Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-07-31
A VOTE ON THE ATKINSON BILL.
The 'Star" Gives Opportunity for q True
Expression of Public Opinion.

TEE STAR calls the attention Of its readers,
men and women, to the coupon petition printed
below. 1t asks each Of them to read the petit
ton carefully. and, il tho requests which il
contains meet his or her approval, to sign it,
cut it out, and send it by mail to or hand it in
at The STAR Office.
The petition is put in such shape that every
citizen anxious to protect life and to improve
the conditions Of railroad occupation can sign
1t, whether he favors the removal of the station
from the mall or not, and whether he is from
south, east or northwest Washington
The people of South Washington will natur-
ally seize with osgerness the opportunity to
protest against the surface tracks which un-
necessarily obstruct, injure, threaten and kill
them, and against a measure which perpetu-
stes the evil conditions that now exist and
which is sustained only by the foulest SANDER
of their section.
The people OF East Washington, suffering
like those Of South Washington from an
unnecessary multiplication of surface tracks
and grade crossings and illegal encrosch-
ments on the part of the railroad which trav-
erses their section, will reasonably join with
heart, soul, mind and strength in the move
ment against grade crossings and the Akin
son bill. For the evils which South Washing
ton endures are their evils also, and this fight
II their fight.
Nor will Northwest Washington, though not
q direct sufferer, be Indifferent. The obstruc-
tive danger-belt of surface tracks between the
river front and the main city endangers the
lives of thousands from the northwest as they
pass to and from the river on business or pleas
ure. The modern city is a unit, and what
Injuries one section should be felt by all. The
public spirit which builds up great cities is
based upon this sentiment of common interest.
Manslaughter by railroad in two sections of
the capital is a concern of the whole city, like
the question of a new bridge in the southeast
and Columbus Park in the northwest The
main evil to be remedied in this case is also of
general instead of merely local concern because
1t threatens human life. When murder is to be
checked 1t Is not necessary that appeals for aid
shall be addressed to a next-door neighbor. 1t
ID sufficient If the cry for assistance comes to
the ears of a fellow man.
The time is now favorable for securing from
the railroad what the people seek. 1t is asking
that its illegal acts be legalized and that valu-
able privileges be granted to it. The attention
OF Congress has been called to its affairs, and
that body shows a disposition to deal fairly
with the people. If this opportunity be wasted
the chances are that no other so favorable will
ever arise. 1t will be criminal negligence to
fail to act promptly, and will throw upon all to
whom the neglected opportunity is attributable
share i'll the responsibility for future blood
shed at grade crossings.
In families where more than one adult sig
nature is to be attached the coupon can be cut
out and pasted as heading on a sheet of paper,
upon which additional signatures may be
placed The same course may be pursued in
churches or other organizations, and in cases
where volunteer canvassers may desire to col
lect signatures. The labors of the latter will
be gladly welcomed They will not be CON-
Pensated, however, by the payment of SO much
for each name secured; but will work from the
promptings Of public spirit or for humanity's
sake.