Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1870-11-17
Corporations w. the PeopIe.

In OIcer 10 properly appreciate ID outra ge0u5
attitude assumed by the Washington and
Georgetown Railroad Company towards the
city OF Washington In the matter of paving
Pennsylvania avenue, the public should be
made acquainted with and bear in mind one of
the occult circumstances connect with the early
history OF that organization. That circumstance
is the fact that when the proposition to grant Q
charter for a corporation to build the road was
before Congress, that body was urged not to
confer so valuable franchise unless the city
could receive some benefit therefrOm, as was
the case IN all other places, where parties re-
ceiying such privileges are always glad to render
substantial equivalent. In fuTtherance of this
view prominent and responsible citizen of
Washington offered, on condition that the
charter be granted TO himself and associates to
pay into the city treasury, in perpetuity, the
interest on one million dollars, or SO, 900, an
nusliy, with such bonds 10 secure its payment
as the Mayor and the Common Council might
require, and an additional lien on the rQad, its
franchise and equipments. Singularly enough,
however, this very liberal and just proposition
vas Lot fayOrably considered, but on the other
hand the coveted franchise with all its privi-
ieges and certain profits was given to the repre-
sentatives Of the nonresident capitalists who
low hold 1t, without requirement or tax of any
kind Tor the benefit Of the city,-aa aIsolu.ery
ire SIR
And now, after nine years of unparalleled
prosperity, and after pOcketing over half a
million collars which would otherwise have
goEG 20 relieve the burdens OF an over taxed
community, tbs greedy corporation refuses to
ray the cost OF paving Insignificant p-opor-
tiOn OF the miles of streets surrendered to it,
uses, although private citizens are required to
rave not Oniy before their own property and the
intersections OF streets, but in front OF the
property belong ng 70 AMI controlled exclu
sively by the government of the United States.
And Why does IL - refuse ? asks the simple
minded eader. Because. fOrSOOth, the improve
ment would cost the company. II alleges in the
neiGhbCrhCJt Of fifty Thousand dollars. And
tor this paltry SYMPATHY in comparison with
the rrincely revenue 1t has wrung from the
people Of Washington, and less than the yearly
rental Other persons stood ready to pay for the
mine Of wealth il holds free Of municipal assess
mentor this paltry sum its miserly manage
ment sets upits avsricious greed Of gain against
the universal and reasonable demand for fair
dealing at its hands, and inpudently asserts its
right 70 mar he beauty and DESTROY the useful
ness OF the finest street in America, if not in the
world.
But this monstrOUs assumption cannot prevail
against the popular will, any more tn an the tlry
leaves Of autumn can-resist its sweeping winds
Public opinion, when once aroused, will ALWAYS
prove stronger than the obstinacy of any selfish
corporation or bsleful interest. however firmly
they may he entrencbed. The public has made
up It's mind on this issue, and the complete paw
ing Of Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol
gate 10 that OF the Treasury is only question
Of time The Street Railway Company will be
wise, therefore, TO accept the inevitable, and do
IN proper season and graceful manner what il
will I've compelled to do in the end, and az far
greater cost Of money and more humiliating
sacrifice OF pride than now.