Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-12-22
The Track Question.
WHAT AN OLD MERCHANT SAYS.

To the Editor of The EVENING STAR:
AS a portion OF the citizens OF South Washington
are disposed to foment dscord I'm the community
respecting the railroad question. doubtless stiInu-
lated thereto by the unwise action Of the Commits
sioners in assembling squad Of policemen. TO pre-
vent, as alleged, the Baltimore and Potomac rail-
road company from laying its tracks across 18th
street. It seems proper That true statement of the
case should lie presented TO the public, so that
those interested may De able TO understand pre-
cIsely the true condition OF things As the railroad
company bad not the slightest intention Of laying
its tracks by force. the recent exhibition or the
police power OF the commissioners was entirely I'M
necessary, as they had no reason to apP.ehend
that the company proposed to lay the tracks with
out authority.
Now, what are the facts In the case: the Balti-
more and Potomac railroad company for the pur-
pose OF accommodating its largely Increased freight
business in the City OF Washington, purchased a
large piece OF property adjacent TO It's tracks at
the fool OF 14th street, and applied the District
Commissioners for permission 10 lay tracks
14th street 10 reach it. this permission was not ac
corded, and after waiting In the vain expectation
that the Commissioners would recognize the bust
ness interests OF this community and grant the
permit they sought, the company concluded to
proceed in perfectly lawful manner To determine
through the nStrulnenaty or the courts, its right
or otherwise under It's charter to lay the tracks in
question.
No one, not even the most pronounced opponent
OF the railroad company ia South Washington can
object TO such perfectly legitimate proceeding.
and as the Commissioners We're advised beforehand
OF the proposed action OF the company, not
W lay uOWl lue JTackS IN spite OF them. beG
to legally ascertain whether the Commissioners
had the right TO prevent the company from Great
ing the proper facilities for the transaction OF its
business In the city OF Washington. Now, Mr. Edl-
tor, while | freely admit that there Is room for
wide difference OF opinion as TO the advantage or
otherwise accruing 10 the property binding upon
Maryland and Virginia avenues. In consequence OF
the occupancy OF the center OF ehese wide thorough
fares by the Baltimore and Potomac r. r. Co., one
thing Is certain, that no one influence has done
more to stimulate and develop the business growth
OF our city than the Baltimore and Potomac r. X.
Co, and Is 1t not time that we recognize that the
railroad is an existing fact and that IL has 10
stay.
Ii the residents of South Washington wouli cease
this seIselesS clamor. and encourage the railroad
company La its efforts TO promote our interests.
which Identical with its own, ia a few years
the property on the line OF virginia and MARYLAND
ayenues-natural business arterieS-Woud Increase
fourtold in value for business purposes eDceforth
Washington city is bound To grow rapidly, and the
railroads must Increase their facilities keep pace
with that development.
short time since the railroad company was CEN
Sured by the community, and Justly, too, for the
continued occupancy OF the streets for the pur-
pose OF discharging freight from cars the fact was
It's business increased more rapidly than is ability
TO furnish accommodations for the same. and then
the very moment that the company began 10 eX-
pend money in the direction OF increasing its
Washington terminals, they were met by the IN
accountable opposition OF the Commissioners, so
that II finds Itself in this extraordinary dilemma
on one hand the Commissioners, and tie people
cryyou must not make freight yards OF our stree IS,
but must establish them upon your own property.
On the other hand, when the company has pur-
chased property TO meet this requirement. then the
Commissioners and the same people say, you must
not lay tracks upon your property. In the name
OF common sense, Mr.. Editor, what is the railroad
company to do? 1t would no doubt please some OF
our people II they established the freight stations
south OF the Long bridge In direction and east
OF the AnacOstla In the other, but this does not
meet the wants OF the business community, who
have some rights in the District as well as their
AN OLD MERCHANT.