Show rates and grade changes no attempt should be made to solve the crossing problem by grade changes until other less costly methods have been given a trial there are a quarter million gride grade crossings in the united states the elimination or of which is the work not ot of years but of centuries and the cost ot of which would equal three fourths ot of the appraised value ot of all the railroads or in excess ot of fifteen billion dollars it is no argument in tavor ot of grade changes that the railroads must pay part or all of the cost F for VL if in eliminating grade crossings the railroads had to expend the full amount of 0 the cost or it would mean higher freight and passenger rates graduated to the proportion of the total cost assessed against them it if cost be prorated pro rated as between the railroads and the city county and stale on the other hand it i the people had to spend large sums for or grade changes higher taxes are inevitable indeed indocci so 0 far as the people are concerned there thera ja is B diff difference epee between higher freight and passenger rates and higher t taxes axes as in either event and not the railroads pay the bill grade crossing accidents can be prevented by less costly methods than grade changes they can be prevented by requiring vehicle drivers to stop look and listen before crossing a railroad track this method just as effective as a grade change costs noth ing in this connection it Is well to coni con i sider the consequences consequences as related tj to rates of compelling the railroads to invest any large sum for purposes which would greatly increase the cost of their plant without increasing their facilities or capacity to earn and serve better tor for the public by tar far that unproductive or dead investments like this be avoided and the money expended tor for additional facilities and improved service |