CROSSING OF RAILROAD.
Mr. CAMPBELL called up a special order, the bill [S. 138] concerning railroads crossing each other on a common grade, which was read the third time.
Mr. VOYLES moved to add to Section 1 a proviso that where the electric system referred to is adopted it shall not be put in unless with the consent of the Railroad Company.
It was so ordered by consent.
Mr. WILLARD would like to have them explained-it looks like a plan to get in a patent right.
Mr. FOULKE explained that the signal always set to danger. This is probably the only appliance that is in use When the train comes within about a mile of the crossing mere is an Insulated track which changes the switch by an automatic arrangement. The arrangement is such that two trains can not possibly meet each other at the crossing, and this will obviate the necessity of trains stopping at all crossings.
Mr. BROWN said this bill was similar to an Ohio law. The point is this: When a train comes within half a mile or so of a crossing it changes the switch so that were another train coming from another way and attempt to pass the crossing it would go into the ditch. This system has been adopted in the interest of preservation of life. This bill protects no inventor, but is rather an encouragement for it provides for the adoption of the best system.
Mr. BUNDY showed there is nothing mandatory about the bill. In Ohio the cost to railroads for stopping at crossings was $2,497,000 last year.
Mr. SPANN said this bill does not effect the old law, as where this protection is not adopted, the old law remains the same.
The bill passed by yeas, 36; nays 4.
