Automatic couplers and power brakes; Hearing before the committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives, in relation to...

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1892 edition. Excerpt: ...Without doubt the railroad companies are better able to determine what coupler is best suited to the wants of all parties than any one else, and whenever Congress takes some decided stand in this matter the railroads will be quick to agree among themselves which device is best. At the present time, without legislation, the railroads do not like to put a large amount of money into some coupler that an act of Congress may at any time render worthless, but as soon as Congress designates to them what the policy is to be followed and what system is to be used I have no doubt but the cars will be equipped as fast as possible. With all the present devices in use, and more that are liable to follow, the switchmen in making up trains of cars from foreign roads are sure to find some new system of couplers daily, so that he knows not what kinu of man-killer he will meet next. Mr. Chairman, I will not weary the committee further, but I wish to emphasize the fact that the people are very much in earnest in this matter and are anxious that some positive action be taken at once. a STATEMENT OF ME. RAYMOND, CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE OF MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE. Mr. Eaymond. I appear before you as chairman of a committee of the legislature of Massachusetts of 1892, to present to you resolutions adopted by it unanimously and with instructions to urge upon your committee some detiuite action looking to better protection for the employés of the railroads of the several States. We wish to impress upon you the fact that Massachusetts is fully aroused to the necessity of the occasion, and while the express form of the needed legislation by Congress is immature and somewhat vague in our minds, we trust that the ingenuity and good judgment of your committee...