Page:Engines and men- the history of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen. A survey of organisation of railways and railway locomotive men (IA enginesmenhistor00rayniala).pdf/114



CAN well imagine a few of the oldest members thinking to themselves as they read the last chapter, "But you have forgotten the Hexthorpe Trial." No, it is not forgotten, it is only deferred. To gather up the history of the Society is like gathering up a thousand threads to be woven together, and some little classifying into sections is needed. The Hexthorpe disaster, and the subsequent trial at York Assizes of Brothers Taylor and Davies, the driver and fireman, on a charge of manslaughter, was really an outstanding event in the history of the Society. This fatal collision on the M.S & L. followed hard upon the Midland strike in that famous Jubilee year 1887, and it would never have happened if the continuous automatic brake system had been in operation. The defence of the two members was in the care of Messrs. Ford & Warren, who found themselves facing all the custom and prejudice which had proved so hard upon drivers in similar accidents m the earlier history of railways. The defence was successful, for Taylor and Davies were acquitted of that serious charge, and the news of it came as an intense joy and relief to members all over the country. Over two thousand of them signed a letter of appreciation and thanks to the solicitors for their very