Hometown History
February 6, 2025
135 YEARS AGO
In the United States, according to tables recently compiled, there were 50,025 persons killed and 53,427 seriously injured as a result of trespassing upon railways between the years 1901 and 1910. In Great Britain during the same period, there were 4,434 persons killed in like fashion and 1,315 injured. The difference, the startling difference even after taking into account the difference in population—seems to be that in Great Britain the laws against railway trespassing are strictly enforced, while in the United States they are not. In the United Kingdom persons other than passengers or employees found on railroad property are fined ten dollars for each offense. Who recalls arrest and fine for a similar offense in the United States or believes that the public mind has been educated to a point that conviction by a jury would be possible, if such arrest were made and a trial had?
February 1890
You have reached your limit of 3 free articles
To Continue Reading
Our hard-copy and online publications cover the news of Otsego County by putting the community back into the newspaper. We are funded entirely by advertising and subscriptions. With your support, we continue to offer local, independent reporting that is not influenced by commercial or political ties.
