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Accidents under the Absolute Block System of Telegraph.
From ten years experience with the absolute block system, I am prepared to say that accidents under it are rare, and what few do occur, are of a very trifling nature. They generally take place in this way:—the signalman at junction “A” signals a train on to box “B;” he goes on with his duties, having perhaps seven or eight more trains to get past in different directions. The first train may come to a dead stand between signal-boxes “A” and “B,” but out of sight of them both, and when the man has another train ready to follow in the same direction, he looks at the telegraphic disc, his only guide, and finds it indicating that the line is blocked. He becomes confused; perhaps what he has been doing since the train passed has made him forget that he ought to have received a signal from “B” to the effect that the line was again “clear” until the second train is ready. He asks himself, has he received “line clear,” and forgot to make the entry in his train book? or has he received the signal for the second train, and sent it on to the signalman at “B,” and forgot for the moment to put his signals at “all clear” for it to pass? At the same time, signalman “B” becomes alarmed at the non-arrival of the first train. He may likewise be in doubt whether it has passed him or not, and think he has forgotten to release the key and give back “line clear” to “A.” Under these circumstances, the inquiry system spoken of previously will have its effect, for both men will know that one or other of them will be called upon to answer for any delay that takes place in connection with the second train, and a fine, or the loss of his bread, may be the result. These thoughts will be quite enough to cause them to lose all confidence in themselves, particularly in the case of young signalmen. They will most likely rush to the single needle instrument; but their questions and answers being hurried and confused, one or the other will be misunderstood. Signalman “B” may come to the conclusion that the first
