The policy of running railway trains at a high rate of speed is being seriously discussed by railroad men north of us. The Virginia Board of Public Works has recommended to railroad companies in that State, “to adopt regulations for such lower rates of speed as will eventually diminish the cost of repairs, and furnish greater security for passengers.” In accordance with this suggestion, the directors of the Virginia Central Railroad Company have passed a resolution looking to a reduction of speed. The railroad commissioners of New York state that a speed of forty miles per hour, causes an increase of fifty per cent, of expense over a speed of twenty miles. The magnitude of the interests related to this subject invests it with much importance. Independent of any increased profits to be derived from reducing the late of speed, the diminished risk of accident to passengers is worthy of consideration.
Wilmington Journal, Wilmington, NC, February 6, 1857
