Two Trains Met at McMillan Station. A Jury Blamed One Man at a Telegraph Key.

TACOMA, Aug. 11. — [Special.] — Train Dispatcher Rawlins was adjudged guilty of criminal negligence in causing the wreck of an extra coal train and an extra shingle train near McMillan yesterday. The verdict of the jury is as follows:

"We do find that Louis E. Harmon came to his death by concussion of the brain, caused by the collision of two Northern Pacific railroad trains near McMillan station, on August 10, 1894, said collision being caused by the criminal negligence of the Northern Pacific railroad through the train dispatcher, F. S. Rawlins."

Coroner Hoska said this evening: "I suppose I will have to issue a warrant for Rawlins' arrest. There is nothing in the law to cause me to be in a hurry about it."

The jury wrangled two hours before agreeing upon the verdict, and it is said by some conversant with the legal points in the case that Rawlins cannot be convicted of criminal negligence upon the testimony given. Some of the jurors were set against finding him guilty of negligence. He has a family, and his statement before the jury impressed the majority as a frank, honest statement. He discovered the error almost immediately after it was given, but failed to raise Meeker, to which place the second order had been sent. He called, but Meeker did not answer. Finally he raised that place on another wire, about three to five minutes after the order was given, but the train had already left. The order was not technically a "lap" order, because such a thing cannot occur on the Northern Pacific when rules are followed. However, the result was the same as if a lap order had been issued.

In this instance the coal train was ordered from Crocker to Tacoma and had the right of way for its class of runs. Later the shingle train turned up at Meeker and, unmindful of the coal train order, Rawlins ordered it from Meeker to South Prairie. On the Northern Pacific system trains approaching in opposite directions are ordered to meet at a single point, and the same order goes to both trains, therefore both head for the common point. These orders are repeated back to the dispatcher, who checks them off. A copy of it is also taken by intermediate offices.

Harmon's remains will be taken to Ellensburg on a special train leaving here at 5 p.m. Masonic services will be held at 8:30 a.m. in the Masonic headquarters in the Chamber of Commerce building.

In his statement Rawlins stated that in nineteen years railroading he had made three mistakes, including yesterday's. Yesterday's was the only one that resulted seriously. Frequently trainmen detect the trains approaching in time to prevent an accident. He also stated that there had been a great rush of business since the strike, and the dispatchers were kept very busy, although none worked over eight hours per day.

A warrant will be issued Monday for Rawlins' arrest. He has arranged for bonds. Nothing has been said to him about leaving the service of the company, but it is not probable that he will try to assume the duties of dispatcher again, preferring a clerkship. Fireman Martin, injured in yesterday's collision, is at a farmhouse near McMillan. He was improving this afternoon.