Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-04-29
SOUTH WASHINGTON TRACKS.
Messrs. Parker and Dwyer on Major
Raymond's Recommendations.


The Commissioners have received letter
from Messrs. Parker and Dryer relative to the
Recommendation Of Major Raymond on the
railroad track question in South Washington,
which was published in yesterdays STAR. The
letter is as follows:
referring to the recommendations Of Major
RAYMOND, Engineer Commissioner, to side
tracks of the Baltimore and Potomac railroad
company. We wish to submit the following: The
tracks into squares $40 and 300 having been Or
dered up can only object to the time given
for renoval-sixty days. The law bearing
thereon (which can be found in Webbs Digest)
saws twenty days notice and no more
shall be given for the removal of distractions
90 public streets, and at the expiration of
said time, if the obstruction remains fine is to
be imposed for each and every day. Why are
not the plain words of the law needed? Why
is this extra time given? Why are johnson
Bros. and Mr.. Willis entitled to an unlawful
privilege for forty days? They control per-
haps, a greater influence with the powers, but
is that justice? The general suggestion is that
the Commissioners are to enforce the law re-
gardless Of
INFLUENCE, WEALTH AND FRIENDSHIP.
"Mai. Raymond says the attorney supposes
that the sidings of Bergner & Engel, st. Louis
company, Washington -four and feed company,
and Messrs. Palmer and Portners, as also that
OF Adams Express company, would be legal if
the permits were transferred to the railroad
company. Before transferring the permit to
the railroad company, we ask that the Com
missioners ascertain definitely whether the
contemplated action would be legal and not
have any supposition about it, as We propose, if
forced to the alternative. TO test the matter in
the courts. As il seems that the attorney Is
unable to render q definite opinion as to the
legality OF these sidings, we suggest that he be
instructed to have the proper court pass upon
the same.
AS to the other sidings. we know they are
illegal and that the parties retaining them could
be (and should be- subjected to a fine il the
Commissioners desired to enforce the law
Relative to the track Of Barber Ross cross
ing reservation seventeen, we claim that it does
not cross said reservation, but that it does cross
New Jersey avenue and the short street west Of
square 737.
We also beg to differ as to it not being the
duty of the present board of Commissioners to
compel the removal of illegal tracks, whether
laid under your permit or the permit of any
other board. The general public suppose that
the Commissioners in power are the proper per-
sons. in fact are in duty bound, when their at
tention is called to an illegal act, to take proper
steps to abate the same.
REQUEST AND THANKS
I'VE now ask that all tracks be ordered up,
which the district attorney has decided are
Illegal. and that only twenty days Gas the law
commsnds), be given. The railroad company
seems TO take no notice of your request for the
opening Of E street southwest. Have you not
the power to compel the opening Of this street
or will it be necessary for us to take the matter
to the Police Court as was done in the case of
Delaware avenue?
In conclusion. we wish to thank YOU in the
name of the people of South Washington for
your order removing the cars from Virginia
avenue from Il TO 9th street southwest, and we
would feel more grateful if you would have the
superintendent OF streets pay little attention
10 the condition OF Virginia avenue roadbed.
Last week. between Sd and "A streets, on Vir-
glnia avenue, You could have found miniature
lakes with a green scum on top.
e. Send a copy of The WEEKLY STAR to your
absent friend or relative. 1t costs only one
dollar a wear and ia worth double that anoonpt