Two Boys, Two Open Switches, and a Train Barely Saved

Jimmy Francis and Johnnie Harrier, two boys 11 and 12 years of age, respectively, were arrested in Snohomish yesterday for opening the switch at Dubuque used by the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern railroad, and thereby causing the wreck at Dubuque Sunday. They were given a hearing and sentenced to the reform school.

The boys opened two switches, the one at Dubuque and another at Machias, one mile further north. The south-bound fast passenger train came near being wrecked at the latter place. A lineman was going out from Snohomish on a velocipede to do some repairing along the line, and when he reached Machias he discovered the open switch and flagged the train, which was due there at 4 o'clock, just in time to save it from being wrecked.

It appears the young criminals were determined to see a train wrecked and, being foiled in their attempts at Machias, walked down to Dubuque to try their luck on the north-bound passenger. Just what their motive was is a mystery. When placed on trial they gave no reason for their action other than a shy admission that the intent was simply reckless mischief.

The railroad company sent a special engine with a wrecking car from here at 2 o'clock yesterday morning in addition to the special train sent out at 8:30 o'clock the evening before with Engineer Smith's wife and mother. A detective was sent out on this early morning train to work on the case and at 1 o'clock the boys were arrested.

Roadmaster M. K. Jones said last evening that the report that the engineer's collarbone was broken was erroneous, but his wrist was broken. The track was cleared sufficiently yesterday morning to allow trains to pass, but it was 10 o'clock last night before the engine and wreckage had been removed.