Jasper County Democrat, Volume 10, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 August 1907 — RAILWAY ACT IN FORCE [ARTICLE]

RAILWAY ACT IN FORCE

State Board Begins Work in the Djrection of Having All . , Roads Blocked. r ‘ " _j. SENDS NOTICE TO THE BOADS Employer Irti Himself Fall One Story to Save One of His Employes— State News Items. Indianapolis, Aug. 14. The state railroad commission Intends to compel the erection of block signal systems on all railroads In the state whoss gross annual income Is $7,500 or more a mile. This is In accordance with the law enacted by the last general assembly. The commission has sent out a letter to all railroads that come under the provision of this law, In which after referring to the law’s provisions the commissioner says: / Why the Act Was Passed. “This act resulted from an investigation made by the railroad commission, by direction of the assembly, of railroad accidents which had taken place, and of present conditions of railway service and operation in the state. Its purpose was to remedy existing condition and dangers, and not to postpone the institution of the block system to the time limit made in the statute.

Directed to Get Busy Soon. “You are advised and directed to commence as early as possible to comply with this act of the assemly In its spirit and purpose. Our chief Inspector will confer with you at any time at yymr request as to the kind of system best adapted to your line, having regard first to safety and then to the amount of business and your ability to put in this system. Your attention to this circular will be evidenced by prompt response from your general offices to the commission, showing what you have done, and intend to do, to carry out the will of the general assembly, so expresad in this act” Notified of Another Law. -Another circular that was sent out by the commission calls attention to the law making It “unlawful to build any structure along the line of any railroad In tills state in which that part of such structure nearest the track shall be less than eighteen Inches from the nearest point of contact with the cab of the widest locomotive that Is now, or may hereafter be used, or less than eighteen inches, from the nearest point of contact with the widest part of any car that is now, or may hereafter be used on any railroad In this state.”