a stupendous problem.
There are upward of 10000 unpro-
tected grade crossings in Pennsylvania,
as shown by the Investigations made
by Chief Dohoney. Their elimination
would cost the railroads and munich
paities concerned approximately
$500. 900. 000. The nature of these
crossings vary so widely that each
must be investigated This in itself is
a work of mammoth proportions.
Courts and legislature have declared
against the grade crossing evil and the
latter has placed upon this Commits
son the responsibility of administering
the law relating to II. Mr.. Monaghan 5
resolution is timely in that it reCog-
nizes and proposes to meer the respon-
action. In addition to the general in
Nestisation. the Commission will give
prompt attention TO all grade crossing
complaints. and will of its own motion
take up the question of the elimina-
tion of the more notorious and danger
Gus cases"
J The Commission has before it a
comprehensive plan for grade separa-
ton in Erie and their attention has
been called to the crossing over Le-
high Valley, Philadelphia and Read
ing and Central Railroad of New
Jersey near the railroad stations at
South Bethlehem.
Chief of the Bureau of Engineering
Snow and Chief of the Bureau of
Accidents Dohoney. were ordered to
make Investigations covering the en-
tire State.
Philadelphia Transit. - This after
noon the Public Service Commission
heard the application of the City of
Philadelphia for a certificate of public
necessity in the matter of proposed eN-
tensions to the rapid transit system.
Transit Director A. Merritt Taylor.
through City Solicitor Ryan, presented
a long statement setting forth the ne
Cessity for greater transit facilities and
the city's financial ability and legal
qualifications to proceed with the
work. To-day's proceedings are re-
garded in Philadelphia as being of
the utmost importance and great in
terest is felt in the outcome. The
transit problem in Philadelphia has
been complicated by the starting of a
taxpayers suit against the execution
of any of the plans that have been
formed for the relief of an admittedly
unsatisfactory situation
Armory Board to Meet.-When the
Armory Board meets tomorrow morn
ing the matter of squadron armory
for Philadelphia will be one of the
things that will come up for considera-
tion. This armory is considered a
pressing matter in National Guard
circles.
An armory for Washington will also
receive consideration and the situa-
tion at Scranton where one of the
finest armories to be erected by the
State is falling into the ground because
of mine sinks will be given consider
able consideration.
The Washington proposition Is in
an advanced stage.
Kemp Promoted. - Announcement
was made to-day at the office of Ad-
jutant General Stewart of the promo
tion of Major George E. Kemp, Third
regiment, Philadelphia, to a lieutenant
colonelcy. He succeeds Charles T.
Creswell who became colonel of the
Third upon the death of Colonel Bid
die.
Attorney General Back.-Attorney
General Francis Skunk Brown re-
turned to Harrisburg to-day after a
weeks absence at Lake Placid.
Wants to he Judge.-John Field,
of Kreamer. Snyder county, has filed
a petition to be a candidate for asso-
ciate judge in the Seventeenth judicial
district.
New Corporations.-Lette of in
corporation have been issued to A. H
Hoffman, inc. Landisville. seeds and
grains. capital, $4,000: Cumberland
Valley Fruit Growers. Chambersburg,
capital. $1,000; York Trading Stamp
Company, capital, $4,000.
Want Better Service.-The Buffalo
& Erie Traction Company has been
ordered by the Public Service Commits
sion to improve its service from Erie
to Grove House Park at Four Mile
p Creek. George E. Stevenson, of Wa
= verify, has complained to the commits
sion against a 90 per cent. penalty
which the Abingdon Electric Company
enforces when bills are not paid on
time. The commission has been notf-
fed that the Pennsylvania railroad has
placed watchman at a dangerous
crossing in the borough of Seward
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