Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-04-03
THE CHANDLER BILL.
A Citizens Meeting In the Northeast
Considers the Railroad Question.


RESOLUTIONS FAvoRINa The PLAN PROPOSED b
Mr. cHANDLER-No TRACKS WANTED SOUTH OF
sTREET-TALKISa OVER eRIEvANcKs-MR
DODGE AND SENATOR INGALLS,.
Melford Hall, at the corner OF 9Th and
streets northeast, was fairly we'll filed last
night with property owners who object to the
present condition Of affairs in northeast
Washington SO far as the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad Company is concerned. For
some time before the meeting was called
to order those present discussed informally the
problem which confronted them and which
they are endeavoring to solve.
TWAS so'clock when Josiah Willard ascended
tine little platform and took up the duties of
presiding officer. He made brief statement
as to the necessity which existed for relocating
the tracks of the Baltimore and Ohio road and
said that no legislative proposition came so
near to being satisfactory as the Chandler bill
That measure shut the tracks off on the north
side Of II street and opened up to free travel
an important section of the city. 1t was neces-
the matter now and for that reason the meet
ing was called.
TIE RESOLUTIONS.
Then C. NJ. Clark was called upon to per-
form the Office of secretary, and as soon as he
was ready for business s. c. Clark offered reso-
lutions setting forth ..that in this age Of on
ward progress and advancing civilization we
fully recognize the convenience and necessity
OF railroad facilities and we desire to stand
among the most liberal and ente rprising cities
IN our country in concessions for their reason
able encouragement and protection; that with
this view we have long been patient and for
bearing, disposed to suffer while the evils to
which We have been subjected have been suf-
ferable, practically tolerating the rapidly ex-
tending and unlawful encroachments of the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company in the
dissection Of our city; in the exclusive occu-
pancy OF many of our streets and avenues to
the exclusion of public travel; in the destruc-
ton Of our street grades; in fencing across our
streets. and in the erection of watch houses
thereon; in the unlawful speed of its trains; in
the detention and obstruction to travel at our
street crossings in the occupation of a pub
lie reservations; IN the maintenance of the
deadly Y track and generally in failing to keep
their streets in suitable condition for public
travel, as expressly required by law. That, al
though these palpably unlawful encroachments
and usurpations most seriously and directly
affect our section. we regard them also as detri-
mental and destructive to the best interests
and the highest attainments of our city and
District. We believe the grandest possibilities
OF this District can never be realized while its
disruption. disparagement and decay. That,
as q generous and liberal compromise of con-
hicting interests and requirements this meet
ing will accept and indorse the pending Senate
bill, No. 3,277, known as the Chandler BILL to
define the route of the Baltimore and Ohio
railroad in the District of Columbia and for
other purposes and we hereby commend the
same to the favorable consideration and action
Of Congress-"
REVIEW OF PAST EFFORTS.
Lorin Chapel said 1t was hardly necessary
to bring to the recollection of those present the
grievances which the northeast section had
suffered on account of the Baltimore and Ohio
railroad tracks. Improvements had been
hlndered to such an extent that any one could
easily discern the difference between the north
eastern and other portions OF the city. Mr..
Chapel recited the history Of the many at
tempts which citizens had made to have the
nuisance abated. He said Congress would not
legislate to move the depots away from the
center Of the city. The rights OF the Balti-
were discussed and the various railroad bills
now before Congress were analysed briefly, to
the advantage Of the Chandler bill By the
terms Of that bill the Baltimore and Ohio could
enter the city below grade and continue below
until it assembled to its station north of street.
II the tracks we're continued south of street
they would come up to grade.
Z. ID. Brown said it was more than probable
that the bill would be amended in many par
ticulars. He thought the meeting should add
to the resolutions a statement to the effect that
the people Of northeast Washington insist no
matter how the bill was otherwise amended
that the depot Of the Baltimore and Ohio COM
pany be not located south of II street.
Secretary Clark read some of the more in
teresting sections of the bill, interrupted lit
tie by Baltimore and Ohio engine, which
rather inconsiderately blew off steam right in
the rear of the hall.
Mr.. DODGE TALKS OF SENATOR INGALLS,.
Then the chairman called upon Mr.. W. C.
Dodge to talk of railroad usurpation. Mr..
Dodge warmed up to his subject at once and
launched out into a criticism OF Senator In
gals, the chairman Of the Senate District com
mittee, for what he said was his superciious
treatment Of citizens and their rights in this
city. MIR. Dodge claimed that the Senator gave
hearings almost continuously two years ago
TO representatives Of the railroads. but he re-
fused to listen to committees of citizens. Es-
pecially vigorous was Mr.. Dodge in his COM
ments when he quoted Senator Ingalls, as say
ing that no man in the District who was able
to buy a barrel of -four wanted any change
made 80 far as railroads were concerned; in
fact the Senator had declared, Mr.. Dodge said,
that the people who lived here were here only
on sufferance and could be elected by the gov
eminent at any time. The sentiment of Con-
gress seemed 10 be to the effect that citizens
had no business to give expression to their
views on any matter.
NO business meddling with railroads." eiac-
ulated Mr.. Dodge. mo business. Yet the rail-
road down in South Washington has killed
within comparatively brief space of time sew
enty people and manned $50 more. No bust
ness, indeedi'
ATTEMPTED LEGISLATION
Mr.. Dodge sketched the history of attempted
legislation on railroad matters in this city, He
told how, but two or three years ago. the
Baltimore and Ohio company was anxious to
be placed on equal terms with the Baltimore
and Potomac company; they wanted what was
practically union depot. Now the Baltimore
and Ohio people said they would not be forced
into union depot with the Baltimore and
Potomac company. 1t was undoubtedly true
that both companies were anxious for legisla-
ton which would fix their status; they were
tired OF being treated as intruders. The
Chandler bill was the best solution of the Balti-
more and Ohio portion Of the problem, and he
(Mr. Dodge could see no good and sufficient
at New York avenue and Boundary. That
place was easily reached now and ought to be
satisfactory to the railroad company.
Mr.. Dodge compared the liberality Of the
railroad companies in other cities with their
policy here.
INDoRsINa THE CHANDLER BILL.
DID. Thompson advocated an unqualified in
dorsement Of the Chandler bill. Hethought the
citizens of northeast Washington ought not to
imagine that the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
Company was going to agree to the Chandler
bill. Let no one underrate the power of the adj