Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 308, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 January 1918 — “SAFETY FIRST” IS NOT MEW [ARTICLE]

“SAFETY FIRST” IS NOT MEW

Incorporated In Rules Issued by Philadelphia and Reading Railroad In Year 1855. And while we are examining, literature of tbe period, what do you think of these “Rules for All Passenger Train Conductors on the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad,” Issued in November, 1855, to which a noted Philadelphia historian calls my attention? We find that "safety first” Is not a twentieth century innovation when we read: "In all cases of doubt and uncertainty, Invariably pursue the safest course, even If it should delay a train full of impatient passengers.” What would the locomotive engineer who shoots his' train across Jersey, in less than an hour think of this: “The maximum speed of passenger trains will never exceed 35 miles per hour, or one mile in one minute and forty-three seconds.” “The clock at the Reading depot is the standard of time for the road.” The fire in the stove was to be carefully regulated, “so that the car ends its trip with a low fire, in place of being frequently red hot.” And yet “Passengers will not be allowed to stand outside on the platforms, smoking or otherwise.” —Girard In Philadelphia Ledger.