Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-07-22
There are very few people. indeed, in WASH

There are very few people. indeed, in Wash
ington who oppose railroads on general princi-
pies. Bitter experience of the past with the
obstacle, TO development interposed by sell
fish monopoly has Taught the city to value
competition and TO appreciate heartily every
beneficial stroke OF enterprise on the part OF
its transportation companies. Washington has
shown its appreciation of railroads by asserting
to the grant or loan to them Of extraordinary
privileges in the use Of streets and reserva-
tions, not enjoyed in any other city OF the
United Statss. There is no opposition to
extension Of freight facilities cas-. of
81 street ard south OF the tracks.
Citizens have been clamoring for years that
the railroad should cease to use the streets lilo
gally as freight yards and storage depots, and
should purchase ground for its purposes as in
other cities 1t is absurd on its face to insin-
nate that those who have pushed the road to
the point OF purchasing ground, instead of ap-
prop.iating public property, are now opposing
such purchase and the additional freight facilI-
ties TO be thereby obtained Hit had not been
for thosa who now oppose the Atkinson bill.
the extension of freight facilities, which is now
certain, for the railroad itself has been driven
to ask for il, would not have been ac-
comphshed, and merchants who will
profit by the extension should not for
get this fact. In proof OF its assertion
that il has been treated as public enemy in
Washington he railroad calls attention 10 the
fact that it has been sued and indicted II has
not been so treated because IT did only those
things which are inseparable from the entrance
OF railroad into populated city. The
people, Congress and the roads charter con-
tsmplated necessary damage Of this kind. Suits
and indictments have been brought because
the road has violated the law i'll almost every
way IN which such q corporation can offend,
and in its lawlcssness las robbed the public of
life as we'll as property. The Judgments rem
dered, and the indictments sustained, cast no
reprosch upon the people Of Washington, who
being uniawfuily injured have lawfully appealed
to tho courts for protection, bat brand the
corporation as u law-breaker, and convict 1t SO
IA rs its lawlessness extends of being public
enemy. i. Is VAIN to attempt to confuse pro-
tests against lawless acts with unprogressive
obstruction OF tbs proper performance Of the
functions OF a common carrier. The railroads
reproach OF Washington in connection with
the suits and indictments against it is like the
attemp: Of a convict to secure sympathy for
himself against the public by displaying his
clipped head and striped suit Washington
wants the railroad to obey the Law, as in other
cities 1t wants the road to have additional
freight facilities on purchased ground, as In
other cities. 1t wants lis parks for the public
use and enjoyment rs in other cities; or if
a park is, fruIn considerations Of conven-
fence, to be surrendered to the road
it wants compensation to the public in
improvements or otherwise, a. in other
cities. Finally, and especially it wants the
slaughter and trade-oostruction at grade-cross-
inss reduced to a minimum, and every enter |
prising large city in tho country is moving in |
this. direction. All these things would be ac- |
eorpplished speedily if the Districts legisIa-
ture were chosen from its people; and they are |
IN fair way to be substantially accomplished |
by Congress, notwithstanding the railroads |
slapders and misreprese nations, and the sub |
tie influences OF its lobby.